Future Psychologist Confused?!

[studentseriously]

Future Psychologist Confused?

I chose psychology because it balanced my driven need to help others with a salary I was comfortable with. My ultimate goal is to open up a very small practice, basically just me and a possible assistant.

Due to being orphaned at 16 Ive had to balance a very, very demanding work week with school from that age on. One particular semester I came to a breaking point and had to drop out of all four of my lasses to avoid eviction and work overtime to meet my financial deadlines. While all the other classes were B's with a few A's, this semester resulted in four F's. This explains why I have no hope of acquiring my PhD (due to extreme competition as Im sure you're aware) which emphasizes research anyway.

I am interested in something I read about, a PsY (?) degree which is only 3 years and focuse more on applied practice. Does anyone know of how competitive these schools are to get into from experience?

Additionally, and more importantly, does anyone know for certain which US states do not allow a master's degree level to practice clinically? Or if the list is shorter, which states that do? Can I open a private practice anywhere with a master's? I can't seem to get an answer on this....

And finally, does anyone know from experience the monthly cost of running their own psychology clinic? While I realize state requirements vary, Im also interested in the initial start up costs, outside of purchasing or renting the property itself?

I am aware that there are other, state specific fields of psychology involving other kinds of accreditation but I'm mostly interested in the broad spectrum application of practicing with a master's.

Im entering my third year of college and Im the type of person to really panic if I don't know exactly what Im getting myself into, especially since psychology is a fairly recent decision. Thanks so much for your input! I need some serious direction here.

[Sofia]

Why don't you try retaking the classes? Maybe squeeze them into winter or summer vacation, or see if you can take them online.

It is uncommon for psych majors to practice "clinical" psychology with an MD. You focus on studying clinical psychology when you start your PhD program. Clinical psychologists have PhD's or PsyD's 90% of the time. However, with an MD, you can practice psychotherapy. I advise you to work towards a PhD, as opposed to a PsyD, because most institutions will hire individuals with PhD's because they tend to have more experience in the field [research-wise]. Grad programs are very competative, especially for those who are going into clinical psychology.

I used to know a psychologist who ran a clinic, he said his salary was around 90K a year [in Los Angeles].