SocDevMum

@PsychCrab Not exactly what you're asking but...One things I highly recommend is making a spread sheet with all the information that is important to you in choosing a grad program: location, cost, average GPA/GRE of admitted students, licensor rate, faculty and their interests, cost of living, application requirements. Log EVERY school you look at, even if its just the name of the school and faculty and why you didnt like it. You will look at SO many schools and lose track of the info, especially on ones you DONT like. I could have saved myself so much time looking up the same schools multiple times months later if I had also logged the ones I didnt like early one. I also found it helpful to give each school an impression score of 1-10, just by gut instinct on how much I loved the school. This was helpful later one when narrowing schools down without having to look up all the information again. 
The more systematically you can do it the better, while I agree that starting with findings faculty of interest is a good place to start, that can get cumbersome to search through. If you can either find or make list of the faculty before you dig into your search it might be efficient and productive.
Best of luck with your search!!

Honestly, the best thing is to look at the recent research that is of interest to you, and then look up where those people are located. From there, look at the school. The Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology is also a good book to purchase. When you say "outside of the US," do you mean Canada or elsewhere? Be mindful that training done in a country other than the US or Canada may not allow you to obtain a clinical license to practice psychology in the US. If that is not a concern, then no worries! However, if you want to practice (or teach in most clinical grad programs), you will need to be licensed. 

I just joined this site, found your post, and felt so relieved and glad to be here. Count me as another 40-something (44) hoping to re-enter grad school to become a clinical psychologist. I could have written so much of what you said, about knowing you want to focus more on clinical work but wanting to gain research experience, not wanting to pursue an MSW because it's psychology that is your passion but appreciating the social justice aspect of MSW training, being afraid of being "too old." 
I'm not as far along in my search as you are and I'm not sure of the best sources to look for programs. I want excellent clinical training as well as training in research. I want to be fully funded because I NEED to be in order to swing a doctorate financially. I want a program that doesn't treat psychology as a branch of medicine. And most of all, I want to be in a program that's supportive, inclusive, with mentors who genuinely enjoy nurturing graduate students and feel a sense of responsibility in seeing them succeed. As far as I know, there's no guide that relays subjective information like this. 
Anyway, I'm so glad to know I'm not alone and crazy in considering that I could return to grad school for a Ph.D. in my forties! For several years I'd told myself that ship had sailed, but maybe due to the pandemic, I started to see my possibilities a little differently.  
Good luck and maybe we can find ways on here to support each other in our journeys. 

For me, I applied to 12, interviewed at 3, was accepted to one and accepted that offer. I'll say something that I think helped me, and I'll definitely echo what was said before about knowing your area of interest. I felt that during my interview with the PI who accepted me in comparison to the other interviews I had, I was able to most clearly articulate my research interests and paint a picture of what I'm interested in in a way that demonstrated I am knowledgeable about the area I want to study. A lot of PI's are able to sniff out depth of interest and knowledge in a subject because they are experts themselves in a similar topic (hopefully, because you should apply to PI's where you have a good research fit). So rather than saying, I'm interested in XYZ, be able to say I'm interested in XYZ because of this this or this specific aspect of this topic. To me, that's always been the most important thing is being able to paint a picture to a PI of what your work will be like and what kinds of things they will be helping you with. That being said, with my other two interviews, that was the aspect of what felt off to me when I did interview at those places. I don't think I communicated this information as well. 
Something random I also think that helped: my research topic was similar to other students in the lab, but not the same. I noticed a lot of the PI's students focused on similar phenomena within the same disorder. My interests were definitely along a similar vein, but looking at a different phenomena within that disorder. I guess the point would be, I would think maybe PI's don't want all of their students to necessarily study the exact same thing? And bringing something slightly different that what they are already doing but that's definitely within their capability to study, might be refreshing for a PI. This is something that, again, I don't necessarily think I had at the other interviews I did. 
Congrats to everyone for making it through this rough process, it's hella defeating. 

I was an alternate in two different programs, and didn't get either slot, which really was a punch to the gut. I wish I'd applied to more programs (I only applied to five), and I also wish I'd avoided the big name schools entirely-- there's something to be said for schools that are really good, but aren't as well known. I also don't know if I did a good enough job relating my current career (I'm pivoting) to the programs I was applying for. Frankly, I think my first denial messed with my head a bit, and put a lot of self doubt in my head. 
That said, I'm taking a break. I was admitted to a masters program, and that will hopefully help me the next time I do my applications. Best of luck next time, everyone!

Late to the party here, but uhm... I'm a 43 year old PhD student  And my PI was thrilled to take on a mature student who "knew what they wanted and what drove them".  She views my life experience and age as a huge bonus, and quite frankly, now that I am a year in, so do I. My younger cohort members often struggle with some skills and concepts, not because they aren't each brilliant in their own way, but because they just don't have the real-world experience to really get some things. 
So, yeah, tell whoever that was to stuff it.  They clearly have no idea what they are talking about.  Go for whatever program you want!

I'm by no means an authority on this, but I'm someone who is also trying to pivot from a much more unrelated field. I'm baffled that people would tell you that you're too old. I'm a mid career professional (not yet in my 40s), but when I asked schools about age being something I was concerned about, they repeatedly showed me examples of people in their program who had started in their late 30s or even late 40s (one guy was a retired from his first career!). While I didn't get into my PhD schools this time around, I was an alternate for two different schools, which was both heartbreaking (so close!) and reassuring (that my application wasn't a compete joke, despite not having the same qualifications as others). You're way more qualified than I was, so you've ABSOLUTELY got a shot. 
Your friend has a slight point about name recognition, but I'm a firm believer in applying to schools you'd genuinely like to attend because of the coursework and faculty (regardless of the name), then maybe mixing in a big name or two in there for kicks (don't rely just on rankings!). Frankly, the well-known schools are super competitive when it comes to financial aid, and you'd end up 200K in debt anyway.
You've already got a few schools that you're interested in getting a PhD from, so see if you can perhaps find MA programs that mirror what the first year or two of the phd coursework would be, so you're not wasting time on classes that won't count toward a program. Better yet, apply to MA programs that have PhD programs you'd be interested in. Either way, you'll be able to build relationships that may help you later on. 
Hope some portion of that is helpful to you! 

These are very broad and distinct career paths. However, you could achieve many of them by either getting a PhD or PsyD in clincial psychology or counseling psychology, a masters in mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy, or a master's in social work. You can also pursue a masters, PhD, or PsyD in school psychology to work in a school setting. Social workers can also work in schools. The master's in social work and subsequent LCSW is probably the most versatile of the master's level license-able degrees, so I would probably go that route. 

Coaching would certainly be an option, but what I meant was consulting with business owners or managers to make changes, design trainings or policies, conduct trainings maybe, to help the company increase productivity and profits. Designing a more productive office atmosphere, for instance, designing and conducting cultural competency trainings for employees, or training front end workers on things like selling skills, service skills... things like that

What things do you like about psychology/the mental health field? What do you envision doing on a day to day basis? You can get creative with opportunities with a PhD, or even a master's. If you're currently in a program, what is the degree you're getting? That may give us more information about what jobs are more feasible. 

Developmental programs are lower than clinical, apparently.  My stipend is in the low 20s, and I'm told it's generous for a developmental program - and I live in a VERY high COL part of the United States. I know some other programs in the MidWest and South struggle to hit 20.

For the clinical programs I looked at and applied to this year, I would say the range was about 16-26. But that included some pretty low COL places. Also tuition waivers/remission can vary, so definitely take that into account. Full tuition waivers are common, but there's also partial waivers and schools that waive out-of-state tuition and still require in-state tuition (which can be super cheap in some states but still).

My dev program is a bit different since it's a dual degree program. but stipend is ~$36K in a high COL area. also the graduate student has a union here, so stipend goes up. 

Thank you guys for your words and suggestions. I have reached out to the university and they have given me an admission deferral form to fill out, so I have sent that in and now I am just waiting to see if it will be approved or denied. If I can get the approval, then I can start in Fall 2022 instead of Fall 2021 and by then I will have had the operation.

This is tough and a decision only you can make. As others have suggested, it may not be an either/or situation. This is a tough situation. As others have suggested, it may not be an either/or situation. 
In addition to asking about a grace period for your current health insurance, university health plans can be good and may provide coverage for your surgery. I would check it out and see if it would be covered too so you could still get the surgery while in the program.
If it is not covered, asking to defer is another option. It may not always be entertained but there's no harm in asking. 
This has been mentioned already but navigating physical health (and mental health that is closely related) can be a challenge when you are doing a PhD. Prioritizing self-care is good practice as a clinician in the future. This has been a particular competitive year so getting in this year means you are a competitive applicant, and there will be other opportunities in the future.

Hi there, 
I can understand your concern because I have the issue too: moving to another state will be a lost of opportunity to my health insurance benefit, including a medical treatment that I am currently undergoing. In my case, I will accept my offer and make the most out of the benefit now while I can. I will need to adjust what they have for the school insurance, but my condition is not urgent. I still can treat my condition without going to a doctor.
For your condition, is there a chance to defer? Probably your case might be considered by the school because you have some circumstances with health. If that's not an option, do you think you can do grad school without the surgery? A doctoral program is a lot of commitment. Doing PhD with a good physical and mental health on itself will already be a challenge, let alone doing with a health condition. Maybe that's a perspective you want to think of. For me, quality of life goes first and you need to start a PhD by knowing the consequences and maybe support that the school can provide for you. 
Listen to yourself, and I believe if you can get in now, you still can get in later. 

What is mindpab? I am not sure what that is referring to r.e. the manuscript. 
 
I think getting that manuscript published would be great (assuming it's a good journal). Fingers crossed! Other then that, I think keep looking for different research opportunities and advocated for yourself in the labs to get on more neuropsych projects. Neuropsych, even more than general psych, is really competitive. Letters of rec from professors in neuropsychology are ideal, and be sure to be clear in your personal statement why you are a match at each lab and program. Circuitous (long) paths to clinical psych are not atypical, but I would try to make sure everything you've done up to this point has a clear thread and that you convey a clear trajectory for your research/career goals. 
 
 
 
 

For research intensive PhD programs in clinical psych, I would advise at minimum getting a first-author poster accepted at a national/international conference in your area of the field before your apply. A pub (submitted) would be even better. As mentioned, there are many archival datasets out there, and your faculty members may have opportunities to use data within their lab that isn't being analyzed. It's worth pursuing, even if not your thesis, as mentors in research programs increasingly want to see evidence of emerging independent thought/productivity in research. 
 
 

I'm a big fan of Academic Twitter, less so LinkedIn. LinkedIn is much less active, and often seems to only be useful for head hunters. I use Twitter to interact directly with PIs, early career academics and fellow grad students, not just in my field but also in those that are adjacent to my focus; I study sexual violence and LGBT issues, so I follow a lot of Sociology academics, for example. This has enabled me to keep up on research at all stages, from initial data collection through to paper or conference submission. Essentially, you can see what the most recent research is, as it is happening, which is priceless considering how far behind the publishing process really is.  Twitter has also allowed me to interact with scholars in other countries - for some this may be less relevant I suppose, but if there is cool work happening in Europe or Asia in your field, Twitter makes it easy to connect and keep up. This has opened up opportunities to talk not just about international research, but also potential post-doc or job openings in places other than the U.S. Given the sorry state of the U.S. academic job market I think this is super important. It's been my pleasure to get to know academics all over, and while we are not what I would call friends, it's been a blast to sit in a conference or committee meeting and have the speaker say "hey, I know you, what do you think?" I have met several early career or grad student folks who are in their current position because they "met" someone on Twitter, and through that person were able to make the connections to get an interview, write that grant or land that post-doc spot. 
Let's face it - academia is as much about who you know as what you know. If you have already interacted with a fellow scholar via Twitter, it makes it infinitely easier to reach out and chat IRL. You can create your own opportunities for joint projects, make plans to meet at conferences, ask for more details about a study or instrument they created; it's all about relationship building. Academic Twitter is an excellent tool for building a network outside of your home institution. Yes, you have to put some work into curating your Twitter. Some people keep a separate personal Twitter; it's a choice about how much you want to share with others. Obviously your frat party photos probably shouldn't be included, for example. And you have to invest some time into it. Not to say you need to spend hours a day on the app   but you do have to be willing to actually read some links, share posts for study recruitment or post-doc/job opportunities, leave comments or questions when you read something interesting, and yes, do the social stuff like say congratulations when someone is celebrating an achievement.  It's no good if you are strictly a passive follower. 

You have been a busy bee! 
As you noted, Clinical programs are notoriously competitive.  Continue to gain direct research experience the rest of this year, for sure.  However, I would challenge you to start working on your personal statements and such now. You are a non-traditional student, in more ways than age.  Since your psychology research experience is going to be limited compared to other applicants coming from undergrad or Masters programs, you need to make that work to your full advantage with an amazing essay that points out your life experiences as a benefit and not a hindrance. What from your experiences as a teacher, as a working professional, and as a crisis responder has motivated and prepared you for a life of research and clinical service? How can you tie it into your research fit? 
I was also a non-trad applicant, though not in Clinical. When she offered me the spot, my PI told me she was excited to work with someone who had real life experiences and fully fleshed out passions and motivations, as I had expressed them in my statements.  Like you said, not as much time, so we have to pour a lot into a little space, and we can't be wasting time with stuff that's only kind of interesting or kind of related

Do you have any posters or anything from the labs where you/are were an RA? Getting your name on a few posters/pubs will be important. I had a 1st author publication, 3 years in a lab, 2 posters, a BA and MA in psych, and a few years of real world clinical experience when applying to programs with strong research fits a few years ago, and I literally only got 1 interview (and subsequent offer). It is very competitive, and I had asked a few people for feedback when I wasn't granted interviews, and they all said I needed more research experience. The amount of research products people are coming in with nowadays is kind of insane. 

In your field would be great. In your particular scope of interest would be *chef's kiss*
But when push comes to shove, any research is better than none. I would say, try to get in to a clinical/counseling lab if possible, either in an academic institution or at a med school affiliated with a university. Research skills are research skills - what you learn in any one lab can be easily translated to another. 

I want to do that. There is nothing currently open at my university as far as I can see but I will keep looking. When I check postings, it seems like I would need to move across or out of state. Which I am more than willing to do for the duration of a degree, but have not considered (until now) to do just for a year or two in preparation for school.
I knew it would be an issue. The best suggestion that my professor gave me was to use a recently graduated PhD who was my lab manager for a year. Which is still not ideal. Again, it seems the best route would be to just pick up more psych-focused research job and get experienced references. So I will be seriously looking into this.
As far as the admissions essays: Yes, I ensured that I picked professors/universities with research that I could realistically spin my current work as being similar. e.g. all my POIs were doing research with similar populations, using similar instruments, a couple of them were specifically community/social justice focused which I had really hoped would align closer with social work. 
That is a discussion I have had with my professor. My main hang-up with not doing psych is that there is no equivalent in social work PhDs/DSWs. I find the work great and I think I would be ok with pursuing it. But when I find research that I am excited about, it is almost uniformly being done by psychologists. It is an on-going conversation that would take too long to discuss here but I am glad that someone other than my professor (and every graduate guide book) is suggesting it, because I know I tend to overlook the possibilities of what I currently have. 
 
Thank you all for the feedback. I was really down in the dumps (still am) because I spent the last year and a half trying to do everything to follow that Insider's Guide to Clinical/Counseling programs book. I do understand a lot of people probably spend a good 5 years following the guide and prepping themselves. It is good to know that all of the advice in it is pretty much exactly what everyone on the forums is saying. I just have to bring it up another couple of notches. One specific question: With the psych research assistant positions, how crucial is it that the research be aligned with whatever I am looking for in a future program? I see a lot of positions open across the US, almost all for projects that I would never want to pursue for life (though I do love being involved with research in-general). 

Agreed - you are under no obligation to make a final decision before April 15.
That said - as soon as you make a decision, let them both know, don't just sit on it.  There's likely a poor soul sitting on a waitlist somewhere who will happily take the spot you reject, so be merciful to your fellow applicant and communicate your decision as soon as you make it!
 
 

I would not give up hope at all but echo what others are saying. Re-taking and acing the GRE, even if programs make it optional, might help offset low undergrad GPA and borderline masters GPA. Fit is everything for clinical (and a lot of counseling) PhD programs, since you'll be working under the guidance of a mentor for 5+ years on your research projects. If its not clear how your MSW and previous research aligns with the work of your POI's, that's going to be a detriment to your application. 
 
One thing I would advise more consideration on, though (assuming you haven't put a ton of thought into this, which maybe you have) is do you really need a clinical or counseling psych PhD to achieve your specific goals? For people who have completed license-eligible programs, like MSW, I always ask that question b/c you are committing another 6+ years of your life, and more with post-doc, to training in a related speciality, with little-to-no pay. There are also academic/research positions for people holding MSW degrees, if your goal is to be faculty. If not faculty and you just want to work in the research world to an extent, you can be hired be a larger study to be a clinician in their research lab's trials, assuming they want licensed folks. Long story short, there are multiple paths, and a PhD will be a significant time investment after already being license eligible.