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What's the difference between a Ph. D and Psy. D?

Is one more valuable than the other in terms of finding a clinical psychologist job or making more money? Is one easier to get than the other? #psychology #clinical-psychology #phd #therapists

Thank you comment icon A PhD is a doctorate in philosophy, a PsyD is a doctorate in psychology. Beyond that, I don't have the expertise to answer your question. Eric

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Arun’s Answer

The Ph.D. degree is a Doctor of Philosophy degree, which places a strong emphasis on research. Clinical or counseling
psychologists who have a Ph.D. have received extensive training in the science and practice of psychology. Ph.D. training
in clinical or counseling psychology prepares psychologists to conduct research as well as to provide clinical services.


The Psy.D. degree is a Doctor of Psychology degree. These programs are designed to train practitioners, and they
typically have a greater emphasis on psychotherapy and supervised experience with patients than do Ph.D. programs.
Graduates of Psy.D. programs are taught how to understand and appreciate research (i.e., they should read and understand
scientific studies and their practice should be shaped by this research), but they are not trained to actually produce research
– at least this isn’t emphasized as much as in traditional Ph.D. programs.

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Mary’s Answer

Hi Emma,
This is a great question! Here are some of the primary differences between the PsyD and PhD in psychology:

PhD: The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology requires the completion of a dissertation, is research focused, and can involve an internship. Designations after graduation and receipt of license or certifications can be clinical, counseling, teaching, research or even Industrial-Organizational psychologist.

PsyD: The Doctor of Psychology requires a residency, and is clinical and practice focused. Designation after graduation and receipt of license is often clinical psychologist with a specialty.

Considering the income as a clinical psychologist, both degrees can lead to a license if the program is accredited by the APA. Clinical experiences that require you to work in medical settings and in some community roles do pay well. Chiefly, greater income comes with experience, and the level you are working at, like as a director of a clinical program.

Good luck!
Mary
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