Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology: 2016/2017 Edition

by John C. Norcross PhD, ABPP, Michael A. Sayette PhD

Overview

This perennial bestseller is the resource you can rely on to help you select—and get into—the graduate clinical or counseling psychology programs that meet your needs. The Insider's Guide is based on intensive research and includes information and step-by-step guidance not available from any other source. In-depth profiles on more than 300 accredited programs provide details on specializations or tracks, admission requirements, acceptance rates, financial aid, research areas, clinical opportunities, and more. Special features include tips on completing prerequisite coursework, accumulating clinical and research experience, and writing your CV. A handy time line pinpoints important steps to take in the months and years leading up to submitting your applications. Planning and decision-making worksheets help you streamline the selection process and identify your top choices. The 2016/2017 Edition features updates throughout and new content on student loans, internship match rates, and GRE preparation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781462525720
Publisher:	Guilford Publications, Inc.
Publication date:	02/09/2016
Series:	Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical & Counseling Psychology
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	442
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.70(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

John C. Norcross, PhD, ABPP, is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Scranton, Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, and a board-certified clinical psychologist in part-time independent practice.

Michael A. Sayette, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, with a secondary appointment as Professor of Psychiatry at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Table of Contents

Tables and Figures
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. Introducing Clinical and Counseling Psychology
2. Choosing the Ph.D. or Psy.D.
3. Preparing for Graduate School
4. Getting Started
5. Selecting Schools
6. Applying to Programs
7. Mastering the Interview
8. Making Final Decisions
Reports on Combined Psychology Programs
Reports on Clinical Psychology Programs
Reports on Counseling Psychology Programs
Appendix A. Time Line
Appendix B. Worksheet for Choosing Programs
Appendix C. Worksheet for Assessing Program Criteria
Appendix D. Worksheet for Making Final Choices
Appendix E. Research Areas
Appendix F. Specialty Clinics and Practica Sites
Appendix G. Program Concentrations and Tracks
References

Interviews

Anyone considering applying to a graduate program in this area, as well as undergraduate counselors and advisors.

Editorial Reviews

"A 'must read."... Like many other Directors of Clinical Training, I could continue to pull my hair out over the increased individual inquiries regarding how to get into graduate school, or simply refer each individual to the well-written, fact-based latest edition of the Insider’s Guide."—Sally H. Barlow, PhD, former Director of Clinical Training, Brigham Young University

"Your book was the pivotal resource that helped me find my way to my current career. I was one of those first-generation college students who really had no idea what I was doing until I came across your book. The Insider’s Guide was truly indispensable and is largely responsible for my career today.”—Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of North Texas

"The authors have created a valuable guide for applicants. The wealth of practical information and insights gleaned from their research and personal experiences should help applicants make the strongest possible application to the schools of their choice. This well-written, encouraging book will be a great asset for anyone applying to clinical or counseling psychology programs."—Barry A. Hong, PhD, Washington University School of Medicine

"This book aided me immensely. It was fun to read and contained great suggestions and insights that I would have been clueless about. Thank you for providing this resource for students, which helped me navigate the confusing and overwhelming terrain of applying to graduate school."—Timothy G. Lock, PhD, private practice, Brookfield, Connecticut

"I love your book! This book is excellent for focusing upon specific areas of interest as well as going about the process in a systematic, logical manner. Great job!"—Helen Rowan, MA, clinician returning for her doctorate

"I was lost and confused before I stumbled across this wonderful piece of literature! It answered every question I had, narrowed down my choices. The ranking system was great!"—Lisa Oldfield, clinical psychology applicant

"Your book means so much to me. The Insider’s Guide was the most helpful piece of literature I came across during my years of research into graduate programs. It was almost like a bible to me."—Sharon Lee Hudson, doctoral student

"I bought your book at the suggestion of my undergraduate psychology advisor once I decided to go back to school after spending nearly 10 years in the nonprofit sector. Your book has been extremely helpful and I have used it as my road map in guiding my efforts to set myself up to be successful in applying to schools this year. Thank you for writing this book—I really would not have known how to navigate the process without it."—George Lewis

