Where are the best graduate programs for psychology/clinical therapy?

I've checked out the graduate psychology programs at many schools but they all seem to emphasize careers in research and education, rather than psychotherapy. What schools train practitioners of psychology, rather than researchers?

Where are the best graduate programs for psychology/clinical therapy?
A really good starting location is the american psychological association website. You will find a list of accredited Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs by state. No matter what you decide, make sure you go to an accredited school.





Believe it or not, BOTH PsyD and PhD programs have a focus on research, and you have to do a masters thesis and dissertation for both.





PhD: you will learn how to conduct clinical research, as well as how to be a therapist and clinician.


PsyD: you will learn how to read, analyze, interpret research, and how to be a therapist and clinician.





**Also, each PhD program is different in how much emphasis they put on research and clinical work. That is something that reading through the website will tell you. I know that UIC (U of IL in Chicago) is super big on research, NIU (Northern IL U) is more on clinical, but I don't know about other ones. Look at how much field work you will be required to do, and also look at the required course. that will give you an idea of where they stand**





another HUGE difference between PhD and PsyD that is worth considering is this:





PhD: in general, accepted students are fully funded with tuition waivers that means that you will be a research assistant or teachers assistant for 20 hours/week for someone at the university you are at. you will receive a stipend that depends largely on the school--each school is different. some include health insurance, too. In other words, the school is paying you to become a Doctor and attend their school.





PsyD: never (at most, extremely rarely) do they offer this type of deal. you will survive on your own money, and from students I have talked to, I heard the debt can be overwhelming ($400,000.00!!!). It's so large because you can't really work outside of school because you're so busy unless you attend part time, but then it takes even longer to get the degree, and AAAHHH! annoyance!





Okay, this is really long! I'll shut up now.
Reply:check out psy-D programs (instead of PhD). they are for people like you (less research-more clinical training)
Reply:See what kind of job you want then look at their qualifications. Go after schools that offer that. I also think you need to go after Psy.D.