My sister did a PsyD at Stanford. I don't know how the finances panned out as my parents may have helped but at some point there was talk of like $300k in student debt. Just doesn't seem worth it. She did go almost straight out of undergrad (or had a couple years of non-related work), so you don't NEED to get the masters first.

In the end, she married well, never used the degree (had trouble passing the boards and didn't pass until right around the time she had her first kid). She taught part time preschool for a while and may do that again - right now she's home with her kids.

The expense of the program would be enough to scare me off, but if you've got money to burn, go for it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp...what do u do that makes well over 6 figures? PhD psych here who would strongly advise against any doctoral psych program. I always encourage people to go for the LCSW instead. I consider myself extremely lucky to have attended a fully funded grad program and broke six figures after a decade in the field. There is no need to attend a 5 plus year program unless you are hoping to go into research/academia and the academic positions are extremely competitive and they are farming everything out to adjuncts these days...and you would need the PhD anyways for these jobs.. Don't go into debt for a moderately paying degree

PP here that attended Argosy and makes over 100k. I began in forensic practice (evals), for which one does need a doctoral degree and not necessarily a PhD. Psychological evaluation is really the only thing I can think of that one would need a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD). Otherwise, I would only recommend a Masters level degree. Now, I work for a Fed Agency doing various clinical and consultative tasks. I've been there 3 years and make 125k. 5 years experience before I got there. Promotion potential up to about 160k, thoughthat will take some time. From what I've experienced, the Feds only hire doctoral degrees (with APA accredited internships).

I may be splitting hairs here, but is $125k really considered well over six figures?

Yes, you're splitting hairs. And, if you were in the field, you'd know that 125k for less than 10 years in the field (not in private practice) is pretty damn good. Good for PP!!!

Sure, good for them. But "well over six figures" for $125k is odd phrasing

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp...what do u do that makes well over 6 figures? PhD psych here who would strongly advise against any doctoral psych program. I always encourage people to go for the LCSW instead. I consider myself extremely lucky to have attended a fully funded grad program and broke six figures after a decade in the field. There is no need to attend a 5 plus year program unless you are hoping to go into research/academia and the academic positions are extremely competitive and they are farming everything out to adjuncts these days...and you would need the PhD anyways for these jobs.. Don't go into debt for a moderately paying degree

PP here that attended Argosy and makes over 100k. I began in forensic practice (evals), for which one does need a doctoral degree and not necessarily a PhD. Psychological evaluation is really the only thing I can think of that one would need a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD). Otherwise, I would only recommend a Masters level degree. Now, I work for a Fed Agency doing various clinical and consultative tasks. I've been there 3 years and make 125k. 5 years experience before I got there. Promotion potential up to about 160k, thoughthat will take some time. From what I've experienced, the Feds only hire doctoral degrees (with APA accredited internships).

I may be splitting hairs here, but is $125k really considered well over six figures?

Yes, you're splitting hairs. And, if you were in the field, you'd know that 125k for less than 10 years in the field (not in private practice) is pretty damn good. Good for PP!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp...what do u do that makes well over 6 figures? PhD psych here who would strongly advise against any doctoral psych program. I always encourage people to go for the LCSW instead. I consider myself extremely lucky to have attended a fully funded grad program and broke six figures after a decade in the field. There is no need to attend a 5 plus year program unless you are hoping to go into research/academia and the academic positions are extremely competitive and they are farming everything out to adjuncts these days...and you would need the PhD anyways for these jobs.. Don't go into debt for a moderately paying degree

PP here that attended Argosy and makes over 100k. I began in forensic practice (evals), for which one does need a doctoral degree and not necessarily a PhD. Psychological evaluation is really the only thing I can think of that one would need a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD). Otherwise, I would only recommend a Masters level degree. Now, I work for a Fed Agency doing various clinical and consultative tasks. I've been there 3 years and make 125k. 5 years experience before I got there. Promotion potential up to about 160k, thoughthat will take some time. From what I've experienced, the Feds only hire doctoral degrees (with APA accredited internships).

I may be splitting hairs here, but is $125k really considered well over six figures?

Anonymous wrote:Pp...what do u do that makes well over 6 figures? PhD psych here who would strongly advise against any doctoral psych program. I always encourage people to go for the LCSW instead. I consider myself extremely lucky to have attended a fully funded grad program and broke six figures after a decade in the field. There is no need to attend a 5 plus year program unless you are hoping to go into research/academia and the academic positions are extremely competitive and they are farming everything out to adjuncts these days...and you would need the PhD anyways for these jobs.. Don't go into debt for a moderately paying degree

PP here that attended Argosy and makes over 100k. I began in forensic practice (evals), for which one does need a doctoral degree and not necessarily a PhD. Psychological evaluation is really the only thing I can think of that one would need a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD). Otherwise, I would only recommend a Masters level degree. Now, I work for a Fed Agency doing various clinical and consultative tasks. I've been there 3 years and make 125k. 5 years experience before I got there. Promotion potential up to about 160k, thoughthat will take some time. From what I've experienced, the Feds only hire doctoral degrees (with APA accredited internships).

Have not heard OP say what the reason for PsyD is. Do you want a degree for the sake of it or is there a particular job you have I mind? For example, psychological testing, forensic evaluation, private practice therapist, mental health administrator, etc. These are the jobs I see psychologists in most commonly. I am LICSW working as a community mental health administrator, have been in the field for 10+ years.

Also consider that you will go back to school for five years and graduates a pretty lousy inexperienced therapist who is low on the totem pole in your agency. A lot of second career therapists really struggle with this. It takes a few years post degree to be competent, even if you are very bright. Especially professionals who are used to being in charge and in positions of authority. Arrogance and entitlement can interfere with your clinical practice.