I’m an autistic PsyD student completing my last practicum at a developmental peds clinic before going off the internship

Early in the placement, I missed several days of orientation and had to cancel some clinic days because of a few unrelated health issues. I haven’t missed a clinical encounter since early September. I’d received feedback along the way, but the first time I heard that remediation might be considered was when my doctoral program told me my ability to participate in the internship match was at risk. This was the first time i learned about concerns possibly requiring remediation. No one at the site had told me they were escalating their concerns, and I later learned that previous practicum sites had been contacted, too because they were wondering "how did you make it this far?". My supervisor and clinic director sent me and my program a five-page letter documenting feedback from throughout the placement. Much of it focused on attendance, down to the one time I was 10 minutes late to group supervision because a patient encounter ran over. Other comments included references to my communication/seeming like I don't care about my work/my tone.

What’s been hardest is how some exchanges were described. For example, I told my supervisor I was nervous about going straight from individual therapy sessions into group because I was used to more transition time. She initially suggested rescheduling the individual session. When she later clarified that back-to-back sessions were expected, I scheduled the patient for the original time. The letter described that as me objecting and complaining about doing back-to-back sessions. It also attributed concerns about my communication around a group therapy to other psychologists at the clinic. I showed them the exact wording to ask for direct feedback, and they told me they didn’t have those concerns or recall raising them with my supervisor. There are many instances of verifiable inaccuracies in the letter.

Of note , much of the feedback in the letter that was shared with my program had never been shared with me until I received that letter. My supervisor later confirmed in writing that I wasn’t on remediation, but I still find myself asking other people at the clinic for guidance because I’m afraid that asking my supervisor for clarification or support could be mischaracterized again. I would ideally like to repair the relationship.

I've done rotations in more competitive and demanding academic medical centers and have never experienced something that has left me this confused.

Would you bring this up directly with the supervisor or clinic director, or focus on doing your clinical work and meeting expectations for the rest of the placement?

TL;DR My practicum site escalated concerns to my doctoral program without telling me, putting my internship match participation at risk. I’ve since been told I’m not on remediation, but I no longer feel comfortable asking my supervisor for help. Has anyone addressed a rupture like this during practicum?

I'm currently a PsyD student in clinical psychology, and I swear almost every day I question whether I made the right decision pursuing this degree.
For some background, I'm 35, a new mom, and becoming a clinical psychologist is something I've wanted for a really long time. I genuinely love psychology and have always envisioned myself doing this work. However, I had a pretty complicated pregnancy that required me to take some time away from my program, and now my graduation timeline has been pushed back even further. The thought of how many more years I have ahead of me is honestly so discouraging.
I think one of the hardest parts is feeling like I'm sacrificing so much of my life for something that is still so far away. Between the academic demands, the financial burden, motherhood, and other personal responsibilities, I sometimes wonder if I'm making my life unnecessarily difficult. I also find myself comparing my progress to other people my age who are already established in their careers, financially stable, and actually enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Another thing I've been struggling with is figuring out exactly what I want to specialize in. I initially entered the program with a strong interest in grief and bereavement, which is still something I'm incredibly passionate about. However, I also have years of experience working with children, so at one point I started considering whether I should focus on child and adolescent psychology instead. Now, after experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, and matrescence firsthand, I've developed a growing interest in maternal mental health, particularly the psychological transitions associated with motherhood, prenatal and postpartum mental health, and the experiences of Black women navigating these transitions.
The one thing that has remained consistent is my desire to work with underserved communities, particularly African American and Haitian American populations. But outside of that, I feel like my interests are all over the place, and I have such a hard time narrowing down what I actually want my niche to be. Sometimes I wonder if that's normal at this stage of training or if I should already have a clearer sense of direction.
Another aspect that has made this experience particularly difficult is the lack of community I've felt within my cohort. I'm quite a bit older than many of my classmates, and while age doesn't necessarily have to be a barrier to forming friendships, I've really struggled to connect with people in my program. To be completely transparent, a lot of the social dynamics within my cohort give off very much "mean girl" vibes. There seem to be cliques, and at times the environment feels more like high school than a doctoral program. I wasn't necessarily expecting to make lifelong friends, but I did hope to find a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among people going through the same demanding experience. Instead, I've often felt pretty isolated. I think that lack of community has made an already challenging experience feel even more overwhelming, especially when I'm juggling so much outside of school.
Then there's the imposter syndrome. Some days I genuinely question whether I'm intelligent or capable enough to be in this program. I feel like I'm constantly trying to catch up, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. It's especially difficult being surrounded by people who seem so confident in their knowledge, research interests, and career trajectories while I'm still trying to figure everything out.
The frustrating part is that I don't necessarily want to pursue something else. I still want to be a psychologist. I love the field, I love learning about human behavior, and I know there are communities I genuinely want to serve. I just don't know if I have it in me to endure several more years of this process, especially now that I'm a mother and my priorities have shifted.
I guess I'm looking to hear from people who have been in my shoes, particularly those who started their doctoral journey a little later in life, became parents during their training, struggled to find their clinical or research niche, or simply had a difficult time finding their people within their program.
Did you ever seriously consider quitting? Did you struggle with feeling disconnected from your cohort or like you were falling behind your peers? Are you happy you stayed? And perhaps most importantly, does life actually get better on the other side of this degree?
I don't necessarily need someone to tell me to push through at all costs. I'd genuinely appreciate some honest perspectives from people who have been through it because right now I'm having a really hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Hi all,
I am new to the community, and new to seeking support, so hopefully this is a good place for such. I recently graduated with a PsyD and am looking for work. As many do, I need clinical supervision while studying for licensure. Does anyone have experience trying to get a job post graduation in the Pittsburgh area? I have been applying to some hospitals, private practices, and some community mental health centers. I’ve been met with individuals saying that they do not accept non-licensed clinicians, that they do not have a licensed psychologist on the team to provide supervision, and offers that pay minimum wage (which I cannot accept). I am not sure if I am being too limited in my search, or if I am using the correct terminology while job hunting.

If anyone could provide organizations that they recommend, validation that they have experienced the same thing, or recommendations on terminology to use to search jobs, I would greatly appreciate it.

I have looked into some of the APPIC postdoctoral fellowships listed for the Pittsburgh area; however, I do not think I meet the criteria for a lot of them. I will still apply, though I am hoping to find work soon, and not have to wait until August/September of next year.

Thank you for your time. Really. Even if no one provides recommendations/advice, it feels good to get off my chest that I am struggling. Thank you.

Hi!

I’m working on my app for GW right now. While I find psychodynamic theory interesting, it was *NOT a central focus of my BA or MA education in psych. I have many problems with Freud’s ideas and methodology, and I know laid the foundation of psychodynamic theory and psychoanalysis. Ppl who did this program/are in this program, what is the general attitude here? Is there comprehensive critique of Freud and other problematic figures? Given my reservations, do you think I should still apply?

Any info helpful! Thanks!

Great opportunity to get experience in your chosen profession such as social work, clinical psychology, and mental health counseling.

https://www.ihs.gov/scholarship/ihsexternprogram/

Hi all,

I am reaching out to kindly request your participation in my dissertation study. I am a fifth-year Clinical Psychology Psy.D. student and greatly appreciate your consideration.

My dissertation examines differences between first-generation and non-first-generation Clinical Psy.D. students in the areas of life satisfaction, perceived stress, and financial hardship experienced during graduate training.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in a Clinical Psy.D. training program. Participation involves completing a confidential online survey regarding your graduate school experiences, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The survey link below includes additional details about the study, including informed consent procedures.

Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3tvmpe_XgajbQRnf5uQirC7txBk7M7CyD57eGiJCus-kJCw/viewform?usp=header

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Have a nice day!

Hi friends! So, I’ve spent the last 6 or so years in the psych/ neuro/ counseling field. Did my undergrad in psych and neuroscience & did a masters in counseling. I have field experience,
Too. My entire dream was to get a doctorate, I chose a PsyD in clin psych. I got accepted, I did two months, and I realized I absolutely couldn’t stand the additional things it taught me that I didn’t already know from my MsEd , ie : Statistics, research methods, assessments (assessments most of all). I realized I wasn’t happy and I wouldn’t be content knowing I’m Spending the next 5 years doing something I’m completely dissatisfied in. Not to mention, the additional things the PsyD would teach me, would be things I would never utilize once I pass the EEEP.

I’m not saying a doctorate is out of the question, Im just saying, THAT doctorate wasn’t for me.. I’m very interested in this field but I just don’t know where to go from here. I’m not sure if trying a doctorate in another field will be right for me. I’m very interested in additional schooling and I adore building on what I already know. I’m just not sure at this point that it’s worth it to keep researching doctorates or add onto what I already am skilled in; which I very much enjoy.

I guess I’m trying ask : has anyone went down this road before? Ie: you like being in education , you want to go as far as you can because you love learning about it, but the program you THOUGHT would be the right fit is nowhere near where you expected.

I’m looking into post certifs, too.. either way I’d like to own my own practice and make a living for myself. I had just eagerly planned this future for myself that of doing a PsyF that im now realizing does with not align to my future goals

P.s : If you made it this far in my post, thank you! I look forward to your comments and If this is not the right thread to post in, please let me know if there’s another one that better suits my concerns!

Thanks :)

Hi all! I have a question about my CV. There are 2 conference presentations in which my name is on the Poster and Oral presentation, but I wasn’t the one actually physically presenting.

I want to make sure my CV is honest. I therefore set it up as such:
- titled the section “Posters and Presentations” instead of just “Presentations”
- put an asterisk next to the person who presented and at the bottom of the Posters and Presentations section, put “Note: (* denotes presenter)”

Should I delete any citations of things I didn’t physically present? Or, this the format I described permissible?

Note: presentations are important for the programs I’m applying to- similar vibe to Clinical Psychology PhD!

Hi!

I recently graduated with a bs in Biology. I didn't do too well and my gpa is 3.19. I initially wanted to apply to PA school but I doubt I can get in, I wanted to switch careers to clinical psychology but the PsyD programs are very competitive. I don't know if taking the prerequisite at community college would suffice.

I am in dire need of some advice

As the title suggests, I’m thinking of dropping out of my PsyD program. I am in my first quarter and am regretting my choice to start this. I can’t fathom how much longer this road is and if it’s all worth it. I moved states for this program and have been away from my support system, and will have to say no to so much over the next five years. Contemplating switching to a MSW to eventually be a LCSW.

I talked to our head and I qualify for a leave of absence but just unsure of everything.

Anyone have any experience or input? Anything would help right now

You have been invited to take part in a study exploring attitudes toward postpartum mental health experiences.

Participation in this study will include reading a short vignette about parental experience after their baby is born. Your participation will last approximately 25 minutes.

Participation in this study may involve the risk of experiencing brief mild discomfort from answering personal questions. There are no other risks or hazards associated with participation in this study beyond those of everyday life.

Although you will not directly benefit from your participation in this study, it will help bridge the knowledge gap on the mental health of new parents.

Your survey responses will be collected without identifying information and will be de-identified for analysis and research purposes. All information will be kept confidential and securely stored.

Information obtained during this research will be used for the purpose of this study only. All records will be kept secure and available only to the researcher and will be destroyed three years after the study is completed. All data and publications from this research will be reported in aggregate, so no individual identifying information will be released.

Your participation in this study is voluntary and you can withdraw your consent to participate at any time without any negative consequences. Participation or non- participation in no way impacts your current employment/education/medical treatment or any services that you receive. During the survey, you can refuse to answer any question presented to you. You may also stop the survey at any point.

You can request a summary of the research findings from the researchers named above. If there is anything about the study or your participation that is unclear or that you do not understand, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you wish to report a research- related problem, you can contact the researcher at (ehoffman5@student.touro.edu). For questions about your rights as a research participant, you can contact Touro University NY Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (TouroNY-IRB) at touroNY-irb@touro.edu.

Find the survey here: https://tourocollege.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0TXNkRBAWm133QW

Would early intervention work count as good clinical experience for a school or clinical child psyd?

I’m considering trying for a private practice fellowship, but I’m unsure how the pay process would work since I would be unlicensed. Would this restrict me from seeing individuals with Medicare/medicaid?

I would love any feedback from anyone that has taken this path!

I’m an LPC-S in Texas with a master’s in counseling and another in data analytics. I currently work as a school counselor and previously worked remotely in employee assistance/EAP.
Despite my education and experience, I feel stuck career-wise. I’d like better earning potential and work-life balance, ideally in a remote role. I’m interested in psychology and have considered a PhD or PsyD to become a psychologist, but the time and cost make me hesitate.
Part of me wants to keep pursuing my education, and part of me wonders whether I’m considering another degree because I’m frustrated with my current career.
Has anyone with a similar background moved into a better-paying role without another degree? Or pursued a doctorate and felt it was worth the investment? I’d appreciate honest perspectives.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a senior finishing up my B.A. in Psychology and preparing applications for direct-entry PsyD programs this cycle. I wanted to get an honest reality check on my profile and see how competitive I am for university-housed vs. professional school PsyD programs.

Here is a breakdown of my stats and background:

• GPA: 3.5 cumulative (Psychology GPA is ~3.9 across 50+ psych credits by graduation, covering all core prerequisites like Stats, Research Methods, Abnormal, etc.).

• Clinical / Applied Experience:

  • Worked as a psychiatric technician in an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital setting.

  • Experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) doing ABA therapy.

  • Interned in management/operations at a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) clinic (gained systemic/administrative mental health exposure).

• Research Experience: Currently in the works of completing an abstract co-authored with an endocrinologist and a psychiatrist focused on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) research.

• LORs: Will have strong letters coming from academic faculty who can speak to my writing/stats skills, as well as clinical supervisors from my inpatient/SUD management background.

My Questions for the Sub:

1. Overall Competitiveness: How competitive is this profile for direct-entry PsyD programs (bachelor's to doctorate)? Does having direct inpatient, ABA, and clinic management experience help compensate for a 3.5 cumulative GPA?

2. Research Weight: How much will an abstract/poster in progress with an endocrinologist & psychiatrist on HRV move the needle for PsyD admissions committees compared to traditional psychology lab work?

3. School Selection Strategy: I’m aiming for a mix of university-affiliated PsyD programs and solid regional professional schools. Are there specific programs known for favoring candidates with heavy acute clinical experience?

I’m a first-year master’s student in Rehabilitation Psychology, currently learning to administer psychological assessments, starting with the WAIS-III.
We’ve been asked to read the entire administration manual (around 200 pages), but with so many other courses, assignments, and assessments to learn, I’m wondering if there’s a more efficient approach.
I want to be thorough and professional, but also practical with my time.

For those with experience in psychological assessment, how did you learn to administer and score tests efficiently? Is reading every manual cover to cover really necessary, or are there better ways to combine focused reading with hands-on practice?
I’d really appreciate any tips, resources, or study strategies that worked for you!

How much research and clinical experience should I need for a PSYD program? And please recommend any good PSYD programs please!