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