Is there a future for psychology?

Hi guys,
Maybe weird to wonder, but here I am studying psychology and thinking about my future.
As I love the health and medical field, I got enrolled in psychology. Now, I suppose there are fields in psychology in the health direction, I still wonder something.
There seem to be so many people studying psych and it 's so hard to get the right certificates etc....I'm wondering if I made the right choice.
Maybe I should study law and have more chances there.
However, I would love to counsel people, but if I'm one number out of the many, what are my odds of (here I go again) having a decent job with the joined salary.
What would be good areas to look into or what will be high in demand? I'd rather know early than late.
Little (major) problem: I have to do everything through DE.
Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

yeah i am thining exactly the way u are..what school did you start with/ i am doing everything with DL as well..
there better be a future ..

 

There will always be a future in psychology! It just depends what kind you want.

If you want to be a researcher/academician, there is that road you can take. You'll make a living.

If you want to work for someone else, the pay stinks but you may like the population you are serving. A secretary makes as much as a Masters level clinician.

If you go into private practice, you could lose your shirt or make it big. It depends on a variety of factors:

1. How good are you in counseling and seeing healing in people. (In my humble opinion, most are OK to incompetent... no offence to other Psych guys here). It takes a unique gifting and training (mostly alternative to the training in academia) to become an expert healer.

2. How motivated you are to promote yourself successfully. How excellent and attractive are the promotional materials versus stale clinical and traditional look of literature. Are you getting the word out constantly?

3. How good are you with your financial management, fees schedule, whether you will take insurance or not, overhead expenses, etc.

If you are an excellent healer of the heart and soul you will have people beating down your door to see you, eventually.

 

Well Put!

Hear Hear, my friend.

 

xygirl,

As suggested several times in the past but apparently disregarded, it appears that you would benefit from meeting with a career counselor to assist in developing a viable and realistic education/career plan. By not doing so one will not be able to focus on a specific field of study that is congruent with their abilities, aptitudes and interests BUT will continue to have self-doubts resulting in vacillation and prolonged indeciveness.

 

In the 1950s, 60s, and seventies the doctorate in Clinical Psychology was considered a degree of the intellectually elite and one of the most difficult graduate programs to gain admission to due to the high level of academic and intellectual standards required by universities for the few admission slots available each year. It was a coveted degree and it was more difficult to gain admission into a doctoral psychology degree program in Clinical Psychology than was being accepted into medical school!
However, in the past twenty years or so the profession of Psychology appears to have lost the clout it held in years past.

Starting in the1980's until the current time, a significant number of free standing schools came into being that offered the Psy.D in lieu of the Ph.D resulting in an inundation of the profession with Psychologists. Several of these free standing schools significantly lowered the standards for admission including in some cases the elimination of GRE scores (or not factoring these scores into the admission decision) and paying little attention to GPAs. Contrast this with the past requirements for admission into Clinical Psychology doctoral programs where an applicant was required to have a straight A (4.0) GPA in their bachelors degree programs and very high scores in the GRE (700 to 800 were common) as well as very high MAT scores (scores in the high eighties to nineties) with heavy concentrations in experimental psychology, statistics, mathematics and three years of either french or german language. As we all know, the majority of distance learning doctoral programs do not require any standardized tests for admission and minimum demonstrations of academic capability to pursue this field.

This lowering of standards resulted in large numbers of psychologists entering the job market and competing for fewer and fewer good jobs. Furthermore, the over-emphasis of Psychology on socio-political issues and social injustice (these are obviously significant issues BUT only to a certain point) appears to have impacted on the perception of this profession. In addition, the advent in the 1980s of biological treatments for the treatment of recalcitrant mental illness drove Psychiatry and the medical profession to the forefront of the mental health professional hierarchy resulting in even greater competition for employment. The fact that Psychologists are often in competition for jobs with social workers, counselors and other master level clinicians adds to the very competitive nature of this field, including private practice. In fact, a masters level state licensed mental health counselor if trained appropriately is allowed to provide intensive counseling and conduct many of the same assessments and tests that a doctorate in Clinical Psychology can administer. Many insurance companies actually prefer to have masters level clinicians provide mental health services than doctorates in Psychology because they are cheaper and the results in terms of patinient outcomes have been virtually indistinguishable from their higher educated colleagues.

 

In the 1950s, 60s, and seventies the doctorate in Clinical Psychology was considered a degree of the intellectually elite and one of the most difficult graduate programs to gain admission to due to the high level of academic and intellectual standards required by universities for the few admission slots available each year. It was a coveted degree and it was more difficult to gain admission into a doctoral psychology degree program in Clinical Psychology than was being accepted into medical school!
However, in the past twenty years or so the profession of Psychology appears to have lost the clout it held in years past.

