<p>Various types of psychology topped the list of majors with the worst employment prospects. Is this field is like many others–higher qualifications are now needed to do the same job as before? Just as LPN’s are being phased out and PT degrees require more years of training, could it be that master’s level mental health providers are being edged out and one now needs a degree in psychiatry? </p>
<p>Plumbers and auto mechanics make a good salary, so it depends how much less the psychologists earn whether this is a true problem or not.</p>
<p>It is a very true problem, the GFG. The cost of maintaining and running a practice is getting exhorbitant. Plumbers may have to buy some tools and a truck, but if they buy parts the cost is shifted (with profit) to the customer. The cost to run a practice includes paying for office space/utilities/furnishings, billing service, office and malpractice insurance, supplies (which, for those who do testing, is very expensive), etc. For practices with several providers, there are staff costs, business phone lines/phone system, transcription/copy/copier costs, storage/filing/record keeping, sometimes electronic medical records and electronic billing clearinghouse costs, etc etc etc. Don’t know too many plumbers who have the same overhead expenses. Oh, and they probably dont have college/grad school loans to repay either.</p>
<p>And it isnt higher qualifications for the same work, it is higher qualifications for a lot more work and a lot less pay. It is the higher degreed folks that are being forced out, not the lower degreed folks, as insurance companies want to pay the lowest possible cost.</p>
<p>Oh, and that article about the worst “majors” is misleading, as most of the psychology “majors” they listed aren’t available at the undergrad level- those are graduate degrees. That said- yes they are facing significant employment issues with shrinking training and internship sites. Really, really sad.</p>
<p>This whole situation is such a mess. So sad. </p>
<p>Our family is suffering directly from this nonsensical, topsy-turvy scenario, and we are the lucky ones in this country- we have relatively good resources and are relatively well-informed.<br>
There is huge demand for a service, from some who can pay and some who cannot. There is a supply of potential workers interested getting trained for this field. Many cannot get training or work in this field, and those who do pursue it cannot make any money at it. I guess it is similar to all health care. But I am just so disappointed.</p>
<p>I feel that our economic system is broken.</p>
<p>Take care all, those who are caring for patients, and those who need the care, and those who are healthy.</p>