I have already sent in 2 applications to IUPUI and University of Cincinnati. I'm also applying to U of Indy, Southern Illinois Univ.-Carbondale, U of Southern Indiana, and U of Louisville.
Anyway, I was searching through forums curious about when I should expect to hear back from the two I've already sent my applications to. I came across a person in one of the MSW forums (different website) saying that getting and MSW to go into therapy is a joke and that MSW's are not good therapists. They said that they come out of their program thinking they can do therapy, but they are not really qualified.
I really want to be a therapist. I had talked with my undergraduate advisor about choosing between clincial PhD, PsyD, and MSW and I came to the conclusion after our conversation that MSW is best for me. I am not interested in the PhD because I do not have any interest in conducting research. I have done several projects as an undergrad, but I do not want to complete a dissertation. My senior thesis has caused me so much stress, I can't even imagine putting together a dissertation. So, I thought a PsyD would be best. However, I cannot afford the 100K+ in loans. My advisor asked me a series of questions about what I want to do: Do I want to do psychological assessment? Admininistration? Research? Teaching? etc. I realized that I am really just interested working one on one with clients, so I chose the MSW route. I also like how broad the field is and that I can enter the field at so many different angles.
However, after reading that person's response on the message board, I am just having some doubts about my choices. I have no doubts (nor does my advisor) about my ability to go through a PhD or PsyD program. My undergraduate experience was amazing. The psych department at my school prepares us so well for graduate study. I have conducted 5 studies within my psych major and will be presenting my senior thesis at a research conference, and 3 studies within my sociology minor. I have a 3.9 GPA with a liberal arts background. I have a little experience in the field as well (rape/crisis hotline volunteer and youth care worker at a local youth shelter).
Am I selling myself too short? Should I take a gap year to figure things out? I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know how to find out what is best for me when there are so many people saying that I am doing the wrong thing and just as many others saying I am doing the right thing.
Thank you in advance for your advice.