PsyD/PHd/MSw- HELP!

[AshleyParis]

I know this topic may have been discussed to death and I've looked at many threads on this...but still need some direction for my set of circumstances

a) career goals- all I want to do is talk to kids and help them through traumatic experiences.  

b ) I would like to do private practice

c) I LOVE to learn so length of time doesn't really matter to me.  

d) Therapy is my priority (being wtih the kids) but I do want a comprehensive look at how the mind works and to know more in depth about how trauma affects the brain etc. Testing would be cool too, but my clients are the priority for me, as well as flexibility (my dream is having a private practice)

e) I have debt from law school.  Debt sucks so this IS a concern but I'd rather be in more debt doing what I actually love.  I'm a public interest attorney with debt... I have no money anyway. 

f) Psyd v. Phd- I've heard that Psyd is more clinically focused so I'm drawn to that, but I heard that it's usually unfunded.  :/  Should I just give up the more comprehensive approach, avoid the GRE, and more debt and get an MSW?

Please please help  I'm open to all suggestions.. going to law school was one of my worst decisions.  I didn't take time to think it through and ask enough people about the realities of it, so don't want to make the same mistake twice.  Thank you!

[Gvh]

Hi Ashley,

I'm no expert in your field but I once strongly considered going into clinical/counselling psychology before going into research. Based on your preferences and circumstances, a PhD would be optimal from a financial standpoint because it would be funded in all likelihood, however it would be difficult to be admitted to without considerable research experience. The PsyD is expensive as you noted, plus a lot of my mentors who work as clinical psychologists have mentioned how the PsyD is not looked on very favorably in the job market. This is anecdotal but still something to look into if you were thinking of this option. So it sounds like you're looking at a 1-3 year master's degree. Have you thought about doing a master's in mental health counselling? If you got into one which was APA accredited and that set you up to be qualify for practice, this would probably be the best option -- especially given your strong interest in therapeutic practice! 

[FeelTheBern]

Just to add my two cents...I would advise staying away from MSW programs based on things I have recently heard about the field. In fact, I know a couple of people who are in loads of debt and are struggling to find a good job due to over-saturation. In the end, many people who graduate with an MSW find themselves stuck in jobs that they could have obtained with a Bachelor's degree.

Coming from a family of lawyers, I completely understand how difficult it is to dig yourself out of law school debt. Have you thought about opening a private law practice? Several of my family members did this a bit into their careers and found the money to be better and were also able to concentrate on exactly what they wanted to do within the field. Increased job fulfillment and flexibility as well!

[dancedementia]

8 hours ago, SkyLy said:

Just to add my two cents...I would advise staying away from MSW programs based on things I have recently heard about the field. In fact, I know a couple of people who are in loads of debt and are struggling to find a good job due to over-saturation. In the end, many people who graduate with an MSW find themselves stuck in jobs that they could have obtained with a Bachelor's degree.

I would argue this depends based on geography. Here in Boston the hospitals loooove MSWs so you can easily get a job,

[FeelTheBern]

Thanks for the insight @dancedementia! That's good to know!

I have been under a completely different impression of MSW programs for quite some time now. I think the cost of tuition for these programs and the return (salary after you receive the degree) made me think twice about the profession, even though I think I would really enjoy being a social worker. I'm just not sure that the debt aspect of it would necessarily be worth it, for me at least!

[daisy_may]

DO NOT go for your PhD unless you have considerable research experience/ IF YOU DONT WANT TO DO RESEARCH!!! It seems to me that you want to do something that is more practice oriented which phd programs HATE! Literally if you mention the words "i want to be a clinician" know that you will automatically be eliminated from the application process. Trust me... Its happened to me before. PsyD programs are great... Try applying to Baylor~ they are fully funded (but they do require a dissertation). Also I don't know much about MSWs but I'm pretty sure you can achieve your goals with that as well. Or an LPC program

Edited December 12, 2015 by daisy_may