As a fellow trainee in clinical psychology, this resonates deeply with me. Your transparency and vulnerability are not only relatable but also illuminating. Your openness reveals the true challenges of life as a student aspiring to become a psychologist.
Watching this video before my senior year of college begins. I’m super interested in applying to PsyD programs and am a Psychology student now. Thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable.
I really appreciate you opening up in this video. We hear all about the glitz and glamor of having a doctorate but not all of the stress and hardship that goes into it
I’m applying this winter for a psy d program and i can’t explain how much i appreciate seeing someone talk about the reality of this program. it really helps. ❤
Your raw honesty and genuine feelings are an honor to be witness to-I feel like you wouldn’t be sharing all of this unless you really cared about all of our journeys down this path so thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much! I am also glad I came across this video because it reiterates that OLLU is my LAST choice to decide to attend for my doctoral program. So far, it has the least amount of funding opportunities and doesn't even display the faculty (mentor) and their research interests which is a red flag for me. Another tip for whoever is reading this is do not limit yourself! Apply to many programs that align with your interest and apply for those whose interests match yours. If you must stay in San Antonio, well that would be understandable.
Grad school in general is such a tough process. Not only is the academic expectation and courseload intense but you also feel a little out of place because at this point most of your friends are working full time and maybe even starting families etc and then you're still in academia. It feels weird and you feel kind of out of sync with the world. You're lucky that your partner is also in school...which is amazing. She will kind of get where you're at in a way.
I really liked seeing the teamwork video; the video was really cool and insightful! For as being a PsyD student, hang in there, you have this! You can do this!! You’re passion led you here and your passion will sustain you! Thank you for being of service to all those in need, because mental health help is needed!
Thank you for being honest and vulnerable during this video. The opportunity cost, as well as the emotional and economic toll is something that people don't take into consideration!
Wow.. thank you for being so honest and vulnerable here! You’re doing amazing in your journey in school. I’m starting my masters program in clinical mental health counseling, and I share many of your fears. The most important thing in relationships throughout a challenging time, like grad school, is growing together. This is what I will have at the forefront of my mind when I encounter downs. Rooting for you now and for the remainder of your time in your program!!!!
I’m in highschool but I’ve always wanted to be a therapist and I chose clinical psychologist as my career a few years ago. I want to do a psyD instead of phD so your vids are really helpful! I live in Canada so I think some things are different, but it’s really nice to hear about your journey. Thank you for being an inspiration! I hope you succeed and grow to live your dream life!
I’m glad that you have found them helpful! You’re ahead of the game. By you being here, starting early, and already research what you want to do in life says a lot about your character. I have no doubt that you’ll succeed in whatever you want to do my friend 😊
I genuinely, truly, REALLY appreciate this. I got my master’s in ‘21 and have been working since then. Finally starting to consider going back to school for counseling psych but this helped me realize that my life goals may not be aligned with a doctoral degree’s academic goals and requirements right now. I’m not really sure what else I would do…but I guess that’s the beauty of life! ❤️ THANK you for this. Deeply.
Hey Leo! Thank you for this video. I’m currently 27 still trying to finish my AA, and I must say this was quite terrifying to hear! I’ve been debating if I should change my program from Mass Communications to Psychology, but the workload seems like it will be so much. This really makes me want to really figure out what I want to really do. I think the timing scares me because I already feel behind, and I’m just now going back to school to finish my AA after 5 years… I really do appreciate you for your transparency and I wish you the best on your journey. I will definitely subscribe to see you get through it all 🎉
Thank you for this comment! I think comments like yours shows that we are human, and it’s not always about knowing exactly what we want to do, or that we are having a blast, and that progress in linear. Yes the workload can be a lot sometimes. But it honestly depends on your program. For example, ours values qualitatively work vs quantitative. Meaning we rarely have test or quizzes. It’s all papers, essays, group projects and presentations. So there is rarely any studying but it’s more about reading, applying knowledge and having a lot of conversations that co-construct our understanding of the material. I’m happy to hear you found the video helpful in some way. Good luck on your journey as well my friend 😊
I really do appreciate this. This is my first quarter of college and I'm aiming for a P.H. D in psychology but I know that there are going to be a lot of problems and challenges in the process. I have a partner and he is becoming a bigger part of my support system. He's also planning on going to school. And I am also a giver. So your input was helpful. That is something we do have to keep in mind. I'm honestly not sure how I'm going to be able to pay for all of my schooling. I also can easily get overwhelmed or just be stressed about too many life things. So what you said makes me have to think more about how I can achieve this. Because I don't know if I'll find something else that I really enjoy even after long periods of time
Hey. You're very inspirational and I hope you finish up and become a great counselor. I encourage you to keep making content whenever you can. I also aspire to do my PsyD someday.
