Cheapest and Fastest PHD or Psyd Psychology or Social Work

[Slobodon]

Hi all.

I'm already a licensed therapist in Social Work, I'm looking for a PHD or Psyd to help increase my marketability and prestige for my private practice. Like it or not, when I have the title Dr. more referrals come in the door. I have confirmed this with a few colleagues. And so I don't need to be able to become a licensed psychologist, I simply need a doctorate that is legitimate.

What would be my best options?

Hi, W.T.T.,

I go to church with a guy who is referred to as a "doctor," professionally.

I was surprised, when I first saw this.

I knew him to be in H.R.

He did then say that he worked in H.R. from a organizational psychology perspective.

His doctorate was from Capella. 

Ah! It hit me!

Organizational Psych!

Made total sense!

He's not in counseling, per se, at least not as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Thus, he's clear. "Doctor," he is, but, he doesn't purport to be a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and no one will confuse his credentials for that.

Here's what I've gleaned from various spots on this site and others, like the student doctor network site:

When one IS in counselling practice and licensed for such, as you are, already, but seeks to add the "doctor" title via a psych program, but does not obtain the Licensed Clinical Psychologist designation, there is an ethical consideration...unless one is quite clear about the nature of the doctorate they hold.

The clout and referrals you're referring to are probably regarding being a true Licensed Clinical Psychologist, though, naturally, there are people who are quite skilled as counselors who have no more than a masters, some of whom are probably way better than some PhD.'s or PsyD.'s. Sorry if I assume too much.

So, from what I understand, there isn't really a shortcut, time-or-money-wise.

Let's say you did get a Ph.D. in org psych, like my friend, or, in a straight-up Ph.D. or PsyD. program, but simply one that wasn't APA-accredited, didn't lead to doctorate-of-psychology-level licensure, or, you simply stopped short of all the requirements that could otherwise result in being Licensed Clinical Psychologist, in your state. However, at the same time, lets assume you continued in your counseling practice, just as you have, now, but, were to add the "doctor" stuff to your name, for the extra referrals. I think you would be called out on that. I think you would run risk to your reputation, ultimately. I think that this is a gambit that has been tried and been found wanting by counseling peer, across the country.

I'm no expert, so, there could be a hole or two in my understanding and, maybe, other ways to roughly approximate the same.

I know a masters-level graduate of a industrial and organizational psych program from an Ivy League school who has made $100+/hr., due to association with a top-level, known firm that seeks to aid companies, worldwide, with their highly-valued in-house employee counseling-type needs, but, that's probably off-topic for what you seek.

Please do post, again, W.T.T., when you gather more information, whether from here or elsewhere, as to the true best course for someone in your situation, as I'm sure that there are many others who could learn from you.

Of course, I'm sure you're heard of the Fielding Graduate University as possessors of the only APA-accredited PhD. and PsyD. programs online (hybrid, really, since meetings, though spaced throughout the year and the program, are required) (also, they meet all the requirements for APA internships, etc.), but, neither is Fielding cheap or quick.

Let us know how goes your journey.

 - Slobodon