Psy D. vs PHD in real life?

[smart ass]

I could really use your help.
I hear a lot about how PHD programs are more prestigious than Psy D. Programs, however, my interest is in Clinical Psychology and not Research.
I understand that Psy D. programs are more expensive, but I wonder if they're worth it.
I don't have any frame of reference here as I don't know anyone with a Psy D.
Please feel free to share any advice you might have.

Thank you.

[Sugar Rush]

It's worth it if you need it for your ideal career. For instance, compared to Master's-level training in clinical fields (e.g., clinical or counseling psychology, social work, etc.), you could have a more flexible career (e.g., becoming a psychologist will allow you to practice not just therapy but also assessment/testing, with appropriate training -- Master's-level training will not allow independent practice in the latter), higher pay, and more opportunities for supervision of doctoral students and junior clinicians. The PsyDs I have known do not seem to regret their choice, and they have done well -- but, on some things, they have had it much harder than fully funded PhDs.

Some advice / my two cents:

You just have to be prepared to take on $100-200ks in loans overall. Compare the types of fees they charge -- not just tuition, but fees they might charge if you end up writing your dissertation off-site, need to extend your grad school training should you not match to an internship, etc.

Also, really do careful research on graduate programs before you apply. Make sure that the program is APA-accredited and that its alums do fine on the market for internship, postdoc, and jobs. Some PsyD programs are notorious for not training/preparing students well for internship (a handful of PsyD programs have high rates of failing to place students into accredited predoctoral internship programs, which is a full-year placement required nationally), for the national licensing exam (see the pass/fail rate for each program), etc.

In addition, make sure that the practicum training (i.e., clinical training offered during grad school while you're in residence) offered is reasonable and reputable -- I have heard of students being asked to work unnecessarily long hours for practicum or being placed at very disorganized sites where getting free labor out of you was prioritized over proper training. You will have a chance to talk to current students when you are offered interviews for grad school, but it doesn't hurt to also do some off-the-record research on your own and get honest opinions from current students.


Hope this helps some. Definitely explore your options as you apply. Good luck!