<p>I've begun researching graduate degrees in clinical psychology, and so far the programs I'm checking out (Universities of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan) seem to want to warn you that their training focuses on research and preparation for academia. Is this meant to scare away people who JUST want clinical training, or do they really not prepare you for actually treating people? If the latter is the case, are there any good PhD programs that are more balanced between research and clinical practice, or should I start looking at PsyD programs?</p>
<p>I think I might be confused. Any help will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Hey, did you ever receive any responses for this? I came to the forum hunting for this information but haven’t found anything. Since you were asking last year, I’m hoping you got the information you wanted by the fall!</p>
<p>The PhD can prepare you for clinical practice, but the idea is to also train you in research methodology to contribute to the field. And yes, some do end up in academia after graduation, or after practicing in the field for some time. The PsyD degree is strictly clinical application with little focus on research. However, these degrees are not funded the way a PhD typically is and can be very costly. I have seen clinicians with a PsyD teach at colleges and I have seen those with PhDs practicing in the field only. Some will be adjuncts or assistants at colleges for extra income or other reasons while having their own practice or working in an office elsewhere.</p>
<p>Hopefully that person has their question answered, but just in case the second OP wanted the information too - yes, clinical science programs do train you to counsel patients and the little spiel is just to scare away people who ONLY want clinical training. They’re all APA-accredited, will allow you to choose APPIC internships and get licensed. However, the main focus is on clinical science and the idea is that most of the people who go to those types of programs will go into academic and other research positions primarily, although they may see clients on the side.</p>
<p>And there are hundreds more clinical psych programs focused on a more balanced approach - in fact, only a handful of programs take the clinical science approach (primary focus on research). Most PhD programs take the scientist-practitioner approach, which is based on training psychologists who can act as both great clinicians and as researchers and who can consume and perform research to inform their practice. How much emphasis they put on research varies by program; higher ranked programs may put more emphasis on research, expecting most or at least half of their students to go into academia or research, whereas mid-ranked programs may expect most or all of their students to go into private or applied practice.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much! I think I have a lot more clarity on this, and I’ll be sticking to those that have a more balanced/scientist-practitioner model.</p>