ksvenson

I'm looking into applying to either MSW or PsyD programs in the Bay Area (though I'm open to particularly strong/reputable MA programs as well), and it's very important to me that the program I apply to have a solid psychodynamic curriculum - as well as, of course, APA/CSWE accreditation, a good academic reputation, and good internship placement rates. Can anyone provide any guidance or make any recommendations? Thanks for any assistance!

After contemplating a career in psychology for years, I've recently made the decision to go to school to become a private practice therapist. I hold a graduate degree in music (4.0), and a BM summa cum laude, and have been teaching for ten years, but have little clinical experience - though I have lots of volunteer experience. I definitely wish to stay in San Francisco or the East Bay (both for school, and when I start my career), but am overwhelmed by the number of choices and unsure how to narrow things down! I'm leaning towards a master's rather than a doctoral program, because I'm already 28, and would like to start my career by my early thirties. I'm particularly interested in psychodynamic therapy, and probably want to work primarily with young adults and adolescents. I don't have any particular desire to teach or do research, so I'm probably not interested in PhD program. I don't know what degree programs would be best to pursue - MSW, MA, PsyD - or what schools would provide me with the best training and placement opportunities. I'm also not sure how competitive of a program I'd be able to get into. I'd love to start school in Fall 2014 or Spring 2015, but realize this is probably unrealistic. I'd really appreciate any suggestions - in terms of what schools and programs people would recommend, and what other things I can be doing right now to increase my chances of admission. Thanks for any help!!!