PsyD vs MSW

[narrativenellie]

All right, I'm having such a hard time deciding that I'm going to post about it in hopes of a stranger giving me direction. 

I just finished my master's in psychology and am now getting certified as a yoga instructor. I was accepted to an APA accredited PsyD program outside of Chicago. They have great match rates, had a great interview, loved the professors I talked with, a cohort of about 22. I was also accepted to USC's MSW program, which is near me and I LOVE southern california. I'm having a hard time thinking about leaving the area that I once thought I'd be excited to leave. However, this program is obviously pricey and I believe I'd be paying more for the MSW than the PsyD after the programs would be finished. 

Having a master's already that was really to set me up for a doctorate, I know I should take that. But with my yoga certification, I find myself worrying I'll be too busy as a psychologist to use it later. I know social workers have their plates full, but I would be done with the program sooner by two years and be able to stay in SoCal. I'm also considering taking another year to apply to more PsyD programs around SoCal again but that may be a waste if I get waitlisted again. 

I am very fortunate in that it is financially viable for me to attend either program. My end goal is to run a small private practice and yoga studio.

Separately, I'm wondering if I can use my masters credits toward the MSW program and be done even before two years. If you can't tell I'm a little antsy to be done with school ?

Thank you for any advice, factual or anecdotal

[PsyDuck90]

If the PsyD is part of a professional school (Chicago School of Professional Psychology or Alliant [Argosy closed down and I wouldn't be surprised if the others eventually do as well]), then the MSW, hands down. 

In all honesty, based on what you're saying, the MSW may be a better option. You mention that will cost more than the PsyD. Have you run the numbers, including interest? Unless the PsyD offered you funding, it's a little surprising that the PsyD would be less money. You also have to factor in opportunity costs. You will be out and working sooner with an MSW than a PsyD. You also want to consider research interests. Any decent PsyD will require some research. I'm finishing up my 2nd year in a PsyD and I spend at minimum 10 hours a week on research-related activities, as do the rest of my program-mates (except for those who are being funded as RAs, they do 20 hours a week). If you aren't interested in research or doing assessments, and the math works out, the MSW is probably the better route. If you have a desire to do assessments in your private practice and the financial cost is less, then I'd go with the PsyD. 

[narrativenellie]

This is great advice, thank you. I did redo the math and it would cost $80k a year (rent and tuition before financial aid) for 2 years at USC. The doctoral program is Midwestern Downers Grove. Not an Alliant or CSPP but also not entirely well-known. This program would cost $60k a year rent and tuition before financial aid, for 4 years. So USC would end up being much cheaper but more expensive in the short run. To be honest I don't have a passion for assessments either way. I practiced some of them in my master's and they're interesting and generate more money. However I don't see two extra years of 60k being worth the money I'd make from them given my neutral interest. 

PS I appreciate the pokemon reference.