How do I 'transition' from a PhD in research psychology to mental health counseling?

I have a PhD in developmental psychology, and since receiving the degree five years ago, I have led a successful research-oriented career. I am now a tenured professor, still doing research, but becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the 'role' that I am expected to play as a teacher and researcher. Although I have no training in mental health or counseling, I am seriously considering transitioning to a more applied career. The problem is that I have no idea how to make this transition, and do not know anyone who has done something similar to this. Would I be required to go through another doctoral programme, this time in clinical psychology? Or are there other ways for me to make the change, perhaps one that wouldn't require another 5 years of graduate school, given that I already have my PhD is psychology?

How do I 'transition' from a PhD in research psychology to mental health counseling?
One of the professors at my school has her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology and then went to a respecialization Psy.D. program. Several graduate schools have them. It usually takes 2 years in school (rather than 4) plus the required one year, full-time internship. Then you have to have one year of supervised practice before you can be independently licensed.





Or you can just get your Master's in Clinical Psychology, Counseling, or Clinical Social Work, which will allow you to work in an applied setting in about the same amount of time.





Here's a couple of schools that have the respecialization programs:


UMass: http://www.umass.edu/psychology/div4/mai...


University of Missouri: http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/artscience...
Reply:The cheaper way, around here, is to get a Masters of Social Work with a concentration in clinical/psychotherapy. We were told that around 80 percent of counseling is now done by masters level social workers because insurance companies and government agencies don't want to pay for PhD level therapy.





After 8 hours of listening to people tell you they are depressed, you will long for the classroom.





I would love to have PhD in psychology, so I could get one full-time job instead of multiple part-time jobs, teach at the university level, do research and be on a journal's review committee.
Reply:You probably wouldn't need to get another degree but I would suggest taking some counseling psych or clinical psych classes in Theories and Techniques to get your feet wet. Maybe even consider a semester or two of practicums or internships to make sure it's really what you want to do. Start by checking out your states requirements through the psych board. Then you'd need to find a position that would connect you with a Ph.D in clinical or counseling psych to act as your supervisor. Not just for support but as most states will require so many hours of supervised practice before giving you a license to practice on your own (even if you do have a Ph.D). Best bet is to find yourself a mentor in the field to make your transition smoother.
Reply:actually you look in the want ads and apply for a job.





developmental psychology researcher.... I'm curious of what you are researching.... I find it strange that "scientists" always miss the mark.... our problems are spiritual in nature





2 types energy affects the physical and emotional..... .





both are at very high ends of negativity right now...