Psy-D?

[Anonymous]

I'm in the beginning stages of deciding to pursue a PSY-D. My understanding is that I will first need a Masters. I have a JD and MBA, but I know these won't get me anywhere for this new path. I'm in my mid-30s with a toddler and no ability to leave the DC area, but I have some flexibility to quit my job for a few years. Googling is just getting me a lot of for-profit college information. Any one BTDT that can point me to some good resources to explain what I might need to do? Am I just too old to make a change? I also realize i need to talk to some actual PSY-Ds to see whether this is just a pipe-dream for me.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Look into GW's program

[Anonymous]

You should get a masters and work as a counselor/therapist for a few years before going for the PSY-D.

[Anonymous]

My sister is a PsyD. She finished a few years ago and her masters was part of her doctoral program -- not sure if that varies by school or is different now. She loves what she does (specialized clinical work with kids and some research in an academic position). She did an internship year and then a 1 year post doc in her specialized area to get into that niche.

[Anonymous]

Do you just like going to school better than working?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you just like going to school better than working?

+1

Maybe you should spend time IN a job first before moving on to another degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you just like going to school better than working?

+1

Maybe you should spend time IN a job first before moving on to another degree.

+2. Either you are terrible at choosing degrees that suit you, or you really don't want to actually hold down a job. In either event, before you get a 3rd post doc degree, either try to make one of the first two work, or intern/ work in your next field for a few years and make sure you get a good fit. Education is all well and good, but come on. And I say that as a JD, who knows that there is a lot you can do with a JD in DC outside of strictly practicing law, if you think creatively.

[Anonymous]

OP here- I must have not written my original post very clearly. I've been a practicing attorney for almost 8 years and excel at what I do. There is no reason for me to leave my job. I finished college early and did a joint degree program for the JD/MBA so it didn't take as long as I guess my original post suggested. The joint degree is very helpful to the type of law I have been practicing for all 8 years. I was out of school before 25. I really do like working (currently work 50-70 hours a week). The reason I am toying with a career change has to do with some things that have happened in life that have made becoming a Psy-D seem fufilling and attractive. If I stay in the law that wouldn't be the end of the world either. I was just trying to gather some information for some that might have BTDT.

[Anonymous]

Going back to school when you're older and have children sucks. You'll never get out of that degree what you put into it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going back to school when you're older and have children sucks. You'll never get out of that degree what you put into it.

This sounds like nonsense. Putting a few years into a degree to then be gainfully employed until 60 isn't getting enough out? People change career paths all the time.

[Anonymous]

This is a very long and expensive degree, and the job at the end won't pay much. Can you get where you want with an LCSW instead? Counseling is a rewarding profession but unless you are independently wealthy I don't think the debt is worth it, generally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Going back to school when you're older and have children sucks. You'll never get out of that degree what you put into it.

This sounds like nonsense. Putting a few years into a degree to then be gainfully employed until 60 isn't getting enough out? People change career paths all the time.

Then go ahead. Quit a job for a few years during your mid-earning years...forgo that income and retirement savings. Delay your retirement. Start back at the bottom again. Have a brand new student loan of your own to worry about when you're trying to save for your children to go to college.

Lots of nonsense indeed.

[Anonymous]

What do you want to do with the degree? If you want to do therapy, I would go get a MSW and work quickly towards licensure. Lot less time investment and pretty much the same return on investment.

[Anonymous]

If you like what you do, and excel at it, there is no reason to quit, then you are quitting because? You explanation sounds a lot like, "I had messed up things happen in my life, and am going to help people deal with the messed up things that happened in theirs." Which may not be the best reason in the world to wade into counseling as a career. Also, don't counselors and lawyers have pretty opposing skill sets?

If you really feel this this is an amazing idea though, PPs who say to do an MSW are spot on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Going back to school when you're older and have children sucks. You'll never get out of that degree what you put into it.

This sounds like nonsense. Putting a few years into a degree to then be gainfully employed until 60 isn't getting enough out? People change career paths all the time.

+1 made a similar decision in my late 40's and still working part-time in my 60's. Mid-30's = young!