Why You SHOULDN'T Do a PhD! | Clinical Psychology 

I have been a Psychologist for over 30 years. You are making some excellent points. Anyone considering a PhD needs to really really really carefully consider the costs and benefits. I really hope many Psychology students see your videos. Thank you!

Thank you for these honest thoughts, one thing that I would also point out is to remember that there can be a lot of variation across programs and working with different mentors. When interviewing with programs ask the students how they are currently doing (especially 3 or 4th years), ask about the funding, ask about the quality of life. Remember you are also interviewing the programs and that you have to prioritize yourself and well being

Great video I’m here as an LCSW who was considering going back for a PhD bc I want to be able to do psychological assessments and testing outside of therapy but I really don’t want to quit my job bc I love it

I agree. If your career goal is not specifically dependent on a doctorate, then think twice. I will be starting my 4th year of doctoral study in psychology in 2024, and if I didn’t have very specific career aspiration, I probably would have quit a year ago. The stress is nearly unbearable and money will be a significant object without ample funding. I, too, have had to take student loans and am scared to check my balance because I might actually pass out when I see how much I’ve had to borrow. There are others paths for most career aspirations. Exhaust your options before deciding on a ph.d., or other kind of doctorate.

I’m in the thick of it. Doing my dissertation and internship application at the same time and it’s breaking me. My anxiety is so high it’s numbing. If this isn’t what you truly desire, please don’t put yourself through a PhD

I’m currently struggling in my PhD and wondering if I’ve made the right decision. Thank you for your transparency and sharing your story. I hope everything will be better at the end. ❤

I’ve been thinking about leaving my PhD program, I’m just not happy anymore and it’s draining so I definitely understand.

Im going to go for my Phd. Right after my masters because im 27years old right now and im thinking its now or never. I want to also be in a place where I charge what I want and be the best I can be. And have unlimited options.

You make very good points. One thing that wasn't mentioned is how competitive admission to a Ph.D Clinical psychology and/or Counseling psychology program can be. 200-300 people applying for 8 spots is common for clinical programs. For Counseling psychology. it's a 1 out of 10 chance if I remember correctly. If you want to be a clinician, DO NOT apply for a Ph.D. You can do all the Clinical work you want with a master's degree and it takes 2 years full time plus two years after graduation (usually) to get your license If you want to go into Academia, go for a Ph.D. Tenure track positions are incredibly competitive. There's increasing emphasis on Adjunct faculty. I don't regret getting my doctorate for a millisecond. I'm not in Academia anymore but have a well paying job as a clinician at an agency

Thank you, for your honest review. Listening to you talk about stress level was intense. It reminded of my stress level working FT and completing graduate school full time. Remembering those feeling for myself and quite possibly a lifetime of debt, it is a SERIOUS commitment!

Thank you for this insight. I was going to work on a PhD, now am rather get a 2nd masters to be Lin. Thx

gurl your makeup is so flawlesssssss! fr beauty with brains

Can I ask what your specific career need for your PhD is? I think that would help me so much in deciding if it’s still right for me.

Did you ever make a video about why you should get a PhD?

What’s your perspective on PsyD programs?

Thank you so much for making videos like this! I'm in my undergrad right now and looking at all the options for what degree i might want and your videos have really been helpful for me to look at whether I really want a phd

your reasons sound like i DID IT don't come down here. It takes, time, its time consuming, its expensive, but of course that is obvious this is why it is not easy to geet one., and people who maybe thinking the contrary are simple idiots.

Hello Jojo. Thank you so much for sharing this video. When I finished my masters degree in child psychology. I want to go for my Doctor of Psychology in School-Clinical Child Psychology which is a PsyD degree.

I’m graduating next year with a dual degree with criminal justice and psychology I’m debating either going to law school or phd program.

I have to say much love and thanks to you. This really helps.

Great honesty stay true t your feelings and keep climbing the educational mind Bless You!!

I am currently earning my bachelor’s in psychology online and I am a single mother of three. I want to be a research or forensic psychologist and will need my PhD but I am scared to do it now because I have little to almost no support, no family or friends to rely on financially. I appreciate you making this video because I did not know how impossible it was to work & sustain your income & family while getting your PhD. I feel so heartbroken and I don’t want to give up, but I don’t want to commit to something that realistically is not feasible 💔💔💔😭😭😭. Thank you for the warning!! 💕🙏

Been watching a few of your videos.. I wish you would’ve explained the difference between the Masters and Phd .. pros and cons .. career options and potential .. difference in earnings after graduation etc..

i am literally barely starting my bachelors probably a year and a half now after being at city college. my original goal a while ago was to become a psychiatrist which is a ton more school now that i’m serious about my studies at 24 and want to get my PhD in psychology?!!!!! i want to be a therapist but is it possible to be a psychiatrist too? i am not overwhelmed but i like to think ahead of time i just really love to plan but i want to know more about this. luckily i live with my parents and i THINK they would still be able to house me until 30 honestly if i go for my PhD. i hope that doesn’t sound pathetic i’m just thinking long term. i currently work and pay for my own school but like 😅😅😅 if money is going to be a huge issue then i gotta do this

Hello! Fellow WOC here, I'm in my undergrad as a Jr and just found a program that helps students like myself get into graduate programs that are fully funded. Research of course is preReq, and this program offers it as well. I was wondering if you had a video or could discuss some of the careers you can do with a PhD and I'd love to hear what you plan to do specifically with yours. My hope whether Ma or PhD is to be private practice. I started searching online about the degree because my university lacks in the communication department, but your video is one of the first I came across and being that stressed out does not sound fun to me - but there has to be good reasons why people go through it you know? Anyways, I had just hoped to connect with a peer and hear about it. Thank you for sharing your life! I hope post winter-break doesn't have you in a choke hold yet lol!

Thank you so much, JoJo Can you suggest some other ways to be a mental health professional?

Thank you Jojo, really appreciate the honesty💖

hey, I have a question. Is it possible to work in clinics with a master in clinical psychology? thanks in advance for your answer

I want to apply for PhD in clinical psychology in a US university. I already have a PhD in philosophy, but I am really interested in clinical psychology. I would need to be fully funded. But hard to find funds for MA degree. So no other option than PhD. And I have a dog. But, to be honest, your video disappointed me. If I may ask, why aren’t you fully funded? How much is full fund? Would it cover all the cost of one person and a dog?

thank you for your transparency JoJo. as a first-gen immigrant and college student, I find all of your videos so helpful. I appreciate you making these contents. sending lots of love to you