School Psychology

[julianarx]

This post is in two parts:

1) I am applying to grad schools for school psychology. I am really excited--I love working with kids. The other day, I saw that Yeshiva University offers a Psy.D. in school psychology-clinical child psychology. Are there any other schools in my area (NY/CT) which offer this dual combination degree? The dual degree seems like an excellent idea.

Let me quickly explain my career goals. I want to be able to work in a school system AND do private practice work (on the side). Can school psychologists work in private practice? Or, must you also be certified as a clinical child psychologist? And what's the deal with CT? Are there ways in becoming certified in child psychology after completing a Specialist Degree (and Ph.D.) in school psych?

If anyone can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

2) Which universities have you applied to? How come you chose that program?

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

Yay! Another school psych applicant!

I am also applying to grad programs in school psych, although I'm looking mostly at PhD programs. To answer your first question, yes: it it my understanding that school psychologists can work in private practice. However, I think you would need to be a licensed psychologist in order to do so (aka, attend an APA-accredited school and complete and APA-accredited internship).

Personally, I am only applying to programs that are both APA and NASP approved. It seems like APA accredited programs focus more on research, while NASP ones emphasis practice. Since I'd like to do both, I want to attend a program accredited by both. You can find a list of accredited programs on their websites.

APA: http://www.apa.org/e...red-school.aspx

NASP: http://www.nasponlin...rograms0603.pdf

NASP also has a page dedicated to licensing laws in different states (http://www.nasponlin..._info_list.aspx), but that's what's required to be a licensed school psychologist. If you're really interested in child clinical psychology, you might be better of applying to clinical programs. Those are of course much more competitive, but also have a stronger clinical focus. School psych programs are going to focus much more on assessment and intervention.

Let me know if you have more questions!

[julianarx]

Yay! Another school psych applicant!

I am also applying to grad programs in school psych, although I'm looking mostly at PhD programs. To answer your first question, yes: it it my understanding that school psychologists can work in private practice. However, I think you would need to be a licensed psychologist in order to do so (aka, attend an APA-accredited school and complete and APA-accredited internship).

Personally, I am only applying to programs that are both APA and NASP approved. It seems like APA accredited programs focus more on research, while NASP ones emphasis practice. Since I'd like to do both, I want to attend a program accredited by both. You can find a list of accredited programs on their websites.

APA: http://www.apa.org/e...red-school.aspx

NASP: http://www.nasponlin...rograms0603.pdf

NASP also has a page dedicated to licensing laws in different states (http://www.nasponlin..._info_list.aspx), but that's what's required to be a licensed school psychologist. If you're really interested in child clinical psychology, you might be better of applying to clinical programs. Those are of course much more competitive, but also have a stronger clinical focus. School psych programs are going to focus much more on assessment and intervention.

Let me know if you have more questions!

Hi! My top choice is an APA and NASP approved school. Now, I am trying to pick out a couple of backup schools. My top choice is great--if I want to switch to the Ph.D. track (later on), it's not a big deal. Which programs are you/have you applied to? Would you eventually like to teach it? Are Ph.D. programs better than Psy.D programs?

-Nilani

[repatriate]

The APA websites lists accredited dual programs (most are counseling/school and clinical/school): http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/accred-prof-scientific.aspx

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

Hi! My top choice is an APA and NASP approved school. Now, I am trying to pick out a couple of backup schools. My top choice is great--if I want to switch to the Ph.D. track (later on), it's not a big deal. Which programs are you/have you applied to? Would you eventually like to teach it? Are Ph.D. programs better than Psy.D programs?

-Nilani

That's really great that you can switch to the PhD track! There's a lot of debate surrounding the PhD vs PsyD dilema. In my mind, the PhD is the better option because it's almost always funded (which the PsyD isn't). You can make good money as a school psychologist, but it's unlikely (but not impossible) that you'll be bringing home a six figure salary. So, for me, the idea of going into as little debt as possible is good. There's a thread on Student Doctor (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=226002) with some good links and comments about the PhD/PsyD difference.

I'm planning to apply to around 8 programs (all PhD). I might throw in a few EdS applications as a "safety." I'm slightly confined by geography, as I'd like to stay in/close to the Mid-West. My signature has a preliminary list of schools that will likely change.

The biggest reason I chose the PhD (over a PsyD or EdS) is that it will give me the most flexibility. With a PhD I'll be able to work in a school, private practice, a hospital/clinical setting, or at a university. With the PsyD it would be harder (but not impossible) to work for a university, and with the EdS you can only work in the schools. I like having options.

[julianarx]

That's really great that you can switch to the PhD track! There's a lot of debate surrounding the PhD vs PsyD dilema. In my mind, the PhD is the better option because it's almost always funded (which the PsyD isn't). You can make good money as a school psychologist, but it's unlikely (but not impossible) that you'll be bringing home a six figure salary. So, for me, the idea of going into as little debt as possible is good. There's a thread on Student Doctor (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=226002) with some good links and comments about the PhD/PsyD difference.

