Download - Licensure Preparation
Congratulations! You Have a Doctorate! Now What?
Pursuing a Successful Career in Psychology
PPAGS Spring Conference April 10, 2010Cheryll Rothery, Psy.D.
Introduction
Workshop Overview/Goals
Disclaimers
Information Sources
GRADUATE SURVEY
Sent an email survey to 31 graduates of my program
13 respondents = 42% response rate
GRADUATE SURVEY QUESTIONS
What study materials did you use for licensure exam?
What was most helpful to you in preparing for the exam?
What was most helpful to you in finding a job?
GRADUATE SURVEY QUESTIONS
If you have a private practice, what was most helpful to you in getting your practice off the ground?
What are three things you wish you had known with regard to the profession/practice of psychology?
GRADUATE SURVEY QUESTIONS
What advice would you offer current students with regard to preparation for the field, preparing for licensure, finding a job, or setting up a private practice?
What are some creative ways in which you have used your degree (e.g. unique jobs or opportunities)?
PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE
Why get licensed as a psychologist?Purpose of licensureBenefits of licensurePros and cons of licensure in other fields
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Licensure requirements vary by state.
Pennsylvania has lower hours requirements than many other states.
Each state has a web site for licensure information. Go to www.ASPPB.net (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards) for further information.
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Some states, including PA, require graduation from an APA-accredited program
A few states require completion of an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship
Some states require specific coursework
Some states have a residency requirement
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Some states have specific hours requirements regarding # of hours of practicum, internship, and post-doc supervised experience
In addition to info from your doctoral program, forms must be completed by your pre-doc primary supervisor and your post-doc internship or supervised professional experience supervisor.
PSYCHOLOGY LICENSURE
APA Model Licensure Act
What is it? Implications of itStates that have adopted/in process (AL,
OH, MD, UT, ND, SD, AZ, VA, NC, IA, WA)ASPPB’s position on APA Model Licensure
Act
CURRENT PENNSYLVANIA LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Taken from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Code
Title 49. Professional and Vocational Standards 6/07
POST-DOCTORAL EXPERIENCE
(i) Experience acceptable to the Board means experience as a psychology trainee in a professional setting that is organized to prepare the applicant for the practice of psychology consistent with the applicant’s education and training. At least one-half of the experience shall consist of providing services in one or more of the following areas: diagnosis, assessment, therapy, other interventions, consultation.
POST-DOCTORAL EXPERIENCE
Supervised teaching and psychology research are other areas that may count toward post-doctoral requirements.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING:
(A) Independent private practice as a qualified member of another recognized profession under section 3(3) of the act (63 P. S. § 1203(3)).
(B) Independent private practice as a certified school psychologist under section 3(10) of the act.
(C) Practice as an independent contractor.
POST-DOC TRAINING TIMEFRAME
One year, which the PA Board defines as 1500 hours (Many other states require 2000 hours.)
POST-DOC TRAINING TIMEFRAME
Supervised work activity will be counted toward satisfying the experience requirement only if it takes place in a single setting for either, first, at least 30 hours per week but no more than 40 hours per week during at least a 3-month period, or, second, at least 15 hours per week for a period of at least 6 months.
POST-DOC TRAINING TIMEFRAME
The experience shall have been obtained within the most recent 10 calendar years, at least half within the most recent 5 calendar years.
SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS
(ii) A psychology trainee shall, in every
professional setting in which the trainee gains experience, be supervised by a psychologist holding a current license issued by this Board or by a statutory board of psychologist examiners of another state, if, in the opinion of the Board, the requirements for licensure are substantially equivalent to the requirements of the act.
SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS
(A) The supervisor shall own, be employed by or be in contract status with the professional setting in which the psychology trainee is employed.
(B) The supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring that the minimum requirements for acceptable supervised experience are met.
SUPERVISOR’S AUTHORITY
(C) Psychological activities of the psychology trainee shall be performed pursuant to the delegation, order and control of the supervisor, who shall accept full professional responsibility for the psychology trainee’s performance. Accordingly, the ultimate responsibility for the welfare of the client/patient shall be in the hands of the supervising licensed psychologist
SUPERVISION
(E) The supervisor shall meet individually with the psychology trainee for an average of at least 2 hours a week. If the supervisor has delegated supervisory responsibilities to other professionals, 1 hour of this minimum may be allocated, at the direction of the supervisor, between or among them.
SUPERVISOR AVAILABILITY
(3) The supervisor shall be accessible to
the supervisee for consultation.
(4) The supervisor shall be accessible to clients/patients of the supervisee for the purpose of answering questions and responding to concerns.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
(5) The supervisor shall be responsible
for the supervisee’s services to each client/patient.
(6) The supervisor shall be empowered to interrupt or terminate the supervisee’s activities in providing services to a client/patient and, if necessary, to terminate the supervisory relationship.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
(12) The supervisor shall observe
client/patient sessions of the supervisee or review verbatim recordings of these sessions on a regular basis.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
(15) The supervisor shall prepare written evaluations or reports of progress which shall delineate the supervisee’s strengths and weaknesses. These evaluations or reports shall be discussed with the supervisee on at least a quarterly basis.
DUAL RELATIONSHIP LIMITATIONS
(7) The supervisor may not be a relative of the supervisee by blood or marriage, may not be involved in a dual relationship which obliges the supervisor to the supervisee and may not engage in treatment of the supervisee.
ADJUNCT SUPERVISION
(I) The supervisor may delegate clearly defined areas of the psychology trainee’s supervision to other professionals affiliated with the professional setting whose competence in the delegated areas has been demonstrated by previous education, training and experience.
ADJUNCT SUPERVISION
(II) Although the supervisor shall continue to bear the ultimate responsibility for supervision, those to whom supervisory responsibilities are delegated shall be individually responsible for activities of the psychology trainee performed under their supervision.
COMPENSATION
(17) The supervisor may not accept fees, honoraria, favors or gifts from the supervisee.
EXAMINATION FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF PSYCHOLOGY (EPPP)
Required in all states, 3 US territories, 9 Canadian provinces
Measures broad, general, foundational knowledge
225 multiple choice items Data indicates it is best to take exam
within 3 years of graduation Data suggests that preparation beyond
200 hours yields diminishing returns
OTHER STATE EXAMS
Many states require a local jurisprudence/ ethics exam
Some states require an oral exam, a specific competencies exam or exams, or an interviewCase vignette, diagnostics, case
conceptualization, diversity issues, ethics and the law
STUDY METHODS Text books Course materials Study groups Test specification materials from ASPPB Commercial materials
Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) (8/14)
PsychPrep (2/14)Academic Review (2/14)Combinations of above (2/14)The Taylor Method (newest)
EXAM OUTCOME DATA
Eighty-three percent pass the exam the first time! (ASPPB)
Most states do not have limits to # of times you can take exam, but some states will issue additional requirements, e.g. additional coursework after 3 failed attempts
LICENSURE MOBILITY
Why it is important
How ASPPB can helpASPPB Credentials Bankwww.ASPPB.net/CTPVS
“Grandfathering”
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Getting the most out of your degree
STUDENT LOAN DEBT
Loan forgiveness programsOffer to eliminate some or all of your student loans in returning for working in certain underserved communities for a specified period of time
CAREER OPTION EXPLORATION
Clinical/Counseling (assessment, intervention)Agency settingCollege Counseling Center settingGroup PracticePrivate PracticeHospital setting
Inpatient Outpatient Partial Residential
CAREER OPTION EXPLORATION
Clinical/Counseling, cont.PrisonNursing HomeSchool (will likely need School Psych
certification)
CAREER OPTION EXPLORATION Clinical supervision Teaching
Undergrad, Master’s, DoctoralAdjunct teaching, Faculty position
Administration Consulting Trainer/Workshop Presenter
SPECIALTY AREAS
Clinical psychology Counseling psychology Neuropsychology School psychology Health psychology Forensic psychology Sports psychology Divorce mediation Industrial/Organizational
psychology
GETTING STARTED
What was I trained to do?With what populations was I trained to work?
In what settings was I trained to work?
How does this match with what I want to do at this point in my career?
GETTING STARTED
What do I need to do to get where I want to be at this point in my career?
How does this fit with my personal goals?
GETTING STARTED
What are the obstacles?
What/who are the resources?
What is my game plan?
What is my timeline?
RESOURCES Practicum Supervisors Internship Supervisors Student Colleagues Professional Mentors Networking LinkedIn.com Higheredjobs.com Psyccareer Chronicle of Higher Education
PROFESSIONAL CAREER PLAN
GOALS
Pre-Graduation
0-2 years
2-5 years
5-10 years
STEPS CHALLENGES
RESOURCES
TIMELINE
MARKETABILITY
What specialty do I want to offer?
Anxiety disordersAutism spectrum disordersLife transition issuesPTSD
MARKETABILITY To whom?
Children, Adolescents, Adults Individuals, Couples, Families,
Groups Step/Blended Families LGBT populations Prison populations Particular ethnic groups Immigrants
MARKETABILITY
How do I develop this specialty?