Starting in the1980's until the current time, a significant number of free standing schools came into being that offered the Psy.D in lieu of the Ph.D resulting in an inundation of the profession with Psychologists. Several of these free standing schools significantly lowered the standards for admission including in some cases the elimination of GRE scores (or not factoring these scores into the admission decision) and paying little attention to GPAs. Contrast this with the past requirements for admission into Clinical Psychology doctoral programs where an applicant was required to have a straight A (4.0) GPA in their bachelors degree programs and very high scores in the GRE (700 to 800 were common) as well as very high MAT scores (scores in the high eighties to nineties) with heavy concentrations in experimental psychology, statistics, mathematics and three years of either french or german language. As we all know, the majority of distance learning doctoral programs do not require any standardized tests for admission and minimum demonstrations of academic capability to pursue this field.

This lowering of standards resulted in large numbers of psychologists entering the job market and competing for fewer and fewer good jobs. Furthermore, the over-emphasis of Psychology on socio-political issues and social injustice (these are obviously significant issues BUT only to a certain point) appears to have impacted on the perception of this profession. In addition, the advent in the 1980s of biological treatments for the treatment of recalcitrant mental illness drove Psychiatry and the medical profession to the forefront of the mental health professional hierarchy resulting in even greater competition for employment. The fact that Psychologists are often in competition for jobs with social workers, counselors and other master level clinicians adds to the very competitive nature of this field, including private practice. In fact, a masters level state licensed mental health counselor if trained appropriately is allowed to provide intensive counseling and conduct many of the same assessments and tests that a doctorate in Clinical Psychology can administer. Many insurance companies actually prefer to have masters level clinicians provide mental health services than doctorates in Psychology because they are cheaper and the results in terms of patient outcomes have been virtually indistinguishable from their higher educated colleagues.

 

I'm trying for the third time, I don't know what happened but my replies get lost....???

Thank you for your explanation, I appreciate it.
I was considering Counseling, so I suppost that's not a bad idea?!

What I mostly would like to do is Psychiatry, but I can't find the posts no more telling me IF and WHERE DE psychiatry can be done?
Any quick replies?
thanks

 

Quick Reply: It can't.

I second Simon that a career counselor can help. Actually, volunteer in the field - go smell, taste, touch it as close as possible to see if it is something you really see yourself doing.

 

xygirl,

Initially you expressed interest in Rehabilitation Counseling, then Occupational Therapy, then psychology and now Psychiatry. IMHO it appears that you are very uncertain as to what you really wish to do and may benefit to sitting down with a Career Counselor and working out what you are really suited to do and then go for it! By continuing to go from one profession to another is merely adding to your uncertainty and diffusion and will probaly not lead to resolving your indeciveness

 

I agree with both Simon and SMAS. I have been working in the psychology field as a layman now for 4 years and I started actually working on my undergrad in pscyh 2 years ago. There is most definately a future in it but you have to realize it is a highly competitive field and even with that the salarys are still very low for a lot of positions that can be had at the undergrad and masters level. We see quite a few newly minted undergrads that come through here and they ususally are in for quite a surprise when they find out that having an undergrad in psych means basically you are the infantry of an organization and that you spend a lot of time on the front lines. Where I work we have a staff psychiatrist, psychologist, and several clinical social workers so I can see the gamut of what each does. While the psychologist here also does counseling, he is more responsible for testing and clinical assessment. However, the social workers definitely have some overlap as to their job descriptions as they do a lot if not close to all the one on one therapy here. I work for a large orgainization so they can afford to have this type of staff on payroll, but I do know that at similarly structured places that have less funding they use only clinical social workers for the most part. They only consult with psychologists on a limited basis and for psychiatric related matters they will just send the client to the hospital. I think you need some hands on before you can truely understand (as SMAS stated) if you are interested in furthering your education in the field of Pscyh. As far as going for psychiatry, I really do not think that you understand what you are asking for. Psychiatry is a specialty part of being an MD. If you knew what encompassed going to medical school I do not think that you would have even thought to ask if it could be done via DE. This is where I agree with Simon and every one else that has said ad infinitum that you should probably take the time to see a vocational counselor as this will help you tremendously in defining your career goals and interests.

 

Ok, guys,
Let me clarify my situation here and you'll see clear into my problem.
I'm a woman with a strong head on my shoulders and I know what I want. I want a career in the medical sector!
BUT, my husband will work soon for the State Department, meaning we'll be moving around the globe and giving me zero chance of attending medical schools in the US.
THAT 'S MY PROBLEM
I know I want to have a career and mostly in the State dep. as well, but they wont accept an officer just like that. I wanna fight for it with the right baggage (degree).
So, I DO want a medical degree, but what is available with DE?
If the answer is NONE, then I better seek a psych cos I'm up for a depression myself.

Really hope you understand my situation and despair and search!
Thanks
Please don't give up on me, cause I'm lost.

