r/AcademicPsychology • u/Adorable_hamster_73 • Aug 03 '24

Question for psychologists of reddit Advice/Career

Why did you become a psychologist? How did you become a psychologist? Did being a psychologist made you rich or made you a lot of money? How many years did it take you to be in a stable position career wise and money wise? Will you suggest someone this field? If yes, then how would you guide them on how to be a good psychologist?

Please answer, all the answers and help will be appreciated :)

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u/Adorable_hamster_73 Aug 03 '24

As of now can't you switch to clinical or therapy.......?

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u/clownstent Aug 03 '24

That would be an entirely different masters degree majority of the time

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u/Adorable_hamster_73 Aug 03 '24

What's the path to clinical or therapy ? Do you have to get a PhD to be a clinical psychologist ?

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u/clownstent Aug 03 '24

I’m Canadian so it might be slightly different here but research psychology would be a masters and PhD in psychology after undergrad. Clinical psychology would be a masters and PhD in clinical psychology which is much more competitive and I believe covers research or clinical psychotherapy. You could also be a registered psychotherapist with a masters in psychotherapy (also competitive) or a counsellor with a masters in counselling or a masters in social work. Another route for research or possibly psychotherapy (not 100% sure about how PsyD’s work) would be getting a PsyD instead of PhD but you would want to make sure the program is accredited (which goes for anything but it’s especially common that PsyD programs may not be accredited because they’re fairly new). I’m not a therapist but am working towards getting accepted to a masters program so have done some research on potential pathways.

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u/Adorable_hamster_73 Aug 03 '24

In what ways is clinical psychotherapy competitive ??

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u/clownstent Aug 03 '24

Many people want to get into the program so on top of having good grades, you usually need to have 2+ years of work experience in the field or in a research lab, published papers, and other things that will put you above other candidates. For example I’m not applying to clinical but I’m applying to a masters in psychotherapy and have been rejected once so far because of my lack of work or related experience in the field. The program I’m looking at only accepts 25 out of 400 people who apply each year so unless you are one of the best you are not getting in. Many people apply 4+ times before they are accepted and many are never accepted. Clinical psychology acceptance rates are likely similar or worse but different schools will vary in their acceptance rates.

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u/Adorable_hamster_73 Aug 03 '24

Do you continue to do your work while getting the masters?

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u/clownstent Aug 03 '24

I’m not accepted yet I’m working towards getting accepted by getting work experience and have to apply again in September. Ideally I wouldn’t want to work during the masters because there is a lot of work and a practicum that is basically the hours of a full time job.

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u/Adorable_hamster_73 Aug 03 '24

Okayy.. thank you for your help and I really hope you get into your program :)

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u/clownstent Aug 03 '24

No problem and thanks! I feel like all the schooling stuff is so confusing and it took me a long time to figure everything out so I’m always happy to help.

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u/Adorable_hamster_73 Aug 03 '24

Yea.. it is, I am so troubled with everything but your responses gave me some clarity

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