Benefits and risks of obtaining a DETC Psy.D?

Rich Douglas · Feb 11, 2010

simon said: ↑

Rich Douglas said: ↑

It's important to note, however, that the use of the term "doctor" by licensed social workers and counselors who are NOT licensed at the doctoral level (i.e. as a psychologist) is severely restricted. For example, this is what the board in Florida told me today:

If a person has earned a doctoral degree it is his/her constitutional,
free speech, right to use the title of "Doctor." However it is
imperative that the individual is clear in interactions with the public
and consumers that he/she is NOT a licensed psychologist, but he/she is
free to state educational achievements.

"Dr. ________,LMHC, is not a licensed psychologist but has a Ph.D./Psy.D
in psychology"

This is irrespective of the RA/NA issue. So, a master's-level family counselor who goes on to earn the PsyD in question, but does not also get licensed as a psychologist, had better ensure that disclaimer is present whenever he/she uses the title. (In Florida, anyway. In many states, the person couldn't even use it at all).

SIMON: The above issues are specifically what I alluded to in an earlier post in order for a clinician to avoid any allegations of misrepresentation of title. In fact it is the ethical responsibility of a professional (ie, Social Worker, LMHC, etc) to clearly delineate and disclose, verbally and in writing, as part of an ongoing informed consent process and initiated during the first contact with a client extending to the conclusion of the therapeutic relationship, their exact professional title, the nature of the clinical and professional services they do and don't provide as well as the strengths, limitations and expectations of this interaction.

DOUGLAS: So here's the bottom line: The PsyD is meant for licensure as a psychologist. Will the PsyD program in question lead to it? Probably not in most states, perhaps--with additional qualifications--in a few. But using the title "doctor" while performing health-related duties without licensure at that level can get one in trouble. Hopefully, that person's representative will be a real attorney, and not just someone with a J.D. from a correspondence school.

SIMON: At this time, obtaining licensure as a Psychologist in the majority of states with a DETC-accredited Psy.D appears to be very difficult if at all possible. Will this change in the future? Perhaps, but we will have to wait and see how receptive states other than California will be as the DETC Psy.D evolves and their graduates are turned out in larger numbers and apply for Psychology licensure in their respective states.

Btw, if a practitioner plans to obtain a DETC-accredited Psy.D it would be a good idea to consult with an attorney who specializes in the informed consent process to outline an informed consent form that ensures that they are ethically disclosing all relevant data to clients, including their professional title.
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We are in violent agreement.
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simon · Feb 11, 2010

Rich Douglas said: ↑

simon said: ↑

We are in violent agreement.
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Violent does not begin to describe the nature of our agreement. It's seismic acquiescence!
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hipsociety · Sep 21, 2011

Schools

simon said: ↑

Yes, but the litmus test is still viable because the other DETC doctoral programs require a dissertation. BTW, there are RA free standing Psychology programs that also do not require a dissertation but a doctoral project, just as does the DETC Psy.D program.
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Do you have a list of these schools?

major56 · Sep 21, 2011

hipsociety said: ↑

Do you have a list of these schools?
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Loma Linda: Psy.D
PsyD Clinical Psychology - Loma Linda University PsyD Clinical Psychology

Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology: Psy.D
PsyD Program in School Psychology, Doctoral Project - The Massachusetts School Of Professional Psychology

Pace University: Psy.D
Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

University of St. Thomas: Psy.D
University of St. Thomas : Graduate Psychology : Doctor of Psychology Program

Note: Nonetheless, I’d consider these as dissertation projects.

Bruce · Sep 22, 2011

major56 said: ↑

Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology: Psy.D
PsyD Program in School Psychology, Doctoral Project - The Massachusetts School Of Professional Psychology

Note: Nonetheless, I’d consider these as dissertation projects.
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I've read several MSPP doctoral projects....yeah, it's a dissertation.

major56 · Sep 22, 2011

As you state; whether expressed as a doctoral dissertation or doctoral project … they’re synonymous.

03310151 · Sep 22, 2011

Benefits:
1. Someone will call you Dr.
2. It's easier than RA.

Risk:
1. Have to explain/defend your degree...a lot.
2. Professional reputation.

Delta · Sep 22, 2011

03310151 said: ↑

Benefits:
1. Someone will call you Dr.
2. It's easier than RA.

Risk:
1. Have to explain/defend your degree...a lot.
2. Professional reputation.
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I agree! Especially, the "risk" of tarnishing one's professional reputation! From my experience, many folks in the healthcare industry do not respect unaccredited professional programs. I realize these schools may be NA or even RA but if they don't have the professional/program accreditation, they don't hold much weight and may even be detrimental!

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Benefits and risks of obtaining a DETC Psy.D?

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