Clinical psychology doctorate programs are available to those who are ready to reach the highest level of education in the field of clinical psychology. Combining research and practical skills, the doctorate areas prepare graduate students for a career of helping others through diagnostic, therapeutic, and consulting skills.
In order to move forward with a doctoral degree, you will need to choose the appropriate area for your specialty. You will also need to have previously obtained a MS (Master of Science), MA (Master of Arts), or MSW (Master of Social Work).
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Family Psychology
The road to a PsyD degree in clinical psychology requires extensive coursework with an emphasis on research and clinical practice. In addition to these requirements, the doctorate candidate must complete a supervised internship and a full dissertation.
Following completion of a master’s degree, the Doctor of Psychology degree can take 2 to 4 years to complete. After doing so, the clinical psychologist is eligible to work in any of the following settings:
• School system
• Family businesses
• Legal system
• Health care system
In the school system, there is a great need for clinical psychologists with an emphasis on family psychology. Working with parents, children, teachers, and administrators to provide the best possible education for a child is the ultimate goal.
Helping them to overcome obstacles such as behavioral or psychological disorders, family disruptions, parenting and custodial disputes, and adoption or foster care, may be among the potential challenges.
Within the context of the family business, clinical psychologists must contend with a variety of dynamics such as succession management, conflict resolution, and employee morale. Transitioning leadership within a family business can be difficult from more than just a financial perspective.
When there is more than one member of a family involved, the potential for internal conflict—and the effects it can have on employees and operation—is great. For decisions that can have generation-spanning effects, a sensitive understanding of human psychology is essential. And according to the Institute for Family-Owned Businesses, more than 80 percent of businesses in the United States are family-owned and -operated.
Within the legal system, a PsyD graduate can assist families and the justice system in helping find appropriate child care, understanding criminal behaviors or psychological disorders, and offering expert legal testimony.
In the health care system, the degree is beneficial for the planning, design, and assessment of a variety of health care services. Whether working directly with patients or indirectly with hospital administrators and clinics, the clinical psychologist with a Doctor of Psychology can offer assistance with a far reaching impact on the good of others.
Be sure to read our other articles on choosing the right clinical psychology degree:
