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@SchoolPsychBrit Hey! The program I'm in is also APA accredited and NASP approved. I have been told that you do get the same licensure at the end but if I want to branch out from just working in schools it may become more challenging because clinical and counseling psychology students are more competitive. They are also a bit more competitive for internships too. But my program has a very high APPIC internship match rate so I'm hoping that I won't need to worry too much about that. I hope that there won't be such a stigma against being from a school psychology program since the training is mainly for children and the younger population.

@SoundofSilence I've thought about this too and listed out the pros and the cons. They are about the same but the main reason why I'm choosing to the PsyD is because they offer assistantships, which can minimize debt. It's true that the MSW is quicker since it's only 2 years and you can earn money while working 3 years towards becoming an LCSW. I would finally be free. But I'm thinking of the future and the flexibility that I would have career wise. Both offer lots of flexibility but I think my interests align a bit more with the PsyD. As for getting independence, I can try to do that even sometime in between my PsyD if I just want to separate from my parent. I'll try making meaningful connections and I hope that things will work out. At least in NYC, the School Psychology PsyD is more likely to get me a higher salary and the job is in demand. If I become an LCSW, I'll also be earning about 10-15 thousand less than a school psychologist roughly, but that isn't a big deal to me because both career paths have very good salary prospects. Knowing how I am, if I get an MSW then I will either go for the LCSW afterwards or a Clinical Psychology PhD. My interests may still be rooted in mental health and I'll want to become an expert in the field or a doctor. So either way, I'd probably end up going the doctorate route. I hope that this is the right decision and I wanted to thank you again SoundofSilence for being so honest and responsive. It helps to know that there are people who understand and are there to offer support. Thank you!!

@SoundofSilence @psychowannabee Thank you so much! I really can't thank you both enough for being so transparent with me. It's true that doing research will be a lot to juggle with classes and part-time work and I don't want to burn out. I'll do what I'm capable of doing and I'll try to make the best out of this program. It does have a strong clinical component to it and it is very competitive for internships despite being a School Psychology PsyD. Plus the main reason I even considered this program was because of the assistantships they offer which can cover a large number of credits' tuition plus a stipend. Many of the schools even a PhD program in Counseling Psychology that I looked at wasn't offering something like that. Even if I don't get the assistantship during my first year I can cover it with my current job and gain one more year working there so I don't lose anything. The next year and the years after that I would be very competitive for it because students in my program are very liked. I wouldn't be going through the admission cycle again to go for an MSW. I can do it right now because like I mentioned before I was admitted to a well-known MSW program that is cheap in tuition too. I want as many career opportunities as possible and both the PsyD and MSW can give that to me in their own way. But in the long-term I think the PsyD program would be best because if I turn out to like it or even finish it and carve my own niche like you mentioned. I'm talking with a few more students in the PsyD program now and have before who are helping me answer a lot of questions about their experience in it. It's true that my parent put me in a difficult position that could potentially hurt my career, but I need to make the best of it and make smarter decisions. If I choose to not go to grad school now after already taking a gap year after finishing my undergrad, I'll live an even unhappier life because she'll always tell me how much time I've wasted and how stupid I was to give up such good schools, as cruel as it is. Leaving after 2 years in the PsyD program is the very last resort. I would only hate that if I'm actually hating the program so much, which I don't really see it because I work with school psychologists and have seen a lot of the testing that they do. If I finish this program I can finally be free and live my own life with a more than stable income and a job always in demand no matter where I live. I wanted to do therapy, a little bit of assessment, maybe research, and maybe even work full time as a professor in the long term. I could see myself working with adolescents and young adults, maybe kids. Having an LCSW after getting my MSW from a social work program can let me become a supervisor which is also rewarding. I still have a little bit of time to change my decision to the MSW program in the clinical track I was admitted to which has a little more focus on mental health since that's where my interest lies. So based on what I've said and what you all know what should I do? I'm not asking for anyone to make the decision for me, but any insight to help me make my own decision is great help! Thank you so much everyone.

@SoundofSilence I did speak to one of the faculty at the School Psychology PsyD program who seemed a little more transparent compared to the rest and many others I've spoken to at different schools. I did bring up the same concern about leaving a doctoral program to go to another one but he suggested that sometimes people's interests change and that's fine. But he emphasized that whatever research I can do in a doctoral program would hold more value than a masters. It is true that I would need to be doing research on the side of my classes and part-time job. I'll try to get a job that involves research now that I got my foot into the door of a psychology related job with my current job. I wish that I could take a year or two to do research but because of my parent who wanted me to go to grad school right away after undergrad and after already taking a gap year after graduation, she wouldn't allow me to postpone any longer. While I do work, I live in NYC where the cost of living is very high. I could live with a roommate but even that would cost a lot more than how much I'm paying for rent living with my parent. The School Psychology PsyD program I'm in does offer assistantships that can cover anywhere from 15-18 credits plus a stipend. I applied to a few and now I'm still waiting. Worst case scenario if I don't get one because they already chose their students then I need to fund my education with a part-time job probably 20 hours a week. The tuition for one year would be around $30,000. It's so much and I know this decision is taking the hard way and expensive route but my hands are tied. Applying for an experimental masters would delay me another year since application season is over and I would need to apply all over again leading to one more "gap year". Chances are I may even like the program I'm in and things work out. But if I don't like school psychology whatsoever then I need to gather any necessary research experience that would make me appealing to Clinical Psychology PhD programs. Should I have chosen the MSW program instead? The only programs I applied to that are still taking students are the MSW program in a well-known school in NYC where I got into the clinical track. The tuition for the 2 years is also cheap at only $30,000. But I've heard that being a social worker can lead to a high chance of burnout, which any field honestly can. I can become an LCSW but my goal now is to become a doctor. I could go from the MSW to the Clinical Psych PhD but I don't know how much research in social work even if it is mental health related would be valued. This is a difficult situation and any advice would help. Any thoughts?

@SoundofSilence Hey there! For me, I'm not able to take a gap year and my only choices are to do either the MHC, MSW, or PsyD. After two years with the PsyD in School Psychology I'd have my masters to practice as a school counselor. As much as I'd want to work at a research lab for two years and then pursue my PhD I unfortunately don't have that option. I was told that doctoral programs actually prefer not to pick students with masters degrees. My plan is that I can choose the School Psychology PsyD program which does have a strong clinical component to it, but for whatever reason if I end up not liking school psychology then I can use the research I'd gain from that doctoral program which would be more valued than any MSW or MHC program, to transfer into a clinical psychology PhD program, where I may need to start from the beginning. I don't have to best options but considering this situation whaat do you think is the best of the two? What does anyone else also think?

Would the research experience you'd gain from the first two years of a school psychology PsyD program be better and more credible than an MSW or MHC program? If you decided to transfer to a clinical psychology PhD program, what would be valued more since graduate schools for the most part prefer that students don't have a masters but extensive research experience?

@PsyDuck90 Wouldn't the research experience I'd gain from the School Psychology PsyD program be better even in the first two years compared to the MSW or MHC? It is a doctoral program and if I decide a year or two into the program that school psychology doesn't fit my interests I can always transfer to a clinical PhD program. It would have enough research experience and from a doctoral program too which would make it seem more credible to clinical programs. Of course, if I do end up liking school psychology, I'll gladly stay in that program. Would this be a better step than going down the MSW or MHC route which doctoral programs actually don't prefer? Any thoughts overall?

I think I can find a good fit for a research mentor but it's all of the preparation involved in getting there where I fall a bit short. Would I be able to be part of a publication during my masters if I pursue an MSW? My plan was to go directly from my masters to a PhD, but it seems like I may need more time? How do students who work in research for one year or two get admitted into clinical psychology programs?

Hunter's MSW program does have research courses to take during the second year and I can also do research with faculty. It's funny how a PhD program in clinical psychology is just as hard to get into as medical school. It makes me wonder why more people don't pursue psychiatry then over a PhD. I assume it all depends on what their focus is. But isn't this an over generalization? Not all PhD programs are equal in their difficulty to being admitted. Of course it is still very difficult but it isn't all the same for every school right?

@SchoolPsychBrit Thanks so much for sharing! I definitely want to work outside of a school setting, which is my I was thinking of the PhD in clinical psych. But the program, is good and it'll take less time to complete the the clinical program. Are all of concerns about being limited in the future as a psychologist career because of me? Is everything I'm doing wort the risk? Thank you so much!

@PsyDuck90 I'm well aware of the APA website, it's how I learned about applying to St. John's School Psychology PsyD in the first place as well as many other programs. I wasn't interested in Yeshiva because of the distance so I never investigated too much into their programs. I'm not against research but I prefer a program that focuses more on practical work which is why the PsyD or scholar-practitioner model appealed to. The scientific model isn't terrible either because it's a good balance of both. I thought that with a clinical psychology degree I would be more well-rounded in helping all age groups and having the opportunity to work in a college full-time when I'm older. I'd be open to doing research if I'm interested in a particular subject. According to the School Psychology PsyD program director, the match rates are 100% for regular internships, and 99% for APPIC internships. They only have a handful of students attempt APPIC internships and they usually match their first choice, and it's only in really rare cases that they end up without an internship. Believe me when I say that I have spoken to many people about what I should and where I should go. It's true that a lot of administrators could be biased. I feel as thought everyone is a little biased towards something if it related to their own life experiences or careers. I even work alongside clinical and school psychologists, all who have recommended this program. The reason I'm so confused still is for many of the reasons you mentioned and the training I'd be getting in a school psychology program. I like that you can work on research, assessment, interventions, and therapy in a clinical program. In school psych it's main focus is on assessments, report writing, and a little therapy. But then I think to myself considering that I only have 1 semester of research experience on if I'll even get into PhD programs. If I don't choose St. John's PsyD program in school psych then I'll be choosing Hunter College's MSW program in social work. I can get research experience from there by working with a faculty member and learn how to work with clients. I could then go for the PhD in clinical psych by applying in my second year. Is it worth the sacrifice? Throughout this entire graduate application process ever since I graduated last year, my interests and goals have changed. I thought I only wanted the masters, but considering time, my living arrangements, and my how I want to have a career where I have more opportunities, I began to consider the doctorate. Now I have to choose what sounds the best for my career and my current living situation.

Hey! Thanks so much for helping me as well in my post! I wanted to ask what are you wanting to do your doctorate in? I might pursue an MSW program at Hunter and then either the LCSW or a clinical psychology PhD. It's that or a school psychology PsyD at St. John's university. I would need to become a licensed psychologist to be able to do the same things a clinical psychologist would.

Hi, I'm thinking about completing a PsyD School Psychology program at St. John's. I want to work in a private practice or hospital and I was told by professors in the program that I could do many of the same things that clinical psychologists do if I become a licensed psychologist in my state. Is that true? I'm not particularly interested in research but there aren't any clinical psychology PsyD programs that are APA accredited in New York. Please help.

So I'm deciding between attending St. John's School Psychology PsyD program or Hunter's MSW program in the Clinical Track. I think that I may pursue clinical psychology in the future so that's why I was having trouble deciding. Would the experience I'd gain in mental health, clinical work, and research help my application for when I'm applying to aclinical psychology Phd?

If I decided to do an MSW in social work at Hunter College in the clinical track and then go for a Clinical or Counseling Psychology PhD afterwards would that be better than going from an Mental Health Counseling Program to a Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology PhD? I mentioned how I can transfer the credits from Fordham's mental health counseling program to their Counseling Psychology PhD. I can also apply to their Clinical Psychology PhD program. Would doing my masters there instead of a different school boost my chances? Hunter's MSW is the cheaper program with a tuition of only $30,000. Meanwhile, the tuition for Fordham is roughly $97,000. I'd be able to do an assistantship for 6 hours a week and I'd have to take 12-15 credits for $4-5k tuition remission, but overall that would still leave $57,000 to pay off. I can also choose St. John's Mental Health Counseling program where it's CACREP accredited and it has an optional CASAC training. The tuition is $88,000 and I'm only getting $12,000 in total for financial support from them which would make the tuition $76,000. I can also do an assistantship here to cover the rest of the tuition. So what should I do? I was considering the School Psychology PsyD program I was admitted to at St. John's, which is 5 years and I could get a full tuition remission assistantship possibly but now I'm thinking that going for Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology may be better. Please help. Thank you all.

@hbaylor63Hey! Thanks so much for all of your insight! I agree that social work is the most versatile. Since I was admitted into their clinical track I could do research related to mental health and then eventually get a PhD in clinical psychology or counseling psychology if I decide to not get an LCSW. Would this be a better option than choosing Fordham's MHC program and then going for their PhD in clinical psychology program which funds students for 4 years? I was also admitted into St. John's mental health counseling program and CCNY which is also a cheap MHC program. I also graduated from CCNY so I could easily get research and TA experience. But would going to a "better" school like Fordham increase my chances of getting into a PhD program in Fordham, Columbia, NYU, or St.John's for clinical psychology or counseling psychology?

@PsyDuck90How did you plan the move to NJ? Did you have a friend or family to move in with or did you have to search for a place yourself? Isn't the cost of living also high in NJ? Do you dorm for grad school and would you recommend that as an option considering the cost? I could do my masters and gain good clinical experience to then move out of my parents place to a good college out of state like NJ. I was actually really interested in Rutgers' Clinical Psychology PsyD program but never ended up applying because of the fear of having no place to live in NJ.

Hi, If you had to pick between Hunter College's MSW program in social work and St. John's School Psychology PsyD Program which would you choose? I may likely pursue a doctorate degree after the MSW anyway in clinical psychology and I was wondering how much the MSW would help. Hunter's program is very well known, difficult to get into, and is cheap with only a tuition of $30,000 for the two years. I was admitted to their clinical track. St. John's PsyD program in School Psychology is good too, only 5 years, and the only funding they give are assistantships which can sometimes give you full tuition remission. I want work with people of all ages but I know that I will get my doctorate anyway. So considering the time and finances, what would be a wise decision?

@PsyDuck90What a coincidence I'm from Queens too! How was it when you moved to a different state? I'm worried about finding a place and supporting myself. At the current moment I'm between 3 schools: Fordham's MHC, Hunter's MSW, and St. John's School Psychology PsyD. So if I go for Fordham, I'm looking into the long term future where I may pursue my doctorate after a masters. I can have almost all of the credits transferred from the MHC to their counseling psychology PhD program which fits my well since I wanted to do therapy with adolescents and young adults for day to day issues. Their PhD program is about 6 years and maybe transferring the credits would make it 5 years. But it is a separate application and It is still just as compatible since they only take 1 or 2 sometimes no advanced standing students. The tution for the MHC program is 90,000 but they give you $5000 per semester if you take 15 credits and you can do an assistantship which would give you $5000 to cover 3 credits/1 class. For St. John's School Psychology Psyd, it's a five year program and you learn a lot of doing assessments and report writing for children. I can still work with adolescents too which is good. But you mainly work at a school whereas I see myself at more of a hospital or private practice, but who knows maybe that can change. This program doesn't give any other funding besides assistantships. You can potentially get a full tution remission assistantship plus a stipend or a half GA, but it's competitive since every other students wants that too. For Hunters MSW program, it is a well known program in NYC, some even value it more than NYU apparently. I got into their clinical track where you do practice therapy and can work with any poupulation you want. The program does have a big emphasis on social justice, which isn't my main interest since I want to focus on mental health and equity. The program is very cheap though for only $30,000 for the two years. I was thinking I could maybe do this program and become an LCSW or go for a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology later. Now that brings me to my financial situation. So my mom is still helping me out with my living expenses but paying for grad school is all on me which is fair. She told me that if I do a masters I need to work part time and then after I finish I need to go directly into my doctorate program with no gap year if I want her support. I've taken a gap year now to work full time and earn money to support my mom with rent but she doesn't want me to take anymore time off. If I do the PsyD in school psychology she understands that it's a lot of work and says that I don't need to work for the first four years full time, but I'll probably still do something on the side like tutoring for a little money to help her out. But you can't back out from a doctorate once you're in it and I'm not too familiar with school psychology. I've heard that sometimes the graduates don't like the school system and work in a clinic, which is good but that makes me think if it's harder for a school psychologist to get employment in a private practice or hospital compared to a counseling or clinical psychologist. I like the broad curriculum of clinical and counseling psych where I can get a little bit of everything but the PsyD program is a better financial decision and takes the least amount of time if I want a doctorate. I'm not too familiar with social work either but I like that you do mental health and focus on other aspects that affect someone's well being too.

How do people support themselves financially as a graduate student especially in expensive places like NYC? I applied for masters programs in mental health counseling and social work. My original plan was to finish my masters in 2 years and then move out from my parent to support myself. Although I think a doctorate may be my end goal. So if I finish the masters and start the doctorate right away without my parent support, how will I support myself in a place like New York City where the cost of living is so high? How does everyone do it?? I also got into a school psychology doctorate program, which is a PsyD and 5 years. My parent would be willing to support me that long, but my interests were never truly about school psychology as far as working in school environment, which I've heard very mixed responses about. How can I support myself in this long journey?

Hi everyone, So I wanted to ask your thoughts about counseling psychology and if it's worthwhile to pursue. I do live in NYC. I was accepted into St. John's School Psychology PsyD program. Many have told me that it is a great program and I'm highly considering it. The only way to get funding is through a graduate assistantship, which can potentially cover all of your tuition. The tuition without any assistance would be about $160,000 for 5 years. Although my interests did fit since I want to work with adolescents and young adults and even children sometimes, I've heard that working in a school environment isn't very good. The school system isn't very good even if you do get the same breaks as students and holidays as well as summers off. You do a lot of report writing, meetings, and testing. I find testing interesting but I've heard that working with administration and teachers can be frustrating. One of my professors even said that there is a stigma on how qualified school psychologists are depending on where they want to work. I'm not sure how true any of this really is so I wanted to ask someone's opinion on this. You can work in a hospital or private practice but do you earn the same salary and are you valued the same? On the other hand, I was accepted into Fordhams Mental Health Counseling program, which gives me a scholarship amount of $4000-$5000 if I take 12-15 credits. I can also cover at least $5000 every semester through a graduate assistantship which would be about 6 hours every week. The tuition is $97,800 for 2 years, which is quite a lot. If I complete the program, I can have all of the credits transferred to Fordham's Counseling Psychology PhD program. Of course I'd have to be admitted into the program first, but I'd be an advanced standing student. That program is 6 years but I can shave off 2 years likely and study for only 4 years. For the PhD program you get tuition remission for 4 courses every year only if you do a graduate assistantship which would be 13 hours a week. So would that mean I'd be working part-time, would that be too much? Counseling psychology seems interesting to me and it's not that different from clinical psychology, which was my ultimate goal. Does this sound reasonable or is clinical psychology better or any other different program I mentioned? Is the earning potential different than a school or clinical psychologist? My third choice was Hunter's MSW program in social work. It's a well-known program in NYC and it's cheap because it's a CUNY with a tuition of about $30,000 for 2 years. I chose the clinical track which emphasizes mental health a bit more. Social work is very broad and you can still do mental health, which seemed appealing to me. It does emphasize social justice and social policy which I can learn. You can sit for the LMSW exam after graduating and after 3 years of supervised experience you can become an LCSW. Plus, you'll be earning money during those 3 years of supervised clinical experience. Which in total would be 5 years, which is about the same length as the School Psychology PsyD program. I did hear from a professor that social workers burnout, but I think that all depends on where you work. Are LCSW's just as qualified as a Counseling Psychologist, can they do the same things? Is it worth it to pursue the doctorate for more potential opportunities. Please help because I need to make a decision soon and I would love to get some insight from anyone familiar with these programs. Thank you all!

Hi everyone, So I wanted to ask your thoughts about counseling psychology and if it's worthwhile to pursue. I do live in NYC. I was accepted into St. John's School Psychology PsyD program. Many have told me that it is a great program and I'm highly considering it. The only way to get funding is through a graduate assistantship, which can potentially cover all of your tuition. The tuition without any assistance would be about $160,000 for 5 years. Although my interests did fit since I want to work with adolescents and young adults and even children sometimes, I've heard that working in a school environment isn't very good. The school system isn't very good even if you do get the same breaks as students and holidays as well as summers off. You do a lot of report writing, meetings, and testing. I find testing interesting but I've heard that working with administration and teachers can be frustrating. One of my professors even said that there is a stigma on how qualified school psychologists are depending on where they want to work. I'm not sure how true any of this really is so I wanted to ask someone's opinion on this. You can work in a hospital or private practice but do you earn the same salary and are you valued the same? On the other hand, I was accepted into Fordhams Mental Health Counseling program, which gives me a scholarship amount of $4000-$5000 if I take 12-15 credits. I can also cover at least $5000 every semester through a graduate assistantship which would be about 6 hours every week. The tuition is $97,800 for 2 years, which is quite a lot. If I complete the program, I can have all of the credits transferred to Fordham's Counseling Psychology PhD program. Of course I'd have to be admitted into the program first, but I'd be an advanced standing student. That program is 6 years but I can shave off 2 years likely and study for only 4 years. For the PhD program you get tuition remission for 4 courses every year only if you do a graduate assistantship which would be 13 hours a week. So would that mean I'd be working part-time, would that be too much? Counseling psychology seems interesting to me and it's not that different from clinical psychology, which was my ultimate goal. Does this sound reasonable or is clinical psychology better or any other different program I mentioned? Is the earning potential different than a school or clinical psychologist? My third choice was Hunter's MSW program in social work. It's a well-known program in NYC and it's cheap because it's a CUNY with a tuition of about $30,000 for 2 years. I chose the clinical track which emphasizes mental health a bit more. Social work is very broad and you can still do mental health, which seemed appealing to me. It does emphasize social justice and social policy which I can learn. You can sit for the LMSW exam after graduating and after 3 years of supervised experience you can become an LCSW. Plus, you'll be earning money during those 3 years of supervised clinical experience. Which in total would be 5 years, which is about the same length as the School Psychology PsyD program. I did hear from a professor that social workers burnout, but I think that all depends on where you work. Are LCSW's just as qualified as a Counseling Psychologist, can they do the same things? Is it worth it to pursue the doctorate for more potential opportunities. Please help because I need to make a decision soon and I would love to get some insight from anyone familiar with these programs. Thank you all!

@PsyDuck90Honestly, I couldn't see myself doing research during my undergrad. I did work in research lab as a research assistant during my last semester and the experience felt okay to me. This made me think that the PhD wasn't for me. But the PhD is more valued than the PsyD in the real world especially if it's in clinical psychology. For working in academia, I could maybe see myself doing that when I'm a bit older since I like the idea of helping students grow. A PsyD in school psychology would give wonderful practical experience and I would learn to do a lot of testing. I work with school psychologists who only do testing and it seems like it may get repetitive at some point and too structured. They also got a doctorate in school psychology but they all didn't like working in a school and chose to work in a private practice. I don't know how much they earn but likely not as much as they should since my boss is cheap. Maybe they earn more than if they worked in a school who knows. I originally wanted to only do therapy and do an MHC degree but I guess along the way with time considerations, current limited financial support from family, and the opportunities I would have in the future I began to consider a doctorate. My mother is only willing to support me if I get a masters and move directly to a PhD. That seems like a lot of pressure but it's the only way she'll support me. No gap years. I considered social work too because I could still focus on mental health but get a broader scope into other issues that come into play, which may also affect mental health. I like learning about social policy and social justice, but only sometimes. I enjoyed assignments of these topics during my undergrad but if I did them all of them I probably wouldn't feel the passion anymore. I want to do something that continues to change and be interesting. Not something repetitive that I'll lose interest over. My biggest fear is going into a doctorate program like the school psychology PsyD program and hating it. You can't exactly switch to a PhD program after can you? Not sure if anything I said is making sense but I wanted to put my honest thoughts out there since there's so many factors like time and money that come into play. Please feel free to ask any follow up questions and thank you so much!

I've been accepted to St. John's PsyD program in school psychology. I applied to mental health counseling masters programs, social work programs, and this one PsyD program. This program takes 5 years to complete and even though they offer graduate assistantships some of which can potentially cover your tuition and give you a small stipend, they are very competitive. My interests were initially to do therapy and clinical work but I wanted to keep my options open because I feel like I might end up getting my doctorate anyway. I'm also receiving financial support for my living costs from family but I may not have that in the future. So should I pursue a masters in mental health counseling or social work first and get experience and a good understanding of my interests and then move to a PhD in clinical psychology? If I do this, I have to go directly into my PhD after finishing my masters to still get my family's support, which worries me on if I'll burn out. Or should I just go straight into the school psychology PsyD program while I still have the guaranteed financial support? Does the real world care if you got a clinical psych or school psych degree? Is there a stigma about how qualified school psychologists are. Everyone seems to run away from this question but in NYC how much does a school psychologist make, even if they don't work in a school.

Did everyone here who did a masters do it in Mental Health Counseling or Social Work? I also got into St. John's PsyD School Psychology program but my interests were mainly clinical. One professor of mine did tell me that there is a stigma about how valuable a school psychology degree is compared to a clinical one. This got me thinking in maybe doing a maters first and then going for my PhD. But that's additional years of school and I'm worried about how I'll financially support myself.