PHD or PsyD, does it matter?

Do you know if California accepts DETC psychology doctorates for licensure?

 

raristud, I checked with the California psych board yesterday. They will accept graduates of DETC accredited programs for licensure. I thought that wasn't the case because their website doesn't state that national accreditation is acceptable, only regional. The enrollment advisors at Cal Southern gave me the correct information.

In light of this, if they obtain DETC accreditation, I'm getting my doctorate from Cal Southern. The Psy D will be fine for me as I only want to do psychotherapy with patients.

 

Thanks, Griffin. I won't be going for re-specialization, that would double the time I plan to go into practice. You are right though, the CA psych board will not accept fielding's re-specialization for licensure purposes. In addition, fielding doesn't take applicants from non-APA accredited programs in their respecialization program. So, it wouldn't work for me anyway as I'm getting my doctorate from either Cal Southern or Northcentral.

I'm in the camp that feels you don't need to spend a fortune and go into debt to get a quality education. It does depend on the school to a certain degree, but I think more depends on the drive of the person. In most cases, the same textbooks will be used and you can get your hands on anyone textbook you want anyway. Re expensive education, I've been there and done that with Azusa and it was no Harvard. Not doing it again.

I don't care about the snobs in academia re PsyD versus PHD, or APA accreditation for that matter. I'm not interested in their faculty positions, my dream has always been to have my own practice helping my own patients as best that I can.

 

Don't give up your dream. I love psychology and always will. I'm a school psychologist right now, without a job due to the budget crisis in California's educational system. Frankly, it's for the birds.

I've always been more interested in the clinical aspects of psychology rather than the educational, so by going for my doctorate in clinical psychology, I'm finally doing what's right for me. Also, I prefer working for myself, NOT a corporation or school district.

 

You may want to check your research. Fielding's Respecialization program is designed for graduates of psychology Ph.D.'s and ED.D.'s who graduated from non-APA schools but which are regionally accredited. That's the purpose to begin with. All similar programs have similar stipulations. I am surprised that California does not accept Fielding's retooling. It is standard operation with most Psych boards to accept whatever comes from an APA accredited school and accredited institution, even respecialized training. That is very odd.

 

Blackbird, you are right. Thanks. I read the question and answer incorrectly.

As for the state of Calfornia, most of their policies are ridiculous. If it weren't for the weather, I wouldn't be here.

 

That's good to know. Thanks for the info. Hopefully, calsouthern will get the much needed ok.