Will a Texas theft misdemeanor stop me from pursuing a career in psychology?

[pretty.brwn.]

I received a deferred adjudication involving a theft when I was 19 years old. I wasn't convicted and really can't remember what class the theft went under but the amount of money the items taken equaled to was around $250. I'm 21 and currently seeking a degree in marketing however I've become completely disinterested and would like to switch my major to psychology which I have a true passion in. I was told by my lawyer at the time I wouldn't be able to get a government Job unless I followed through with all was to do for the duration of my probation. I complied yet deferred adjudication is still visible on my record and was told by a law professor at school I would have to go through clean slate to keep it shielded excluding law enforcement. So, is pursuing a career anywhere in psychology (including psychiatry) something I must let go? Or is there a chance I could still pursue it after I've gone through clean slate? Thank you for your honest answers and suggestions in advance

[Betsy]

You shouldn't have problems due to the misdemeanor for which you were not convicted. You might, however, have some problems due to the fact that there are many more people seeking jobs in psychology than there are jobs in psychology. You might find a degree in social work to be more marketable.

[Will]

There is no such thing as "clean slate." If you mean "expungement" the medical licensing board can see it as easily as law enforcement will be able to. There are exceptions for professional licensing boards so they can see past expunged records. That said, a misdemeanor theft may not be a problem. Call whatever licensing board governs what your final profession is and ask.