Le Chat

Alright y'all, I'm back on the gravy train. I'm focusing on Health Psychology and Clinical Health Psychology this year, branching out to research oriented programs.
So far:
UT Southwestern Clinical Psychology
UT Arlington Health Psychology
UT El Paso Health Psychology
SMU Clinical Health
University of Alabama Birmingham Medical Clinical
University of South Alabama Clinical-Counseling
UMKC Health Psychology
University of New Mexico Health/Clinical Health

I'm currently in a Master's program- the result of me applying to PhD programs for the 2017 cycle. I decided to put off applications until the 2020 cycle. The reasons: Due to illness I wasn't as productive in my research work as I would like to be. This gives me more time for pubs/presentations. The second is so I can actually finish my Master's and work to save money/have job options when I begin a PhD program. My goal is to be a psychologist but for now I am getting the LPC license for logistical reasons.
For me it boils down to life with chronic illness and doing what is best for me, health wise.

If you can afford the application fees and the work load of submitting applications along with the requirements of finishing up a Master's program (thesis, comprehensive exams, etc.), then I would say there's no harm in going ahead and applying this year.  Each cycle is it's own beast and there's no telling how competitive you might be one cycle to the next.  Even if you get rejected the first time, your current plan becomes your plan B and you apply again next year, and this first cycle gives you information regarding where you need to improve your application for the next cycle. 
Two of the schools I applied to this cycle stated that this cycle was exceptionally competitive and that if I had applied last cycle (in the middle of my 1st year of my Master's program) I would have at least been interviewed and very possibly would have been extended an offer just because the previous cycle was less competitive.  So you never know how each cycle is going to shake out and perhaps you'll get several good offers this cycle, which cuts your wait time to where you ultimately want to be.

I have taken that year to apply for my PhD, although in social psych. I wouldn't have done it otherwise, I needed 'the break' and there is no way I could have taken care of all this moving abroad stuff, doing my thesis at the same time. Nor would I have been able to really put a lot of effort in my applications at the time due to other requirements. As said - always have a plan B. I nearly did not make it in this cycle so definitely always have a plan B.

I agree that there is no right answer.  Your first priority should be your health regardless of what you decide.  Depending on how many programs you plan to apply to (12-15 is common because its competitive) and where they are located (geographically open is strongly recommended) keep in mind that interviews can be anywhere from late November to mid February, which would overlap the last semester of your MS.  Finishing your program, going on interviews, and whatever other responsibilities you have is a lot to manage on top of a chronic illness.  I also would tell anyone applying to Clinical Psych PhD's to have a backup plan regardless of what their application looks like because there's just no way to predict how the application cycle will go.  I'm sure you've seen the threads on here about people applying multiple times despite having publications, years of research experience, and great LORs.  

There is really no right answer for this one. I took time off between my MA and applying to doctoral programs. That gave me time to publish my MA thesis and to work with my intended population, gaining valuable experience and also saving some money. I ended up taking 3 years off total and will start a program this fall. For me, it really helped solidify what exactly I wanted and gave me valuable research ideas (I work in the field of IPV, so I got to see first hand where more research is needed). Plus, I knew that after 3 years, that this was still what I wanted to do. The only thing I would do differently would be to continue actively doing research in that time. 
Plus, having a healthy savings account from a full time job is definitely a plus to supplement your stipend/invest and watch grow. 

Ahh that's awesome! I am sure I will PM come closer to application time!

I noticed that you plan to apply to UAB's Medical Clinical Psychology program as your top choice, and I'm actually a 2nd year in that program right now! I'm doing research in chronic pain & health disparities with my mentors there. If you want to reach out for any information or advice about the program, feel free to PM me 

This is my second application cycle, last was Counseling Psych 2017. I'm in a Clinical Psych Master's program and will be doing a combo of Counseling and Clinical Psych programs, with a few research PhD's. 
University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Clinical Psych (dream program) UTSW Clinical Psychology (another dream but not ideal funding) TAMU Counseling Psychology(re-apply) University of South Alabama Clinical/Counseling (safety) SMU Clinical Health(reach) Texas Tech Counseling Psych University of Texas at Arlington Health Psychology Ohio State IDD Psychology This is my first time applying to Clinical, so I'm nervous! I will have a Psych Master's but non-psych undergrad. Retaking the GRE and getting absolutely as much research experience as I can.
I'm still searching for more Counseling programs, and considering a few research PhD programs as well.
 

In any clinical PhD program you'll be able to have that outcome -- a research focused career. It sounds like you would like R1 schools though so your research training will be much more rigorous. But any program you get into can be whatever you make of it. 

Definitely chase the Clinical Psych PhD. I ended up taking a Clinical Psych Phd with a clinical science accreditation. We are a R1 research school and our placements are highly placed in research post docs and working in VA systems. I also chose the school because even though they are a clinical science program, so main focus is on research, we will also see patients starting our first year. ALSO a big plus of going into research for graduate school is they are normally fully funded programs. You wont be making much starting out of graduate school and having your entire program paid for vs taking out 100-200K in loans is a no-brainer. 
Good luck and since you're in your masters now, I would suggest getting as much research experience, poster presentations, and data analytics under your belt as much as possible because these programs are extremely competitive. I was 1 of 5 accepted with over 300 applications.

I agree with the previous poster! A clinical psych PhD sounds perfect for you. They are generally heavily research-focused, and many people with clinical psychology PhDs are primarily researchers. 
The flexibility part is big too- I love research, but chose a clinical PhD because having a research career is so uncertain and I wanted to have options. 

Clinical psych PhD (especially clinical science) sound like what you want. The primary focus of these programs is training scientists with clinical skills who we be the leaders in the research that leads to dissemination and implementation of the most cutting edge advancements in psychotherapy and assessment (as we as epidemiology and many other health fields). Just because it’s a “clinical psych PhD” program doesn’t mean you just are going to be a clinician. In fact, top programs (think UCLA, temple, BU, etc.) pride themselves on producing top notch scientists. 
 
PsyD and masters degrees don’t generally require or offer the research training and support it sounds like you want. 

Hey!
Most programs really like to see research experience, and it is not so much about the quantity but the quality. If the experience you get between now and application time is really really good and applicable to what you want to do, I think you'd have good chances. If not, you'd definitely be able to find a master's program to get in to and gain more experience. Good Luck!!

Hey! Congrats on getting into a program (I remember you from this app cycle).
So my non-answer answer is: it depends on the program. Some programs want their students to build their networks by applying outwardly to other programs and it makes sense. You get to meet a new circle of PI's, new students, potentially plant new roots in an area you could practice in the future. Other programs don't mind if you continue working at that institution. This rule may be more applicable for the UG --> Grad transition than to the masters --> phd transition.
Best thing to do is to just ask someone like your supervisor or the internship coordinator at your program whether or not it would be seen favorably. That way you won't have to guess and/or waste an app fee.

Hi! I also remember you from this past cycle I think that Counseling programs are a little more flexible when it comes to taking a current masters student to their doc program upon completion of the MA degree. I received a MA offer from a counseling program whose PhD program I had applied to and strongly considered accepting it. I made sure to ask the likelihood that I would get into their PhD after the MA and they told me that many MA's in their program do transfer smoothly to their PhD if they keep a good reputation within the program. BUT it is always a gamble since you have to reapply and that year may be extremely competitive. I would make sure to ask how your chances would be and always keep a eye out for other programs you could see yourself at. Good luck!

I'm not in a PhD program yet, I'm starting a pre-doctoral research Master's that is in a cohort model though, so I can only really share what others have recommended to me. I have multiple conditions that like to flare up in cycles, I have at times frequented the ER and hospital.
Really the best advice I can give is knowing your limits- saying no when needed, not trying to do it all, getting help when you need it. Disability services should be able to work with you, and you can probably also work on an individual basis with your program supervisors.
Getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced schedule, and keeping up with medical stuff is also important. I have flexible hours to allow me to do medical stuff when needed, and I HIGHLY EMPHASIZE getting rest in my own life. I don't have a hoppin' social life and stay in most weekends, but it allows me to do what I love. And no matter how busy I am, I really try to maintain a consistent schedule (sleep,eating,meds,rest) to eliminate flares.
Lastly, look for chronic illness support groups in your school or region, which are often in an online format. These can be extremely helpful with advice from people who have done it before.
I applaud you for pursuing a Ph.D! It definitely can be done by people with chronic illness/disabilities!

You are correct. There are two hospitals in Norman. Also, depending on one's need for particular specialists, you may or may not be able to locate a provider in Norman. I've only rarely had to leave the city to look for health care providers, but I typically do not require highly specific specialists, either.  
Haha. That's definitely true! But one could make the same argument for a lot of streets in Norman. 

Let me know if you want to know anything about Norman. If you're from Texas, it's possible that you might already be familiar with Norman, but I thought I'd offer, all the same.  

I completed a Master's in counseling and was admitted into a counseling PhD program this year. I will say that a Master's in counseling is VERY useful if you are planning on doing a PhD in counseling. While I got interviews for clinical spots, I did not get any offers from them. That is NOT the case for everyone. One clinical place I interviewed at, a grad student had a master's in counseling. I think if you decide to do the master's, definitely make sure you not only do research but get published and present. Publishing takes a LONG time so get started ASAP so that you can actually claim something is in print or already printed when you apply. That will make you more competitive for all programs. Your master's courses will also translate almost completely for a counseling program but maybe only a few will for a clinical. 

I also did a masters in counseling before applying for PhD programs. I think that having a masters made me a more competitive candidate; I was offered admission to a couple doctoral programs. I also feel much more prepared to go into a counseling psych doctoral program with a masters under my belt. If you can afford it, I would definitely suggest getting a masters! 

@abnumber5 I should also mention I am from Norman so if you have any questions about OU/Norman/Oklahoma in general feel free to PM me! I didn't go to OU for psych undergrad but I work with people who did and one of my best friends got their MA from OU's counseling program

School: The University of Oklahoma
Program: Counseling Research M.Ed
Date of Notification: 04/05/17
Method of Notification: Email
Thoughts: Moved from waitlist to early acceptance, then accepted offer of admission two days later! Everything happened so quick but I am thrilled.

In the state where I live (Texas) the LPC license has a lot of job openings, it's a fast growing area. But that probably varies by state.

In the state where I live (Texas) the LPC license has a lot of job openings, it's a fast growing area. But that probably varies by state.