 

No worries. You're among friends. Couple of questions:

Do you love working with people?
Do you want to help people?
Are you willing taking on long-term debt?
Do you have a life-long love of learning?
Do you not want to make a lot of money?
Do you want to have your own career but have flexibility to support your husband's career or do you want to be truly dual career? (That's hard, of course)

Those are just a few questions you might think about. But it sounds like you might be happy teaching K-8 or becoming a school counselor. You might also think about being a chemical dependency counselor. All of these require a masters degree or less, depending on the state or country in which you reside. You should talk to an academic counselor because there are lots of way to find a fulfilling career in helping people. That said, if you love studying psychology and want to help people then there is nothing wrong with going for a Psy.D., but medical school is definitely out if you don't see being in one place for several years.

Dave

 

Hi Dave,

Career planning is a complex process that transcends sorting through myriad career possibilities leading to the selection of a career. Instead, career exploration initially requires "looking" within oneself, at times with the assistance of a Career Counselor, in order to discern one's strengths, limitations, internal barriers and constraints. This information will enable one to have the needed direction to seek out realistic education/career possiblities that are congruent with their aptitudes, abilities, personality typology, interests, values and needs. However, by merely reviewing a number of potential professions and careers and then making a critical career choice will most probably not lead to a satisfactory selection of a career leading to a high level of career satisfaction and adjustment.

There are fortunate individuals who know when very young what career they would like to pursue. For these persons there is no issue. However, for many others the career selection and decision process is not so straightforward. Some experience a great deal of ambivalence, lack of readiness to commit to any particular career or have many career interests and cannot decide which one to select. Others draw a blank or are dependent on others' advice as to which career they are best suited for. In addition there are individuals who have unrealistic career goals that are not consonant with their abilities, interests, personality style, etc. In these situations taking the time to discuss these issues with a professional career counselor can make the difference between selecting a career that is not commensurate with who one is versus finding a very good career fit that may result in long term satisfaction and fullfillment

 

This seems like good advice. Sounds like the original poster could use this type of resource.

Dave

 

I agree with the career counselor advice, "health/medical" is far too broad to be casting about for graduate degrees, and most counselors and therapists actually tend to resist being lumped into the medical model. Talk to someone one on one; you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself about this choosing-a-career decision.

I am not as pessimistic about compensation as some are; counselors might not be rich but they don't starve. My best friends are a married couple, she's a master's-level clinical counselor (LCPC), he's an associate's-level addictions counselor (CADC), and their combined income is well over $70K working for small community agenices. They live a very middle class life in a fairly affluent Chicago suburb. Working for hospitals and bigger agencies could add $20K to their income.

Entry-level salaries might be fairly low, but they do go up with time and experience.

 

Hey Guys,
I really appreciate your thoughts and advice. I do agree and wish to speak to a career counselor. HOwever, I have not the slightest clue of how and where to find one here overseas in Belgium. I'll do some research.
I have definitely made up my mind that whatever I do (probably not psychology) it HAS to be in the Health Care sector.
I don't want to depend on my husband and have MY career, I have loved medical and health care all my life and every thing I can get in my hands to read on it, I do.
I love leading and mangaging people and be with people.
So, I even consider now (after talking to people again) Management, which is something I never thought about before.
I'm leaving doors open and hope to know more about it.
I understand it's not an easy decision, but I have to make up my mind one day and go for it.Management is my search area at this moment, because I need to find out what those area's offer.
I'll continue my search.
Does any university have these career counselors? Is that where you find them?
Thanks

 

Take a look at ( www.goinglobal.com ).
They help you contact a career counselor. Fees are negotiated between you and the advisor.

http://www.goinglobal.com/CareerAdvisors.asp

- Contact local universities in Belgium for info on career counseling services.

- Research healthcare associations or companies that may exist in Belgium.

- Management and Healthcare are interconnected. A large aspect of public health, social work, and counseling is management. If you enjoy your position and work well with others, managing a branch organization or a department is within your grasp. Persistence, ambition, and networking is key.

 

- The National Career Development Association may help you locate a United States career counselor. They may provide counseling services online or by phone. Ask them about career counselors in Belgium.

- Go to the internet resources tab and click on "Internet Sites for Career Planning".

http://www.ncda.org/

- Visit xavior's online career services center.You may combine career counseling with self assessment to narrow your choice of profession.

http://www.xu.edu/career/career_development/self_assessment.cfm

- Browse the career links to explore your options.

http://www.xu.edu/career/career_development/career_specific.cfm

- Research associations, career sites, and volunteer opportunities

http://www.xu.edu/career/career_development/job_postings.cfm

- Visit the following websites for information about healthcare associations.

http://www.weddles.com/associations/index.cfm

http://www.asaecenter.org/


------------------------------------------------

Visit the European Health Management Association for information about internships, volunteering, networking, and paid healthcare career opportunities in several countries.

http://www.ehma.org/home/links.asp

 

Great info.
Thanks
Any universities with a Masters in Magagement Health Care recommendations? With DE or limited residenties requirements.