Hi Melissa, I'm interested in a similar path of becoming a licensed therapist with a master's degree, then pursuing a PhD not for the licensure but for skills, research, and acedemia. My question for you is: how is it working as a therapist while pursuing a PhD program? Is it realistic to continue a regular therapist practice while pursuing a PhD?
I’m also interested in getting my PhD in psychology following obtaining my LCSW. Can you speak about your experience with the application process? I’m specifically interested in how to make myself an attractive candidate given how long it’s been since my masters program (especially with needing recommendation letters) and given that I won’t have as much research experience as other applicants.
Hi @chichichinyere thanks for the comment and sharing. It really depends on the university and PhD psychology program that you are applying to. Generally speaking a Ph.d program will be okay with it being an extensive amount of time after you received your masters as admissions is also looking for your clinical and work experience which you usually develop after your masters. Personally speaking, I applied for my ph.d program 10 years after doing my MSW program. I emphasized my work experience on my Ph.d application and Ph.d program interview which I think stood out. You can always use recommendation letters from work supervisors (not just academic letters). Also I had no research experience when I applied for my ph.d program. I just emphasized my work experience and reason why I was interested in learning more research strategies. Thanks for the question and Good luck 🍀!!!
How do you recommend to decide between becoming a LMHC vs LCSW? I’ve graduated with my bachelors in psych and I’m currently debating on which of those grad programs to choose from! 😅😅😅 (my goal is to become a therapist and go into private practiceiA )
Hi Nabiha- great question. Although I can only speak from my experience as an LCSW and Ph.D psych student. From what I understand an LCSW and LMHC have roughly the same amount of schooling and licensing lengths but I think the LCSW allows you to do more things in your career besides just therapy. I hope this info helps. Good luck 🍀
Hey there, how long was this PhD program for you. I’m in a similar boat and am looking at different programs. Curious what type of psychology PhD were you in and how long was it
I was in a Psychology Studies Counseling Ph.D program that focused on research as opposed to clinical work. The amount of time varies based on how long it takes to do your research and write your dissertation. It is different for everyone so make sure to identify why you are hoping to get a PhD in psychology and finding programs that offer that! Hope that helps! :) Good luck!
Hi, thank you so much for sharing. I'm considering getting a PsyD after my msw, however I was under the impression that you can only go after a PhD or PsyD after getting a masters in psych, not social work. Do you know if that's the case, perhaps it varies state to state..
Hi Marlene- Most agencies that have senior licensed clinical supervisors can provide supervision. I would suggest asking during interviews right off the bat if they have clinical supervisors that can provide you your hours so that you have that information prior to starting a job. You must have your masters degree completed to earn hours. You cannot earn hours with a BA degree only unfortunately. Thanks for the questions. I hope this info was helpful. :)
Hi Melissa, I'm interested in a similar path of becoming a licensed therapist with a master's degree, then pursuing a PhD not for the licensure but for skills, research, and acedemia.
My question for you is: how is it working as a therapist while pursuing a PhD program? Is it realistic to continue a regular therapist practice while pursuing a PhD?
I’m also interested in getting my PhD in psychology following obtaining my LCSW. Can you speak about your experience with the application process? I’m specifically interested in how to make myself an attractive candidate given how long it’s been since my masters program (especially with needing recommendation letters) and given that I won’t have as much research experience as other applicants.
Hi @chichichinyere thanks for the comment and sharing. It really depends on the university and PhD psychology program that you are applying to. Generally speaking a Ph.d program will be okay with it being an extensive amount of time after you received your masters as admissions is also looking for your clinical and work experience which you usually develop after your masters. Personally speaking, I applied for my ph.d program 10 years after doing my MSW program. I emphasized my work experience on my Ph.d application and Ph.d program interview which I think stood out. You can always use recommendation letters from work supervisors (not just academic letters). Also I had no research experience when I applied for my ph.d program. I just emphasized my work experience and reason why I was interested in learning more research strategies. Thanks for the question and Good luck 🍀!!!
How do you recommend to decide between becoming a LMHC vs LCSW? I’ve graduated with my bachelors in psych and I’m currently debating on which of those grad programs to choose from! 😅😅😅 (my goal is to become a therapist and go into private practiceiA )
Hi Nabiha- great question. Although I can only speak from my experience as an LCSW and Ph.D psych student. From what I understand an LCSW and LMHC have roughly the same amount of schooling and licensing lengths but I think the LCSW allows you to do more things in your career besides just therapy. I hope this info helps. Good luck 🍀
Hey there, how long was this PhD program for you. I’m in a similar boat and am looking at different programs. Curious what type of psychology PhD were you in and how long was it
I was in a Psychology Studies Counseling Ph.D program that focused on research as opposed to clinical work. The amount of time varies based on how long it takes to do your research and write your dissertation. It is different for everyone so make sure to identify why you are hoping to get a PhD in psychology and finding programs that offer that! Hope that helps! :) Good luck!
Hi, thank you so much for sharing. I'm considering getting a PsyD after my msw, however I was under the impression that you can only go after a PhD or PsyD after getting a masters in psych, not social work. Do you know if that's the case, perhaps it varies state to state..
Do you recommend any jobs or Agencies that pay you while you earn your hours ? Can we also earn these hours while we have our BA ?
Hi Marlene- Most agencies that have senior licensed clinical supervisors can provide supervision. I would suggest asking during interviews right off the bat if they have clinical supervisors that can provide you your hours so that you have that information prior to starting a job. You must have your masters degree completed to earn hours. You cannot earn hours with a BA degree only unfortunately. Thanks for the questions.
I hope this info was helpful. :)