I'm planning to apply to around 8 programs (all PhD). I might throw in a few EdS applications as a "safety." I'm slightly confined by geography, as I'd like to stay in/close to the Mid-West. My signature has a preliminary list of schools that will likely change.

The biggest reason I chose the PhD (over a PsyD or EdS) is that it will give me the most flexibility. With a PhD I'll be able to work in a school, private practice, a hospital/clinical setting, or at a university. With the PsyD it would be harder (but not impossible) to work for a university, and with the EdS you can only work in the schools. I like having options.

Hey there. As a Ph.D. licensed school psychologist, do you need additional certification(s) for private practice work? For example, does the Ph.D. allow a person to administer therapy interventions to kids (in addition to all of the assessment-type work)? Just wondering if you knew.

To Repatriate--thanks for the APA website. It was really helpful.

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

As a Ph.D. licensed school psychologist, do you need additional certification(s) for private practice work? For example, does the Ph.D. allow a person to administer therapy interventions to kids (in addition to all of the assessment-type work)? Just wondering if you knew.

To be honest, I'm not really 100% sure. I think that this would vary by state (see the link in my first post about licensing requirements). I think that to be licensed as a school psychologist (through NASP), you need an EdS, PhD or PsyD, and to complete a certain number of hours in the field. To do private practice, you probably need to be a licensed Psychologist (through the APA), which requires a PhD or PsyD, and an internship.

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

This is from Rider's website, I thought you might find it useful. As I suspected, private practice does require more work beyond the PhD.

In order to practice psychology (and have your own practice) you must be licensed by the state. Most states require approximately two years of supervised experience AFTER you get your Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. You must also pass a national multiple choice exam and, in many states, present a case study to a board of psychologists. You cannot advertise yourself as a "psychologist" or say that you offer "psychological" services unless you are licensed. These terms are protected by law. Being licensed also enables you to receive payment from your clients' insurance companies.

The A.P.A. recognizes four major specialties in applied psychology: clinical, counseling, school, and industrial/organizational. All professionals, regardless of their specialty, take the same state licensing exam. If they pass the exam, all carry the same legal title in the eyes of the state: "Psychologist"

Edited September 8, 2010 by schoolpsych_hopeful

[julianarx]

This is from Rider's website, I thought you might find it useful. As I suspected, private practice does require more work beyond the PhD.

Hey psych_hopeful. That's what I thought. However, my top school choice informed me that one can do private practice work with a specialist degree; this would include assessment work and long-term and short-term therapy (I am from Connecticut). However, I called up the CT state public health department and they told me different. I don't know who is right.

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

Hmm, that's really confusing. I would probably trust the State Department over the University. According to NASP's website, these are the requirements to be a licensed Psychologist in CT:

Board of Psychology Credential:

Psychologist-requires doctoral degree, 1 year pre-doctoral internship, post-doctoral training consisting of 35 hours per week for 46 weeks (three hours of supervision per week, one face-to-face individual), and passing score of 500 on EPPP. Board does not license non-doctoral psychologists.

Maybe with the specialist degree, you may be able to do some assessment work outside of the school setting. But I don't think you would be able to have your own private practice. The best thing might be to contact a local school psychologist and ask them. That may give you some insight.

[scpy2010]

Hey guys - I'm a School Psychology graduate student now and hopefully I can clarify some things for you.

Private Practice - You MUST have a PhD and be licensed in the state you are practicing in. States vary in regards to their requirements to become a licensed practitioner. Those with a Masters/Specialty degree (CAS, CAGS, EdS, etc.) can not, under most state's laws, work in private practice. A few states allow you to be supervised by a licensed practitioner who has a PhD, but those are few and far between. Typically, if you go for a MA/Specialty Degree you are going for practice in a school setting only (unless you wish to obtain your PhD later on).

School Psychologist - You must have a Masters degree AND a specialty degree (i.e. CAS, CAGS, EdS - these all basically mean you completed a 1 year full-time internship in addition to the minimum 60 credit hours required for the Masters degree) and be licensed by the state in which you work.

Accreditation - I would highly recommend only attending programs that have full (not conditional) NASP approval. Although it is not impossible to become certified without it, as NASP is the largest professional organization (and, basically, 'governing body') of School Psychologists it will make your life much easier if your program has full approval from them. There is a link above that goes to a very long .pdf document provided by NASP in which each approved program is listed by state. Personally, this is how I chose the programs to apply to. I looked at the states I would want to live in, checked out the programs online, and applied to 5 of my top choices. APA only offers accreditation to PhD programs (there is this ongoing debate about who gets to call themselves "psychologists") but, for practice in schools the biggest accreditation you want to look for is NASP.

Here is a link to the FAQ section on NASP's website, which addresses questions such as education and certification levels needed, etc.

http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/careerfaq.aspx

I hope this helped out some of your confusion! Good luck and "enjoy" the application process!

[julianarx]

Hey guys - I'm a School Psychology graduate student now and hopefully I can clarify some things for you.

Private Practice - You MUST have a PhD and be licensed in the state you are practicing in. States vary in regards to their requirements to become a licensed practitioner. Those with a Masters/Specialty degree (CAS, CAGS, EdS, etc.) can not, under most state's laws, work in private practice. A few states allow you to be supervised by a licensed practitioner who has a PhD, but those are few and far between. Typically, if you go for a MA/Specialty Degree you are going for practice in a school setting only (unless you wish to obtain your PhD later on).

School Psychologist - You must have a Masters degree AND a specialty degree (i.e. CAS, CAGS, EdS - these all basically mean you completed a 1 year full-time internship in addition to the minimum 60 credit hours required for the Masters degree) and be licensed by the state in which you work.

Accreditation - I would highly recommend only attending programs that have full (not conditional) NASP approval. Although it is not impossible to become certified without it, as NASP is the largest professional organization (and, basically, 'governing body') of School Psychologists it will make your life much easier if your program has full approval from them. There is a link above that goes to a very long .pdf document provided by NASP in which each approved program is listed by state. Personally, this is how I chose the programs to apply to. I looked at the states I would want to live in, checked out the programs online, and applied to 5 of my top choices. APA only offers accreditation to PhD programs (there is this ongoing debate about who gets to call themselves "psychologists") but, for practice in schools the biggest accreditation you want to look for is NASP.

Here is a link to the FAQ section on NASP's website, which addresses questions such as education and certification levels needed, etc.

http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/careerfaq.aspx

I hope this helped out some of your confusion! Good luck and "enjoy" the application process!

Thanks so much for clarifying the APA accreditation; it was really helpful. If you have the time to answer them, here are several more questions:

*Can Ph.D. school psychologists offer counseling and therapy services through private practice? Or, can they only offer assessment services through private practice?

*Can a Ph.D. school psychologist become a certified child psychologist? (After reading the "Notes from the School Psychologist" blog, I believe this is possible...I just do not know how).

*What's the difference between the PsyD and Ph.D. tracks? Within the school psychology community, are there qualms regarding the PsyD?

*This is a practical question. How much does the Ph.D. raise your pay (in terms of working in school system and private practice, if you know)?

Thanks!

[scpy2010]

Thanks so much for clarifying the APA accreditation; it was really helpful. If you have the time to answer them, here are several more questions:

*Can Ph.D. school psychologists offer counseling and therapy services through private practice? Or, can they only offer assessment services through private practice?

*Can a Ph.D. school psychologist become a certified child psychologist? (After reading the "Notes from the School Psychologist" blog, I believe this is possible...I just do not know how).

*What's the difference between the PsyD and Ph.D. tracks? Within the school psychology community, are there qualms regarding the PsyD?

*This is a practical question. How much does the Ph.D. raise your pay (in terms of working in school system and private practice, if you know)?

Thanks!

I can answer a couple of those...

Yes, a School Psychology PhD can enable you to have a private practice other than assessment (counseling and therapy services included), you just have to be licensed by the state you are working in.

I'm sure that you can also become certified as a child psychologist, although I'm not positive on this one. A PhD in almost all fields of psychology will open many doors for you - private practice, academia, etc. It might vary depending on the state, but I'm sure it is possible.

The PsyD track, from what I gather, is considered a lesser degree than the PhD. I'm not sure if there are qualms within the community, however, you need to be careful of where you obtain one. Make sure you are at a fully accredited and, preferably, not "for profit" school (i.e. Agrosy). From what we have discussed in one of my classes this semester I would avoid the PsyD track.

Honestly, working within the schools and having a PhD in School Psychology does not raise your pay level very much. Usually it's less than 5K extra per year, but again that varies on the state. The majority of people who go for their PhD are actually not doing so to work only in the schools but also have a private practice and/or teach at universities.

I hope this helps... I chose a MA/CAS track because I have little interest in private practice and want to focus my career on working with children in the schools. Good luck with everything - I was in your shoes at this time last year, so I know how frustrating it can be!

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

Thanks for clearing all of that up! You've been very helpful

[psych1]

Thanks for clearing all of that up! You've been very helpful

I am in a school psych program for an EDS degree. I thought about the PhD and some in my program do transfer, but it's along haul and I really want to work in the school system (right now) We will see if I change my mind next year.

I have heard at least in my area (East coast) that many schools hire less PhD's because even though the degree of salary is minimal (5.000 tops) they still save money and figure the person will stay rather than leave after a few years for a more academic pursuit.

I'm sure this varies state to state, but it does make it something to look into. I also didn't go the PsyD route because of money, hardly anyone gave aid for that and I had loans from undergrad.

I found more help for masters which is sad, but a reality.

[julianarx]

I am in a school psych program for an EDS degree. I thought about the PhD and some in my program do transfer, but it's along haul and I really want to work in the school system (right now) We will see if I change my mind next year.

I have heard at least in my area (East coast) that many schools hire less PhD's because even though the degree of salary is minimal (5.000 tops) they still save money and figure the person will stay rather than leave after a few years for a more academic pursuit.

I'm sure this varies state to state, but it does make it something to look into. I also didn't go the PsyD route because of money, hardly anyone gave aid for that and I had loans from undergrad.

I found more help for masters which is sad, but a reality.

What state are you in? I'm on the east coast as well.

[psych1]

Connecticut. It was cheaper to stay close to home.