yolo

Hello all. I've got a few questions. First let me break it down a little... I'm an undergraduate student studying as a recently declared psych major. I had an incredibly ROUGH first year and a half (my first semester was the Spring '13) here and my GPA is pathetic. (2.1 cum) It was not the work load that crippled my GPA necessarily, it had more to do with the circumstances I was in outside of school, and they pretty much occupied my time for quite a while. I was dealing with a few problems of my own (PTSD, depression) and wasn't able to devote the time I should have to my studies. I was also struggling with the question of why I should even do well/go to grad school if there is no 'meaning' (in a structural/existential sense), and that was another MAJOR reason for my sudden downward spiraling GPA. However, I am doing much, much better, and I have resolved all of those questions and issues that were hindering my success. I have never felt more motivated to do well and practice as a clinical psychologist, especially with the knowledge I have gained from my experiences over the past couple years. I feel that I have learned and lived through a lot, and I know it would be an absolute waste if I did not apply those things I've learned to help other people who may be struggling with similar issues. Of course-- there lies, my GPA. MY 2.1 cumulative GPA. I have already decided that I am going to take an extra year to graduate, so that I can bring it up as high as I possibly can before applying to grad school. My question is, will admissions take one look at my transcript and immediately label me as an "ABSOLUTELY NOT" because of my first few semesters? I plan on getting involved in research next semester, because I know that is an absolute must to even be taken seriously. I'm worried that admissions will see this and immediately think that I am dumb and incapable. Should I immediately cross off the idea of getting into a PhD program? Would I be better off getting a masters first and then applying for the PhD? Any advice on the best route to take? How could I better myself as an applicant without having to do the masters first..? Or do you think I should do a masters first? Thank you!