How exactly do you become a clinical psychologist?

I aspire to become a clinical psychologist by getting a Psy.D and I was wondering if you need a Master's degree first before entering a Psy.D program or can you enter the program after receiving a Bachelor's degree. I've researched and asked my psychology teacher before, but I've heard both sides but I'm not sure which is the way to go. A link to a site or direct information would be appreciated! Thanks!

How exactly do you become a clinical psychologist?
There will be some variation across programs, but most PsyD programs are available to individuals with only a Bachelor's degree. However, about 35% of students entering a PsyD program have a Master's Degree already. They are more likely mature students seeking to upgrade. It just means they will not take as long to finish.





It is best to get a doctoral degree in order to become a psychologist. There are only a few jurisdictions that license at the master's level. You will also need to do a one-year residency or internship. And once you have completed your doctoral degree and the residency, you will most likely have to go through a period of supervised practice (most often one year) and complete additional examinations (most often the EPPP and/or an oral exam) before you can be licensed or registered as a psychologist.





Here is a link with some additional PsyD info: http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/arti...





Good luck!
Reply:It is possible to get into a doctorate program from a bachelors program, assuming that you have taken the appropriate courses and done well enough in them. But, clinical psychology demands a great deal of research and writing in the field, Going first for your masters gives you some experience in research and original writing; the essential elements of doctoral work.


I took a masters in child psych before studying for my PhD. The teaching, reading, research and writing required, gave me a great basis for my dissertation. In fact, my studies in child psych, and my masters thesis was the foundational notion that gave my dissertation topic. I was even able to use some of the research data for my doctorate.





I'm not certain that I can tell which is the right way to go. All I'm certain of is that taking the time for a masters helped me a great deal; I've never regretted it.





Good luck,the right choice will be the course you choose.
Reply:You need a Ph.d in psychology. A Master's will allow you to become a therapist.