Your comment means a lot. Its been difficult to keep up with uploads while seeing clients doing dissertation spending time with loved ones but I’m so happy these these videos I’ve made are still inspiring others. Maybe one day I’ll get back into it. Good luck on your journey mr friend ☺️
Thanks for sharing because I had a few bread downs in my master program and was applying to a PhD program. I didn’t get accepted which was discouraging. I was treated the worse within my program but I was considered one of the top students in the program. I am not sure if I still want to go back but thanks for the video
As someone who's interested in becoming a counselor and considering a PsyD/Ph, I wish I had the same support. My boyfriend constantly tells me my goals are only about me, not about us, etc. There's no, "Oh hey, you do you and I can do me and we can come together when we can. I love you." I, like everyone else in the comments, appreciate your vulnerability and I love that you've got that amazing support system! Can't wait to see you officially become Dr. Leo. :)
Hi Leo, how are you doing right now man? ... Guess what, from a mere selfish standpoint even your venting became knowledge for people like us thinking of doing Psy.D in counselling specialization (me being one such). Thanks for this video and for replying to all the comments it sure gave a backdrop of how much work goes into getting a doctoral degree. I dont think there are any other youtuber's like you with your specialization giving an idea as to how the programme actually works. You're helping a lotttt of people Leo, no worries:) Also, its been 1 and a half years since you posted a video... im sure you would have donw with your clg. Can you post a video of your reflection of this entire journey?!!! we defenitely would love to know further whether to go ahead with Psy.D! Thank you once again!
Thank you so much for your kind words!! It’s so funny you mentioned I haven’t made a video in a year. I’ve been working on putting out a video about the match process because it’s such a huge milestone for us and I’m currently going through it. So keep an eye out for that 👀. I’m currently in my fourth year. My last steps are defending my dissertation and matching into a one year internship. I plan to make a few more videos that I hope can help future psychologists before calling it quits lol
@@leoscaletta5098 Thank you Leo, didn't know a lot of back work is going! Much awaiting for your videos! And good luck for your dissertation.. sure your gonna ace 😉!
Hi Leo! Thank you for the insightful video. I've just been struggling the past 2 years to apply for a PsyD program in the UK and its so frustrating because I keep getting rejected. I've litreally been doing the expected requirements for so long but somehow it isn't working out :/
Hang in there! I’m not sure what the difference is between UK and US programs, but something that can be found anywhere, is people’s passion and love for this field. If you really want this, then sooner or later you’ll find a door open.
im in my senior year of high school and i just found this channel and all ur vids have been so helpful so far! my plan was to also go straight from undergrad to masters to psyd without a break but after hearing abt finances, would you go back and just work for about a year or so before jumping into your psyd program? do you think taking a break would help mentally/financially or is there little to no difference? tysm for being open about the program and sharing all highs and lows!!
I think maybe taking a year or two to work and save might be a good idea. I don’t think I would have done anything different though. I guess it’s how you weigh things. I believe I put more emphasis on getting things done quicker. I sort of just, wanted to be done already. I think the first 2 and a half years are the hardest but if you can get through that, then it’s smooth sailing your last year and a half. In the end, I’m happy with my decision. But I always say, do what’s best for you and your situation. 😊
Hi, Leo! I hope you continue making Pysch related videos. I'm planning to get Masters or PsyD program in the US. I'm originally from the Philippines though. This is gonna be tough especially my that my undergraduate is Political Science. I just want to change my interest after attending lots of webinars about mental health. I'm also a mental health advocate. I love your videos.
Thank you and I’m happy you have enjoyed the videos. Good to hear our field will be getting another wonderful person! I’m sure you will do great things my friend :)
Hey, very inspiring and insightful video! I wanted to hop in the comments and give encouragement! A couple of months ago, I asked you about psyd/phd and possibly going through without a masters. You encouraged me to look into the masters and helped validate that thought process for me. I will let you know I’m now a CMHC masters student so know what you do is not in vein.
That’s awesome!! Keep me updated, I’d love to hear about your experience throughout your journey. I appreciate the encouragement. I’m doing okay, I’m just busy going back and forth between my two practicum sites, class, dissertation, and private practice. So I’m making sure I’m staying focused.
@@leoscaletta5098 thank you! What made you decide to go back and know it would be worth it even despite the money time and stress? Were you a little unsatisfied at just the masters level? Thank you! I am starting an MSW but I also applied to a PSYd fro the fall so it’s a weighing of options for sure. I’m already 24 and I’m female I feel like if I were a dude I would DEFINITELY go for but idk 😂. There’s still a lot more life beyond 30
It was partially because of my personality (wanting to challenge myself) and being the very best version of myself for my clients. I’ve learned so much from my mentors and experiences that I wouldn’t have necessarily had if I wasn’t for the PsyD program. What I’m trying to say is, continuing with my education almost forced me to be in a context in which I had to continue to learn versus graduating with my masters, and risking stagnation and comfortability that sometimes makes it difficult to step outside your comfort zone and continue to learn.
thanks for sharing such an insightful video. am a clinical psychology student and had completed my masters from the India. i wish I could study abroad .i'm planning for psy D .But am confused where to study. Would I be able to do Doc program without doing masters again in abroad. And how do i will get admission? any advices?
thank you for posting this! I am currently searching for PsyD programs. I am leaning towards school psychology/clinical. Im so confused, I would like to earn one fully online and that accepts a bachelors. Do you have any suggestions on what to look for in a program?
Thanks for the comment 😊. And what do you mean by “I would like to earn one fully online”? Are you trying to look for an online program? I’d say the main things you want to look for in a program is 1) are they a good fit for you (do they value the same things as you as a clinician) 2) is the program an accredited program (without this, you cannot sit for licensure) 3) does the program have the area you would like to focus in (e.g., sports psychology, health psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, autism assessment etc)
I'm going to be a second-year psychology student and I worried a lot about it because I don't get the desired grades in my 1st year of study. Can you share your experience on how you study psychology in detail, and how you revise and take notes from lectures and reading? Please make a video.
Finishing my masters next year and strongly considering getting a psyD. I’ll have a master degrees in clinical mental health counseling.. my undergrad is a science degree in psych… did you go straight into the doctoral program? Or took a break after your masters?
Hey! Any advice ? I have a BS in Health science but would like to change & head for Psyd in clinical psychology. Would I be able to just jump to the Doc program without doing my masters ?
I am truly happy choosing the PsyD. But if someone told me I had to redo it, I wouldn’t do it over again. For me, It’s like climbing Mt Everest vs making the journey through a storm, one is for sport or fun and the other was necessary to survive. The PsyD wasn’t necessary for me and if someone told me my climb to the top didn’t count, redo it, lol I’d be like nah I’m good.
Thanks for your video! Can you give me an example of the average homework for a night or a week? for example, read 40 pages, write 5 pages....a typical idea of the workload. Also, would you have time to work out every day? How often do you have time to socialize?
Also, be grateful you are getting your doc. Masters programs dont always prepare clinicians. I wish I would have gotten my doc. Plus you will be so happy and have so much pride when it's over. You can say you are accomplished. My brother was so happy when he finished medical school...still is.
OLLU is a very unique program. The staff values individuality, inclusion, and qualitative data rather then how well you can do on a test or remember something (quantitative data). It’s all about applied information. This means you rarely have test or quizzes in your classes. Your assignments are normally essays, papers, presentations, group projects, etc. (every now and then you will come across a class that will give you more standardized test). Most of the time your reading a chapter or two before the next class, the having a conversation about those chapters in class. Each class is structured around classroom discussions. You usually have like 3 major projects in each class. Personally I don’t find it very difficult the first two years to maintain a workout schedule and socialize. It’s the last two years that get tough because that’s when your at practicum sites. I’m basically working 4 jobs- I see cts in my private practice, at st Mary’s University counseling center, at st Edwards university counseling center, and school. So my workout schedule takes a hit and don’t really go out to much but I’m introverted so that’s not a problem for me 😊. Hope this helps.
What apps, websites, have you found most useful in studying for exams and that you recommend for someone just starting a psyD Clinical Psychology program?
Good question! I dont really use apps or websites to study. Our program doesn’t have a lot of test or quizzes. Mainly papers and presentations. And group work. The number one app I use is called waffle: shared journal. Staying connected with loved ones and self reflection is important in my opinion. So this journaling app lets you share a journal with others.
Hi Leo! I’m new here to your channel. Going for my PsyD is my dream. I come from a journalism background, so I’m debating if I should get my masters in psychology first and then apply for the PsyD, or just go straight for the PsyD. The only reason why I figured the masters first is because it would give me that experience doing therapy with clients. And does it matter if I get a masters in clinical psychology or clinical mental health counseling before I go for the PsyD? Any help would be great thanks!
Usually PsyD programs require a masters degree in psychology or a closely related discipline of at least 45 semester hours from a regionally accredited institution. So, clinical psychology or mental health counseling would be fine. Just depends on which one would fit the program more. My PsyD program favors counseling psychology.
Hola Leo! Thanks for your transparency. I’m a first year counseling psychology PsyD student myself, and I’m barely in my second month and I’m feeling overwhelmed with having to work full time and go to school full time. Do you mind if I ask, did you work at all the first two years of your PsyD program? I know people say it’s doable because it’s mainly course work, but it still feels like so much! ☹️
Yes I worked at a group practice. The owner of the practice knew I was in my PsyD program and was understanding. I would say it’s doable if you can find some place that is flexible and understands they are not your only obligation 👍🏽
I watched the Community Counseling Service video...As a student therapist, I feel like it would be hard to really be present with the client when you know you have others watching you behind a mirror. Do you ever get self conscious?
Yeah! It takes some getting used to. But once you get in tuned with your client, you forget about everything else. Also, the team really does become a valuable asset. If you ever feel stuck the team is there to help out or offer up a different perspective. Live supervision is one of the main reasons why people seek out our program.
How is it and where are you at now? I’m in my third year PhD counseling psych and feel the same way. It feels increasingly not worth it considering in a few years the field will likely reduce schooling required since we’re not gonna have enough practitioners to meet the demands of the rieldb
At this point I’m already so far into the program it’s not worth stopping 😅. I just finished up my dissertation and should be defending early spring. Then I’m off to internship. I’m nearly done! It’s been a crazy journey but I can honestly say I’ve learned a lot and made some great friends along the way. I’m sure I can’t see it now but my future self will be happy I went through it… or perhaps that’s what I’m telling myself to finish off strong haha 😂. You got this my friend and only you know what’s best for you!!
I always say it depends on you and your situation. I know some that NEED to work because they aren’t getting help from others. I know some that work the first year into the program and then focus on just school. So, it’s definitely doable. But it is hard work. I’m in my 3rd year and this was the year I stoped working and focused just in school. To give you an idea of what’s on my plate, I have 2 practicum sites (one in Austin and another here in San Antonio: I give 2 days to each of them), one class, working on my dissertation, and keeping up with my private practice.
PsyD programs rarely have funding. Most of the fully funded programs around here are PhD programs. Mainly because you will be doing research for the school.
I thought about the doctorate. How are we supposed to go into mental health and make others better if we have accepted the very toxic work ethic and enslavement of schools and employers/ supervisors and are in panic and fear too. I do not underestimate any school to reek havoc on students anymore. They just suck money and life out. We must not only get degrees and work but also advocate for better for ourselves and other workers and students!
Right. It’s a tough up hill battle for sure. Lucky it’s not necessary to get a doctorate to go into the mental health field. It’s also worth reflecting on how we all define “helping”. Most I talk with say what they want to help with is by providing psychotherapy. You can do that by just doing a 2 years masters and passing your licensure exam. Or you go just take some classes and become a life coach or perhaps it’s helpful people connect to resources by being a case manager, or maybe it’s starting a nonprofit organization to help people that are struggling with life stressors. So many different paths to take. I would not recommend for the majority of people to get a doctorates.
There are some programs out there that might allow you to go straight from your bachelor into a PsyD program. The PsyD is a doctorate program so most of the programs I applied to require you to have a masters. Just depends on your state, where you apply to, and if the program is accredited. If it’s accredited, more than likely it’s going to require a masters degree.
Its so messed up how scummy these programs are when it comes to the prices for people to just learn something people want to learn things to help others in life and they not only commit there 20s to this but they end up having to deal with tons of debt for just following a dream to help others the schooling system isn’t fair
Are you a licensed therapist? Do you make this to your viewers...whether you are or aren't? You seem to present yourself as very knowledgeable...and I'm curious how transparent you are.
Yes I’m a licensed therapist. I see clients on the side through my practice while going through the PsyD program. I have a few videos where I mention it but I don’t bring it up unless it’s pertinent to the conversation or topic :).
It sounds to me like you’re just hitting your late 20s early 30s I think everybody kind of loses friends, and find out who the true ones are going to be that stick around around that age
I googled that psd make on average about 60k a year. If you can be a LPC and charge $125 an hour with only 20 clients a week you can make $2500 a week $130,000 a year. Double pay and work twice as less and the 3 years less of school needed you can build up that clientele by then. Why the hassle. Not you but I would rather have the the LPC and be happy then walk around being called Doctor and making 60 to 65k per year. Just saying.
You’re right haha. It also depends on your location though. Here in SA the average pay for a licensed psychologist is 90k. But those numbers fluctuate depending if you’re doing private practice or working for an agency. Usually people make more in private practice (125,000). However, that doesn’t matter because it gets offset by loans and when you enter the field. That’s why I tell people not to go for your doctorate for the money but because you believe it adds something to you becoming a better clinician.
Right. like most things in this world , it’s a choice, correct. And sometimes we don’t know what it would be like until we are in it. As much as we plan or tell ourselves we have control of knowing what to expect , we don’t know until we go through it. At the end of the day I’m happy with my choice, doesn’t mean it’s not okay to have lows and doubts along the way.
Thank you so very much to share your experience, especially how the program took its toll on your personnal life. I'm in Canada and currently doing my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and I'm looking foward earning my Psy. D afterwards, so your point of view is very welcomed. Thank you and keep pushing foward, you'll be an excellent psychologist ! 🤍🤍