"I am writing to thank you for the second time for the remarkable resource the Insider’s Guide has been. My girlfriend has just successfully utilized your most recent edition and has been accepted into a clinical PhD program. Great stuff!"—Jason Paris, graduate student

"I cannot express enough gratitude to you for the Insider’s Guide. Your book was the most important resource that I used during my applications to PhD programs in counseling psychology. It is exceptionally well written, incredibly applicable, and, most important, it is clear, concise, and pragmatic. Thank you so much for remembering how stressful and chaotic the application process can be, as well as being empathic enough to pull together a resource that I am sure has helped so many graduate students."—Kimberly Tran, doctoral student

"The Insider's Guide was an essential tool in helping me find the right doctoral program. When applying to graduate programs in psychology, it can be difficult to navigate between counseling or clinical, and PhD or PsyD. This book is organized in a way that helps you compare and contrast programs. Seeing the various programs plotted on a line graph between practice-oriented and research-oriented really helps you understand the type of training you will receive. There are so many programs to choose from—use this book to sort out those you are most interested in, and you will end up saving money on applications and finding the best fit."—Kimia Mansoor, PsyD student, The Wright Institute, Berkeley, California

“The Insider's Guide was an invaluable resource for me as I tackled the tedious process of applying to graduate school. With so many programs out there, this book provided me with vital information to narrow down which ones would be right for me. The book provides important details on each program—such as types of funding, emphasis areas, and internship statistics—in a clear and organized manner. My application experience was greatly improved by having this guide. I recommend it to all my friends going through the process."—Mallorie Carroll, MA, doctoral student in counseling psychology, University of Southern Mississippi

"The advice and insights in this book helped me figure out my career and research interests, and it saved me from a lot of extra effort and heartache that I experienced when I was working on the application process on my own. Highly recommended for anyone considering graduate school!"—Theresa Trieu, doctoral program applicant

From the Publisher

"The Insider's Guide focuses on the complete application process with sample documents, worksheets, and timelines. Advice, warnings, and an easy-to-read format give this book an edge over resources providing program descriptions only, such as the American Psychological Association's Graduate Study in Psychology and Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences." (on the 2014/2015 edition)

American Reference Books Annual

This is a useful resource for public and college libraries. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers.” (on the revised 2014/2015 edition)

Choice Reviews

Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM, FAAETS (C3 Education and Research, Inc.)
Description: This updated edition continues to be the definitive guide for those who are considering pursuing graduate level degrees in clinical or counseling psychology. It is the essential, practical reference every student must have when considering graduate study in psychology. As the field continues to evolve, students wishing to pursue further graduate education need this guide to make the right academic decisions.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide an organized system to guide potential graduate candidates in making well-informed decisions about their interests and the programs to which to apply. The authors explain the importance of program accreditation and warn against the numerous online graduate programs that may not always be a good fit. Every edition has updates on the requirements for admission into doctoral programs, various worksheets and guides, information on recent changes regarding student loans and debt, as well as popular tracks/concentrations in psychology.
Audience: It is written primarily for those seeking admission to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology, but individuals with master's degrees who are considering doctoral level programs also will find this book helpful. The authors are cognizant of the needs of undergraduates and returning graduate students.
Features: This edition highlights the changes in applying to graduate programs, provides updates about the required and recommended courses for admission into doctoral programs, a worksheet and timetable for preparing for the GRE general test, information on student loans and debt, coverage of the PCSAS accreditation system, data on the popularity of various concentrations in clinical science, and advice on using internship match rates to select doctoral programs. In addition, the authors discuss the differences between PhD and PsyD programs, listings of each program, and relevant information for applicants such as how to master the interview and making final decisions. Readers are guided through each step of applying to graduate school and can easily reference this book at any point in time, for instance after a letter of acceptance or rejection. A unique feature is the extensive reports on individual graduate programs in clinical, counseling, and professional-scientific psychology. The many worksheets and timeline in the appendixes are excellent aids.
Assessment: This continues to be the definitive guide to graduate school and continues to evolve with the graduate process in psychology and honestly answers the questions that arise among those considering graduate school. This should be mandatory reading for all undergraduates and others considering graduate psychology education. I have recommended it to all of my undergraduate students who are considering pursuing a career in psychology.

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