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Psychology major advice
Can you still become a clinical psychologist with a BA in Psychology? And are there specific psychology fields that don't require a PHD or PSYD? I'm interested in the field but I don't know if I want to spend 12 years in my life at school.
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Priya’s Answer
Hi Sarah,
I am in Texas, and in Texas I think you need a phd/psyd to be a clinical psychologist. To be in a therapist role, you can pursue a license for Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC or named licensed mental health therapist in some states), Licenses Marriage and Family Therapist, Art therapy, Music therapy, or a Licensed Social Worker(unsure if this is the official title.) For those roles, I believe they all require a master degree at least. You may be limited in types of roles within mental health if you stop at your Bachelor degree. Also, in Texas, you can absolutely diagnose at the master level, at least as a Licensed Professional Counselor--I would look up information of each subfield for more information.
I am in Texas, and in Texas I think you need a phd/psyd to be a clinical psychologist. To be in a therapist role, you can pursue a license for Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC or named licensed mental health therapist in some states), Licenses Marriage and Family Therapist, Art therapy, Music therapy, or a Licensed Social Worker(unsure if this is the official title.) For those roles, I believe they all require a master degree at least. You may be limited in types of roles within mental health if you stop at your Bachelor degree. Also, in Texas, you can absolutely diagnose at the master level, at least as a Licensed Professional Counselor--I would look up information of each subfield for more information.
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Collette’s Answer
Hi Sarah, as a fellow NYer, I can inform you that to become a clinical psychologist obtaining a BA or BSc is one of the steps required. To become a clinical psychologist in NY you are required to possess a PhD or PsyD and take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Indeed it can take an average of 12 years to obtain a PhD or PsyD. It is also important to note that you can obtain your PsyD in a shorter time that your PhD. The PhD program generally takes longer because it trains students to become researchers creating new knowledge. Comparatively, the PsyD program is more clinically focused requiring fewer research and statistics courses.
There are specific psychology fields that does not require a PhD or PsyD. For instance, you can become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in NY with a Masters degree, however, there are specific course requirements and supervision for licensure. LMFT, and mental health careers cannot diagnose clients, only a PsyD can.
There are specific psychology fields that does not require a PhD or PsyD. For instance, you can become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in NY with a Masters degree, however, there are specific course requirements and supervision for licensure. LMFT, and mental health careers cannot diagnose clients, only a PsyD can.