Clinical and Counseling Psychology Program Resources

Developed by Dr. Kenneth JD Allen, University of California, Berkeley, and modified by W&L Professors Ryan Brindle, Karla Murdock, and Holly Shablack

Considering becoming a therapist? Use the resources provided below to learn more about master’s and doctoral programs.

Paths to becoming a therapist:

• Master’s Programs – MFT, MSW, and MA, MS, MC, M.Ed. (Counseling)
• Doctoral Programs – Ph.D. (scientist-practitioner/clinical scientist) and Psy.D. (practitioner-scholar)

Resources to explore these paths further:

• Section 1 of Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology – Dr. Mitch Prinstein
• The Mental Health Professions Career Test – Dr. Joseph H. Hammer

Adjacent mental health and helping professions:

• Psychiatric medication prescriber roles: psychiatrist (MD, DO), physician assistant (PA), psychiatric nurse practitioner (degrees/credentials vary), clinical pharmacist (PharmD)
• Nurse (RN)
• Addiction and substance abuse counseling: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC; education and licensing requirements vary by state)
• Occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy
• Applied behavior analyst (working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder)
• School psychology
• School counseling
• Genetic counseling
• Music therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, sports therapy

General advice:

• Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology by Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at University of North Carolina and Chief Science Officer at the American Psychological Association
• Before You Apply to Graduate Programs in Psychology: Knowing When You’re Ready and Gaining Post-Baccalaureate Experiences by Dr. Casey Calhoun, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at University of North Carolina
• A Student’s Perspective on Applying to Graduate School in (Clinical) Psychology: A Step-by-Step Guide by Dr. Sophie Choukas-Bradley, Assistant Professor of Psychology at University of Delaware
• Psych Grad School Resources – A comprehensive website built by Dr. Joe Hammer, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at University of Kentucky, that includes resources (e.g., videos, tip sheets, etc.) he has developed, as well as resources he has gathered from others.

Choosing a graduate program:

• APA-Accredited Programs website: APA-accredited clinical and counseling psychology doctoral programs
• Book: Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology