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Hazel
Student
Spokane, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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ow do i get started in becoming a clinical psychologist?
I'm planning on getting my BA in psychology, and I've been looking at the different careers in that area. I know that to be a clinical pyschologist it would require 7-8 years of school, and I'd have to get a PsyD. From what I've been reading, it's a competitive career and so is getting into a clinical psychology program, especially at the university I want to study at.
I'm wondering what the steps would be to get to clinical psychology: grades, experience, etc.
Are there also any other careers similar to clinical psychology that I could go into?
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Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1855
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Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Hazel !
In order to become a Clinical Psychologist in your state of Washington, it would take 10-13 years of college. There are some other careers in which one can be involved in clinical therapy and the best and most marketable one I can think of is to pursue becoming a Social Worker which takes six years for a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree.
The path for social work would prepare you, certify you and license you to practice clinical therapy. You can also consider becoming a specific counselor (Clinical Mental Health Counselor) but your work for this would be on a more short term basis with clients. No matter which career in this field you choose, you will always be interacting with the patients' other professional team. I would suggest watching some videos on You Tube in which people in these careers talk about what it's like.
The field of mental health and social services is slightly competitive, but contacts and networking can make a big difference. Keep in mind, more than it being competitive, there are more agencies for this work in large cities than in most small towns. Attending mental health conferences would be an excellent way to both network as well as become familiar with what is available in the town or city you wish you work in.
The requirements to enroll in college and major in this field would solely depend on the college that you apply to. Do a search online for that colleges' acceptance rate to see the percentage of students they accept to the college. Then go to the college website and read about the program that you want to major in. That is where you will find the prerequisites which you can take at that college. While still in high school, take any psychology, sociology and health science classes if they are offered at your high school. Good grades, a high GPA, volunteer work and extracurriculars will make a big difference, too.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
In order to become a Clinical Psychologist in your state of Washington, it would take 10-13 years of college. There are some other careers in which one can be involved in clinical therapy and the best and most marketable one I can think of is to pursue becoming a Social Worker which takes six years for a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree.
The path for social work would prepare you, certify you and license you to practice clinical therapy. You can also consider becoming a specific counselor (Clinical Mental Health Counselor) but your work for this would be on a more short term basis with clients. No matter which career in this field you choose, you will always be interacting with the patients' other professional team. I would suggest watching some videos on You Tube in which people in these careers talk about what it's like.
The field of mental health and social services is slightly competitive, but contacts and networking can make a big difference. Keep in mind, more than it being competitive, there are more agencies for this work in large cities than in most small towns. Attending mental health conferences would be an excellent way to both network as well as become familiar with what is available in the town or city you wish you work in.
The requirements to enroll in college and major in this field would solely depend on the college that you apply to. Do a search online for that colleges' acceptance rate to see the percentage of students they accept to the college. Then go to the college website and read about the program that you want to major in. That is where you will find the prerequisites which you can take at that college. While still in high school, take any psychology, sociology and health science classes if they are offered at your high school. Good grades, a high GPA, volunteer work and extracurriculars will make a big difference, too.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !