No psychology background but I want to become a therapist!

[Shiorin]

Hello all!

 



I’m new to the psychology field and I need some help figuring things out…I have no background in psychology at all, and got my BA in a foreign language (not the greatest decision ).

I saw a post similar to this, but I’m interested in going towards a therapy / counseling route. My dream job would be a gender therapist, and I’m really interested in working with the LGBT population. I was thinking of doing my masters then a possibly Psy.D but recently a friend told me I could just skip to a doctorate level. In theory this might be possible but since I lack a lot of experience, is this realistic? What kind of programs do you guys suggest? I was looking into MFT masters programs so I could get MFT licensing.

I’ve been taking a few classes so I’d have some background, but it’s only the basics (Intro, Developmental, and Abnormal Psych, and a helping strategy class).

I really don’t know what to do so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

Edited October 4, 2014 by Shiorin

[spunky]

well, Counselling Psych and Social Work are usually a little more lenient in terms of their background so you could also consider those as possibilities?

[BeingThere]

You don't really "skip" to  a doctorate.  Many psychology doctorate programs include getting a master's along the way.

 

It's good that you've been taking some classes to get some background.  Many (good) PhD programs want to see research experience as well as coursework.  Can you volunteer to work in a psych research lab at the institution where you're taking classes?  Can you ask a faculty member to help you do an independent research project?  You may also want to take an undergrad-level research methods/statistics course if you can - this applies more to the PhD route.

 

Even PsyD programs (the good ones) like to see some sort of practical or research experience.  I'm not saying you can't get in without it, but having it can be a big advantage.  If you want to get a PsyD and not a PhD, then you can try volunteering at a clinic or facility that employs PsyD's.  Try to work under a PsyD or PhD because this will be someone who can write you a letter of recommendation when you are ready to apply to PsyD programs.

 

If you want to do an MFT or a master's in social work and then get credentialed in a specialty, then your focus on what to do now is slightly different.  I'm not familiar with that area so others may have some suggestions on how to go that route.  But I believe an undergrad psych or social work-related practicum or internship of some sort would help you get into a master's counseling or social work program also. 

 

You can search for particular schools' programs  and then find out what sorts of prerequisites they look for in applicants.  If it doesn't say on their webpage, you can contact someone there (usually a program director or a graduate program coordinator) and ask them what type of background accepted students have.

Edited October 4, 2014 by Bren2014

[Shiorin]

I'm volunteering at a place where there's a lot of people who are studying social work and that's not really my interest. I like counseling psych but from what I know, it's pretty non-existent in California and I'm not willing to move out of state >_>

I prefer doing PsyD since I really don't want my main focus to be on research. Your suggestion of working under a PsyD at a clinic is a great idea and I'll definitely look into it!!!

What can you realistically do with a masters in MFT? If I got in, got my MA/MS and passed the MFT credential, what kind of jobs would be possible for me to do? Just doing some basic job searches, I haven't found any position that requires anything below a doctorate level and that scares me...

[Generis]

California has one of the highest rates of MFT counseling individuals per capita, so it can be very difficult to get started because there are already 10 counseling office on any busy street. I think it might be helpful for you to get more active/more experience with the LGTBQ community, then from that figure out what role you could see yourself in for this community. This will also make you look more attractive if you apply to graduate school, because you'll be bringing some experience in.

 

The Psy.D. seems like a good fit for you if you ultimately wanted to end up being a counselor at that level, but they are ridiculiously expensive ($100k) with very limited financial support. There are other options with less financial dedication, such as life coaches, etc. that are aimed in the same direction but don't require that level of education or subsequent student debt.

 

Another good idea might be to look at non-profits that work with this community, and contact them to obtain some advice about the education needed to work with this population. If they are all Psy. Ds, you could apply now and just give it a shot!

 

Best of luck!

[SunshineState]

You don't really "skip" to  a doctorate.  Many psychology doctorate programs include getting a master's along the way.

 

It's good that you've been taking some classes to get some background.  Many (good) PhD programs want to see research experience as well as coursework.  Can you volunteer to work in a psych research lab at the institution where you're taking classes?  Can you ask a faculty member to help you do an independent research project?  You may also want to take an undergrad-level research methods/statistics course if you can - this applies more to the PhD route.

 

Even PsyD programs (the good ones) like to see some sort of practical or research experience.  I'm not saying you can't get in without it, but having it can be a big advantage.  If you want to get a PsyD and not a PhD, then you can try volunteering at a clinic or facility that employs PsyD's.  Try to work under a PsyD or PhD because this will be someone who can write you a letter of recommendation when you are ready to apply to PsyD programs.

 

If you want to do an MFT or a master's in social work and then get credentialed in a specialty, then your focus on what to do now is slightly different.  I'm not familiar with that area so others may have some suggestions on how to go that route.  But I believe an undergrad psych or social work-related practicum or internship of some sort would help you get into a master's counseling or social work program also. 

 

You can search for particular schools' programs  and then find out what sorts of prerequisites they look for in applicants.  If it doesn't say on their webpage, you can contact someone there (usually a program director or a graduate program coordinator) and ask them what type of background accepted students have.

What are some "good ones" in terms of PsyD schools?
Is it hard to get a job in the counseling field with that degree?

 

 

[juilletmercredi]

Even if you don't want to leave California long-term, you could get your degree elsewhere and return to work.

When people here suggest social work, I'm pretty certain they are referring to studying clinical social work (which is the provision of counseling and therapy services) and becoming a licensed clinical social worker. LCSWs provide direct therapy in much the same manner that other professional counselors, psychologists, and therapists do - in fact, a social worker friend informed me that most practicing therapists are actually social workers by training. It's also probably the non-doctoral degree with the best job prospects, compared to an MFT or professional counseling degree. 

I prefer doing PsyD since I really don't want my main focus to be on research.

There are PhD programs in which your main focus isn't on research. Many (dare I say most?) clinical psychology programs are actually focused on turning out competent practitioners who also know how to do research primarily so they can be excellent consumers of it, and graduate classes that largely go into practice.