Post doc trainingCE workshopsAdditional courseworkClinical work under supervisionProfessional reading
IS PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR YOU?
THE ROAD TO PRIVATE PRACTICE
Why private practice?
Hazards of private practice
Part-time vs. full-time options
Solo vs. group options
PRIVATE PRACTICE SKILL SET
Initiative – must be a self-starter
Creativity – must be able to market what you have to offer
Networking skills – many referrals are word-of-mouth
HOW TO GET STARTEDComplete post-doc training and get licensed asap
Conduct research
Consult with other professionals
Create a business plan
HOW TO GET STARTED
Identify an affordable, prime location
Consider accessibility issues, parking, safety, etc.
Get on referral lists
HOW TO GET STARTED
Create a memorable but classy business card and have it ready to distribute everywhere you go
Send out announcements of your practice opening; decide where and how you will advertise
HOW TO GET STARTED
Offer your expertise to organizations – this can generate referrals
Consider splitting an office with a colleague to share expenses and provide each other with peer supervision and support
HOW TO GET STARTED
Decide whether or not you will get into the managed care game – if so, start the process early
Network with old and new contacts
Set a fee scale that is comparable to others in the area
HOW TO GET STARTED
Engage in pro bono or sliding fee work, but set limits
Identify and collaborate with a psychiatric referral source
Connect with the local CRC/hospital
HOW TO GET STARTED
Consult with or hire an accountant; if necessary, hire a business manager
Identify a colleague to serve as your back up
To cover for you when you are awayTo secure your records and contact your clients in cases of emergency or your death
RISK MANAGEMENT
Purchase malpractice insurance
Maintain good records
Engage in regular clinical or peer supervision/consultation
Don’t practice outside of your area of expertise
RISK MANAGEMENT
Be thoughtful in how you schedule clients
Beware of boundary issues – private practitioners face high risk of ethical violations because of the isolative nature of the work
RISK MANAGEMENTBeware of radical, controversial approaches and techniques
Don’t take on clients that you cannot manage; if a client becomes unmanageable, make appropriate referrals, but do not abandon client
Be up front with clients about the scope of your practice and of your availability
RISK MANAGEMENT
Continue to hone your craft and keep up with the latest information re: ethics, law, techniques, etc. through workshops, trainings, and professional reading
Engage in and model good self-care
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
(PPA listserv) Building Your Ideal Private Practice: A
Guide for Therapists and Other Healing Professionals,” by Lynn Grodzki
“The Paper Office,” by Edward Zuckerman Breaking Free of Managed Care: A Step
by Step Guide to Regaining Control of Your Practice, by Dana C. Ackley
Saying Good-Bye to Managed Care: Building Your Independent Psychotherapy Practice, by Sandra Haber, Elaine Rodino, & Iris Lipner.
WHAT GRADUATES WISH THEY HAD KNOWN
How much managed care can impact the ability to find jobs and get paid a reasonable salary
How hard it is to get a job if you are not licensed
Level of paperwork and management responsibilities
More about the business side of practice
WHAT GRADUATES WISH THEY HAD KNOWN
Importance of having a support system of other psychologists
How to get funding vs. taking out so many loans
More about treatment planning Number of psychologists who
feel that ethical principles are negotiable
Variety of opportunities in the field
WHAT GRADUATES ADVISE
Take care of yourself. Take seriously, understand,
apply and respect APA and PPA Codes of Conduct.
Do not accept cases that are outside your areas of competency.
Expand beyond your niche. Develop and maintain a solid
support system.
WHAT GRADUATES ADVISE
Understand the level of commitment and time required.
Specialize. Network, network, network! Hire a good supervisor. Get involved in professional
associations. Be sure your job is structured to
meet licensure requirements.
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES Geropsychology Multiple roles in multiple settings Adjunct teaching, small research
projects Presenting at conferences Providing workshops and
seminars Foster parenting trainings Consulting Disaster/Crisis Consultant
FINAL THOUGHTS
Relationship, Relationship, Relationship!
Be professional, but authentic. Protect your public self.
Understand that the private can become public.
Do your homework/research. Learn negotiation skills to be
fairly compensated, financially or otherwise.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Dress professionally. Remember that your written
materials represent you. Be punctual. Practice your interview skills. Be an advocate for the
profession. Know, and practice according to,
the ethics code. Give back. Pay it forward.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Stay current in the fieldEthics CodeMandated reporting requirementsConsent to treat children
requirementsEvidence-based therapiesPsychopharmacologyDSM revisionsMulticultural competenceNew and updated assessment
instruments
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION