Clinical Psych PhD Questions

[sapphose]

I recently graduated from undergrad Spring 2018 with a degree in Biopsychology.  At first I wanted to take a gap year and apply this past cycle, but I ultimately decided that I wasn’t ready.  I am interested in Clinical Psychology PhD programs but I don’t think my GPA is up to par at 3.34.  I’ve considered retaking classes but I’m not sure how much that would help, also most of my subpar grades were in bio/ochem.  I’ve been debating whether to get a masters which would hopefully give my GPA a boost, if I do well.

I also just landed a job as a TMS tech, which seems to provide pretty good clinical experience.  I remember reading somewhere that most clinical psych programs prefer research experience over clinical experience (I could be mistaken).  While I have a little research experience, it was only 1 year in a molecular biology lab and I don’t have any publications to show for it.  I’m interested in obtaining more research experience but I’m not sure how to go about that as a post bacc (cold emailing professors at universities near me?).

Additionally, one of the reasons I have not been completely certain about grad school is because I have a history of depression.  More and more I’m seeing about how grad students suffer from mental health issues and I’m worried that it would be detrimental for me.  I am really passionate about mental health and clinical psychology but maybe a PhD isn’t the best option. 

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide answer any of my questions or provide some advice!

[psychology_student_]

I had a similar undergraduate (Biology major, 3.3ish GPA, did HORRIBLE in Ochem 1). For sure paid research experience is generally more valued over paid clinical-y experience. I just searched and searched for research assistant jobs on all the job sites.  Cold calling professors may work, but if they have a position it'll most likely be listed on their university's job listing site. I additionally pursued a Master's program in psychology to compensate for my less than stellar grades and lack of research experience.  But if a Master's is not an option, for sure keep looking for those paid research jobs and then resort to volunteering some of your free time to work in a research lab if you can't find one.

I can't/don't want to speak to if graduate school would be detrimental for your mental health (this would best be/most ethically answered by a licensed counselor/therapist, and you should defeintely consult one yourself with such concerns). But if one had a history of depression and was to pursue any further graduate schooling, psychology sure seems like the most accomodating discipline to pursue.

[CHOUFLEUR]

A lot of my friends who applied to clinical psychology programs applied to work at research labs in a hospital, or university research labs that recruit from hospital. These opportunities don't necessarily give you clinical experience, but they do often work with clinical populations, which is a good experience to have on your resume. 

Sometimes if you work as a staff in university research labs you can take master-level classes or pursue a masters part-time and you can get huge discount on tuition.