How much research is enough?

[neuropsych76]

That is a bit harsh considering I never said I'm interested in a PhD. I applied to 2 PhD programs out of 11 applications. What I do want is a PsyD and from my understanding the focus of that degree IS to treat people. I am interested in anxiety and depression amongst other things. Like I said in the post above, I didn't realize those were considered specialties. If that is the case then I would like to specialize in anxiety disorders because I believe that would allow me to treat both serious and less severe clients.

Most clinicians treat with a PhD degree these years. It'll be a while before PsyD's equal out. I have nothing against research, it just hasn't been a priority for me up to this point. I wouldn't mind getting more involved in it in graduate school, but you can't tell me that every person applying to a PhD program is interested in only doing research.

Regardless, I appreciate your feedback. For future reference it would be kind of you to refer to me as a she

As far as clinical work is concerned, a Psy.D is pretty much as good as a PhD already. However, PhD's generally come with much more funding during psyds. If you only want to do therapy, it might make more financial sense to do a masters

[ab2844]

It sounds like you know what you're doing. I remember reading that there are two "models" for training clinical psychologists. PhD programs use a "scientist-practitioner model" with an emphasis on research, and PsyD programs use a "practitioner-scholar model" with an emphases on clinical practice. Both do both, but it's just a matter of emphasis. Clinical isn't my area either, but I read about it a few years ago when I first started thinking about careers.

Yeah that's right. They also get referred to as the Boulder and Vail models after two conferences. I just think it's odd that 50 years ago if you had a PhD in psychology you could teach, do research, treat, etc. and now you need different degrees for each thing. That makes choosing a degree so much more difficult because people change their minds a lot. I might like treating people now, but when I'm 60 I might want to teach. It sucks that I would get a hard time getting a teaching position just because I have the "wrong" kind of doctorate degree.

[ab2844]

As far as clinical work is concerned, a Psy.D is pretty much as good as a PhD already. However, PhD's generally come with much more funding during psyds. If you only want to do therapy, it might make more financial sense to do a masters

Oh that's not what I meant. I meant as in when there are as many people with PsyD's as there are people with PhD's (in psychology). I think the tendency right now still leans more towards PhD's.

I actually don't understand why PsyD's don't get as much funding. I mean, a doctorate degree is a doctorate degree. You can't say one is more valuable than another. I don't see why the PsyD has to cost as much as a private school while if you get a PhD They pay You.

I know that technically I can be a therapist with a terminal Masters degree. I actually applied to a few of those. But if I'm already doing it, I want to be a psychologist. So even if I get the MA first, eventually I'm going after that D lol

[neuropsych76]

Oh that's not what I meant. I meant as in when there are as many people with PsyD's as there are people with PhD's (in psychology). I think the tendency right now still leans more towards PhD's.

I actually don't understand why PsyD's don't get as much funding. I mean, a doctorate degree is a doctorate degree. You can't say one is more valuable than another. I don't see why the PsyD has to cost as much as a private school while if you get a PhD They pay You.

I know that technically I can be a therapist with a terminal Masters degree. I actually applied to a few of those. But if I'm already doing it, I want to be a psychologist. So even if I get the MA first, eventually I'm going after that D lol

Well, I think as a PhD you make some money for the school by generating research projects and teaching courses. In Psy.D's or other professional programs the school gives the training and doesn't get anything. Plus, there is many more openings for Psy.D's so there is just less funding to go around.

[lewin]

Well, I think as a PhD you make some money for the school by generating research projects and teaching courses. In Psy.D's or other professional programs the school gives the training and doesn't get anything. Plus, there is many more openings for Psy.D's so there is just less funding to go around.

This is exactly right. Usually funding is for research, not training. Lawyers, physicians, etc. don't get funding either.