Which degree to opt? PhD or PsyD| Wellnessnetic Care| Dr Manju Antil ~ Dr Manju Antil (Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist)

You want to become a Clinical Psychologist but don't know which doctorate degree is required - PhD or PsyD? The answer to that question depends on what career path you want to tread. PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy, whereas PsyD is a Doctorate of Psychology.

What Is a PhD degree?

A PhD in Psychology is a doctorate degree that is designed to lead to the development of new information or research in the field. Someone who holds a PhD is well prepared to teach psychology as a professor or work as a researcher. The goal of having a PhD in Psychology is to advance the knowledge of mental health issues as well as the methods used for the treatment.

What Is a PsyD degree?

A PsyD degree is a training-based degree that allows the professional to practice as per their specialization. It is a more straightforward, hands-on degree for the practice of psychology. After completing the PsyD in Clinical Psychology from an accredited institution and obtaining the license (RCI), you can practice as a Clinical Psychologist in India.

Key Differences

1. PhD students are generally trained following the scientist- practitioner model that puts greater emphasis on research

2. PhD candidates will have coursework like research methodology and statistics

3. A PhD degree is earned in 3-5 years

On the other hand when we talk about PsyD

1. PsyD students are generally trained with greater emphasis on clinical work

2. PsyD students will have coursework like a case study in human behaviour, therapy, and mental health conditions.

3. PsyD degree is earned in 2-4 years, keeping in mind that this includes 1 year of internship or training.

The difference between PsyD and PhD is enough to make someone stop and think about the career path that will be best for them. Both are valuable degrees that share similarities and can lead to rewarding careers.

What to choose?

Nobody could really make a case that a PsyD is categorically better than a PhD, but it might be a little more geared to exactly what you want to do with your career.

PsyD is a great option if you want to focus on the application of your psychology skills by working in a clinical setting with clients experiencing serious mental health issues.

But, if you want a traditional doctorate experience that majorly includes research focus, then, a PhD is the more fitting choice.

Institutions offering PsyD in India

1. NIMHANS (National institute of mental health and neurosciences)

2. Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP)

3. Sweekaar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences

4. Amity University

Institutions offering PhD in India

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

2. JMI New Delhi - Jamia Millia Islamia

3. Punjab University

4. Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP)