Five Reasons to Pursue a PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists can be found working in almost every industry in the United States. Some work in the counseling field. Others who successfully complete a doctorate of psychology degree program in clinical psychology go in to private practice, while still others go on to work for law enforcement, the government, large or small organizations.

While pursuing a doctorate degree in clinical psychology is no guarantee a student will land a job in any particular field, doctorate level coursework can help students learn to think critically and analytically, and they can learn skills that may translate into a variety of professional fields.

The Ability to Work for Yourself

Some patients seek out clinical psychologists to help them understand their own personality and learn why they behave a certain way.

Clinical psychologists in private practice can undertake this journey along side of these patients. In ideal cases, clinicians can observe successful transformations into improved behaviors which often lead to fruitful outcomes for the client. Psychologists can witness a patient?s quality of life go from dismal to extraordinary. Often times, this is the most gratifying aspect of working in private practice.

Understanding Human Behaviors and Pathological Manifestations

Often psychologists have an interest in the "how" and "why" of human behavior. The PsyD degree allows graduates to focus on learning human behavior, understanding the pathology behind these behaviors, and providing therapy to change or modify those behaviors.

In the event that a family member has been afflicted with a psychological disorder a PsyD degree can enable one to understand this family member better.

This increased knowledge may enhance the relationship to a level that may not have been possible without the expanded knowledge.

Ability to Collaborate with Medical Doctors on Treating Patients

Individuals with a PsyD degree can diagnose a patient and conduct psychotherapy, but they cannot prescribe medication. Therefore, a doctor of psychology will refer a patient to a M.D. in order to receive pharmacological care. Likewise, medical doctors will refer patients to a doctor of psychology for diagnosis and psychotherapy. Collaborating with fellow clinicians to achieve one common goal can be a gratifying aspect of the career.

Variety of Career Options

There are multiple industries that a PsyD clinical psychology doctor could choose to search for a career. Forensics is one industry that utilizes a doctor of psychology with a PsyD degree. Forensic psychologists may be charged with diagnosing a patient that has committed a crime. Forensic psychology findings would be used in the criminal justice system to assist prosecutors or defense attorneys in identifying the patient?s state of mind at the time of the crime.

Sense of Personal Accomplishment

Choosing to complete a PsyD degree can be the capstone for students who have undergraduate or graduate degrees in psychology, and the successful completion of a doctorate level program is to be congratulated. Completing a PsyD program can be tough, especially if the student is working full time while completing their degree. Goal setting, focus, and a sense of personal responsibility are essential in order to reach the end. Upon completion of the degree, students have the "bragging rights" to say that they are a Doctor of Psychology. No matter where a student's post-doctorate life leads, the skills learned in graduate school can be translated into a variety of career paths.

Source: http://education.ezinemark.com/five-reasons-to-pursue-a-psyd-in-clinical-psychology-7d2ea0df8d3c.html

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