Clinical Psychology or Clinical Geropsychology

[raybigs92]

I am interested in Geropsychology and see that a number of universities offer "Clinical Geropsychology" under their Clinical PhD programs. My question is - would it be restrictive in the long term to study something specific like Geropsychology? Do all Clinical Psychology programs require you take a specific path eg. Clinical Geropsych, Clinical Child etc? It seems like this is something that differs from institution to institution. While my interests now are in this area would it be difficult to branch out and work with other populations after taking this track?

I am relatively new looking into all this so my apologies in advance if this is somewhat of a stupid question.

Many thanks

** Just to add.. There do not seem to be many programs that actually specialize in this area (according to Insiders Guide) so would it be possible for one to get into this area through Clinical Neuropsychology or is there a general "Clinical" program where one could concentrate on aging? Again, any pointers would be appreciated.

Edited June 23, 2012 by misswhisker

[randompsychologist]

I don't know. I was always under the impression that a clinical license is a clinical license is a clinical license. But, if geriatric psychology is what you're interested in, go for it! If I were interested in that field, I would apply to these programs, and neuroclinical/clinical programs that have people you are interested in working with in the field of aging on faculty. I didn't think that there would be any real difference between being in a regular clinical program where you work with lots of people interested in aging and a clinical gerophychology program. I don't think it will limit you in the future after you graduate. The thing is, though, if you realize you no longer like doing research on older people while you're in grad school, you may have trouble if they are adamant that your adviser needs to be in the geropsychology concentration. Find out how the school is about switching concentrations while you're there and/or how much they are into collaborative research.

You will still end up with a PhD and a clinical license--the coursework may be a bit different... but the things you learn in grad school usually come from research and not course work. I'm not a PhD student yet and I'm not into clinical, but take this with a grain of salt.

[sweetnighter]

Doesn't really matter. Most people specialize in something or other... doesn't really matter what the Ph.D. is called as long as its recognized by universities and state licensing offices.