Graduate Study and Career Options in Clinical Psychology Bryan R. Loney, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology Florida State University

What is Clinical Psychology? The field of clinical psychology integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.

What is Clinical Psychology? Clinical Psychology focuses on the cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral, and biological contributors to human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic levels. Increasing interdisciplinary and collaborative nature to the science

What Do Clinical Psychologists Do? Therapy Assessment Research Teaching and Supervision Program Development and Evaluation Administration Consultation Public Policy

Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work? Private Practice and Counseling Centers Individual and/or group therapy Colleges and universities Hospitals Industries / Business Legal & Governmental Agencies Military Managed Healthcare Organizations

Doctorate Degrees Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy Scientist-Practitioner (or Clinical Science) Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology Practitioner-Scientist History of degree Other options?

Alternatives to PhD Program in Clinical Psychology Other PhD options Counseling vs. Clinical Educational, School, Experimental, Combined… Developmental Neuroscience, Social, Cognitive, etc. Masters Programs Clinical Counseling Mental Health Counseling School Experimental Combined School-Counseling Social Work Marriage and Family Therapy Art Therapy Etc.

Getting Started Basic questions Do I want to do therapy? Do I want to conduct assessments? Do I want to do research? Do I want to teach? Where do I want to work? As demonstrated by what? Overarching importance of faculty advising and mentoring

Masters versus Doctorate? Trap of seeking letters rather than appropriate amount of training Breadth of training and issues of flexibility and autonomy Terminal versus non-terminal masters? Back to initial questions Desire to teach? Where? Investment analogy: Careful planning, preparation, and diversification

Top 5 Tips for Getting into a Ph.D. Clinical Program Focus on coursework and GPA Faculty mentoring Research experience Volunteer clinical experience Research Experience Thoughtful program selection and preparation for standardized testing Research Experience

Alternatives cont. Overwhelmed? Mentoring, the internet, and other resources A word about application criteria… Terminal masters degree in psychology Where do graduates work? Can they be licensed (state/national)? Third party reimbursement? Research requirements? Don’t lose sight of basic questions…

Books of Interest American Psychological Association (2006). Graduate study in psychology. Washington, DC: Author. Graduate study in psychology Sayette, M. A., Mayne, T. J., & Norcross, J. C. (2004/2005). Insider’s guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology. New York: The Guilford Press.Insider’s guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology American Psychological Association (1993). Getting in: A step-by-step plan for gaining admission to graduate school in psychology. Washington, DC: Author. Getting in: A step-by-step plan for gaining admission to graduate school in psychology.

Web Sites of Interest American Psychological Association Careers web site Center for Civic Education and Service FSU Department of Psychology