Introduction
Are you considering pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist and are asking “what is a PsyD?” Seeing “PsyD” pop up in your Google searches for doctoral degrees? Read on to learn more about the PsyD and find out if it is a good fit for you and your career goals.What is a PsyD?
A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology degree for an individual who is trained to provide evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatments. PsyDs are specifically trained in clinical practice, which is different from PhDs in Clinical Psychology. PhDs focus more on research than on clinical practice and clinical work. Those with a PhD are trained to become researchers and/or scientists in the areas of psychology.
PsyDs are specifically trained in clinical practice.
A Doctorate of Psychology degree, which is abbreviated as PsyD, is a professional doctorate in the field of psychology.
A Doctorate of Psychology degree, which is abbreviated as PsyD, is a professional doctorate in the field of psychology. To earn this degree, students must complete a minimum of three years of supervised training and clinical experience after receiving their master’s degree. Students enrolled in a PsyD program may also choose to specialize in a certain area. Universities typically offer several different specializations.A PsyD program will include courses on topics such as:- theories and methods of research and practice
- clinical assessment and treatment
- diagnosis and treatment planning
- professional ethics
With a PsyD, you can become a licensed psychologist.
After you've completed your clinical training, you can apply for licensure through the state where you live. While there are differences in admission requirements from state to state, most states require that applicants have a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) with at least two years of experience working under supervision in the field. In addition, most states require professionals to pass a national exam such as the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) before they can receive their license. Once licensed, psychologists may work independently or as part of a group practice; they may also choose to work in hospital settings or schools.Psychologists who want to specialize may choose a concentration such as neuropsychology or forensic psychology. Some of these fields require additional education and training beyond a standard doctorate program. Training in some of these sub-specialties may be available to students with graduate degrees but no clinical experience at all—a common route taken by those seeking advanced degrees—while some programs mandate completion of three years of postdoctoral training before entry into practice is allowed.With a PsyD you can have your own practice.
A PsyD is a professional degree, so you can practice independently. As an independent practitioner you may provide services in private practice, clinics, hospitals, schools and universities (if your state allows it), government agencies, or any other setting with the capacity to pay for your services.You will need to become licensed in the state where you plan to work as a psychologist if it is not already required by law for all professionals with this degree.We recommend contacting your state licensing board for information on how to become licensed and for the application materials. You should also check with your college or university's registrar's office to make sure you have fulfilled all degree requirements.
As an independent practitioner you may provide services in private practice, clinics, hospitals, schools, universities, and more.
PhD and PsyD programs are both recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Both PhD and PsyD programs are recognized by the APA. The APA is the largest professional organization for psychologists in the world, with more than 122,000 members. Because APA accredits both types of mental health professional degrees, both PhD and PsyD programs meet established standards and can be trusted to deliver effective and ethical training to students.PsyD and PhD programs both require students to complete a thesis, but they differ in their emphasis on clinical vs. research training. A PhD program is more research-oriented and prepares students for careers in academia or other professional research settings. A PsyD focuses more on practical application of theory to real-world problems, preparing graduates for careers as clinicians or researchers in applied settings such as hospitals or community mental health centers.If you want to be able to practice independently and become licensed as a psychologist, a PsyD is a great choice.
While you are training in a PsyD program you will have the opportunity to hone your skills in broad clinical settings and will get experience working with patients with a variety of issues, rather than focusing heavily on research.If you are considering getting a PsyD or PhD, it is important to know that both degrees have their benefits and drawbacks. While the differences may seem small at first glance, they can have a huge impact on what kind of career path you will be able to take after graduation and on how long you will spend earning your degree.PsyD programs are designed to prepare you for a job as a clinical psychologist. They often focus on research methods and statistics, which can help you become an effective practitioner. PhD programs, on the other hand, provide an opportunity for students to develop their own area of research interest by providing them with more independence from faculty members.PsyD vs. PhD: Who Should Apply?
If you have a strong interest in psychology and want to become a practicing clinical psychologist, then a PsyD program is probably the best choice. If you have an idea for a research topic you would like to pursue, or if you simply enjoy learning about new areas of study, then applying for a PhD program is probably better suited for your needs.“Be ready to do the work. That word transformative is a big part of the program … be ready to go through that journey and that process personally and alongside with your fellow classmates.”
Cassandra C.PsyD in Clinical Psychology StudentWatch Cassandra C., run time 2:48All Student Profiles (64)