Public Health Major to Clinical Psych

[NavySheets]

I have a 3.6 in my public health major and a 4.0 with psych classes (psych minor).

I have research experience with some publications, all public health though. I know that some "real" psych research should be completed and I was planning on doing something near my graduation with one of the psych labs. Hopefully, get a year in.

A few questions:

My plan was to get my MPH in social/behavioral health as I think it would be beneficial when applying to clinical psych programs based on my interests. Is this wise or should I be looking at a different masters?  My passion is underrepresented populations in mental health hence why the public health was my undergrad and current master's plan.

I had the cookie cutter psych minor at my program.  My PH major required stats and a research methods, but they were PH courses. Should I look at a psych research methods? Are there some universal required psych classes I should make sure to get in before graduation?

Volunteering at the VA and in the community is another thing I do, is this beneficial for applications in clinical psych or is it more gpa/gre?

Are there psych programs that are veteran friendly? I'd be applying at the ripe age of 30 hopefully.

LOR, I have badass letters from public health professors, I would hope to work one out of a psych professor but it wouldn't be a problem with PH professors recommending me for a clinical psych program right? They are aware of my ambitions and are very supportive.

I'm trying to think of more questions as my jump to psych was only a year ago and it was only recently I started considering clinical psych as an option. I would want to be more clinical vs research based.

Thank you and steps that I'm missing I should take please add! Thank you.

 

Edited October 16, 2015 by NavySheets

[Jay's Brain]

There's a lot of parallels between Public Health and Psychology depending on your domain. Take a look at programs that specifies Health Psychology as their focus in the clinical stream. My program (in Canada), for example, has a healthy psychology aspect for students interested. They apply to one of the faculty members in that area, and are doing a lot of research that looks at public health. One student I know completed a Masters in Kinesiology and entered his PhD this year in Clinical Psychology with a focus on health psychology and mindfulness and pain. I think in that sense it should be fine for you, especially with your research experience!

Also, age shouldn't be a problem! I am one of the younger students in my cohort, but for programs like clinical psychology where the area tends to be a bit competitive, it's perfectly common to see students that are more mature! 

Good luck!