Resources for Early Career and Student Mental Health Professionals

Discover resources to help mental health early career professionals and students (typically defined as 5 years post degree attainment) gain the knowledge and skills needed to launch successful careers in the mental health sector. Learn tips to succeed on a first job application, how to publish research, expand your network and more.

Get Involved with ADAA

ADAA is the only multidisciplinary mental health professional organization engaging the world’s leading experts, students, and early career professionals who are in clinical practice or conduct research on anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders. Our membership community can help you get to the next step in your professional career.

Learn about ADAA's membership benefits. Students and early career professionals receive a special rate when they join. Become an ADAA member today!
Learn more about ADAA's early career and student awards programs and apply today!
Join the ADAA Early Career Professionals and Student Special Interest Group (ECP/S SIG)
Making the Most of the ADAA Conference with Anastasia Rose
ECPS Workshop - Finding, Managing, and Negotiating Job Offers

This SIG unites students and early career professionals interested in the clinical treatment and research of anxiety and depression. The group develops ADAA conference activities organized around topics specifically relevant to students and early career professionals, and offers an initial avenue for students and early career professionals to become involved in ADAA.

Have a question about ADAA membership? Email: [email protected]

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ADAA Awards Programs

Many of the annual ADAA Awards Programs celebrate emerging mental health leaders. Applications are open to students and early career professionals. You do not need to be a member to apply. Learn more: Awards Programs.

Alies Muskin Career Development Leadership (CDLP) Program

Annual leadership award for early career professionals. Includes a full day at the annual conference of mentoring, networking and learning. Awardees also receive: two years of complimentary membership, free conference registration for the year of the award and a $1,000 cash award.

Membership Scholarship Program

Annual membership scholarships to students and early career professionals. Awardees also receive: two years of complimentary membership, free conference registration for the year of the award and a $1,000 cash award.

Donald F. Klein Early Career Investigator Award

Funded annual awards to early career investigators for the best original research paper on neurobiology, psychopharmacology, psychosocial treatments, or experimental psychopathology of anxiety disorders and depression. Awardees also receive: two years of complimentary membership, free conference registration for the year of the award and a $1,000 cash award.

Poster Awards Program

Awards offered to the best posters presented at the ADAA Annual Conference in several categories.

ADAA Early Career Professionals & Students SIG

Unites students and early career professionals interested in the clinical treatment and research of anxiety and depression. The group develops ADAA conference activities organized around topics specifically relevant to students and early career professionals, and offers an initial avenue for students and early career professionals to become involved in ADAA. Early Career is typically defined as 5 years post degree attainment. Are you an ADAA member and interested in joining the SIG? Email:[email protected]

Why Join the Early Career SIG?

Unparalleled networking opportunities,
Learn and share ideas in a welcoming space,
Engage in Professional Development, including honing your leadership skills;
Share your expertise; and
Share Opportunities

Watch this video to learn more about the ECPS SIG and learn about you can get involved and succeed!

SIG Co-Chairs:

Liza Hinchey, PhD
Reut Naim, PhD

SIG Co-Vice Chairs:

Stanley Seah, PhD
Marina Zhukova, PhD

Social Media Lead:

John Leri, PhD

Student Representative:

Doris Chen, B.S

Chair Emeritus: Lillian Reuman, PhD, Olivia Bogucki, PhD, Stephanie Woodrow, LCPC, NCC; Ashley Clausen, PhD; Krystal Lewis, PhD; Amanda Baker, PhD; Alex Bettis, PhD; Elle Brennan, PhD; Gopalkumar Rakesh, MD

Board Liaison

Jill Emanuele, PhD

Read the SIG's Fall 2025 Newsletter

Read the SIG's Summer 2025 Newsletter

Read the SIG's January 2024 Newsletter

Read the SIG's Winter 2024 Newsletter

Attn Early Career Professionals! New ADAA Mental Health Career Center
Increase your candidate reach by up to 500%. Free 60 day postings for ADAA members. Explore today!

ADAA Early Career/Student Mental Health Resources

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ADAA Annual Conference

ADAA hosts an annual conference where clinicians and researchers from across the US and around the world came together to improve treatments and find cures for anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders. Attend ADAA's Annual Conference, submit an an award application (open to members and non-members), sign up to receive conference updates, and submit a session or poster to present at the conference.

Early Career Template Package

The Early Career SIG put together helpful template materials for both clinical and research early career professionals. View/download the template materials below:

What is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)?

A master’s degree in counseling involves learning about clinical, therapeutic interventions struggling with various concerns. This degree, followed by licensing exams and supervised practice, culminate in licensure as a professional counselor. The name of this license varies state-to-state, including Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Regardless of the specific licensure, professional counselors can provide clinical intervention in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, community clinics, and residential treatment programs.

Why did you decide to pursue your degree? Why did you choose this degree over the other available pathways (e.g., Social Work, Psychiatry, Psychology)?

"I have a master's in clinical mental health counseling. I decided to pursue that degree since it focused more on clinical therapy than social work macro systems, and psychology was more research-based at the university I attended." - Sara Wilkerson, LCMHC

"I decided to pursue my degree of an MEd/Eds in Mental Health Counseling because I knew I wanted to be a therapist. I chose this path versus other available pathways due to length of time spent in a program (I preferred 2 years over 4 years), but also the emphasis on the heavy emphasis on the therapeutic relationship that counseling programs describe to have in their training. I also find myself taking some information from the medical model, but preferred a pathway that placed less emphasis on the medical model." - Jessica Bell, LMHC

"I experienced the value of therapy first hand in my own personal growth journey, but I never considered becoming a therapist until I began a part time job teaching an after school program to elementary age girls in Chicago. The program was about empowerment through yoga and art activities. I began seeing kids express really big happenings in the art created and knew this was something special. I discovered the field art therapy and 5 years later earned my Masters in Art Therapy & Counseling. As an artist, it made sense to me that making art can be a pathway to healing." - Sarah Webber, LMHC, LPC, AT-P

"I pursued a degree in Professional Counseling to fulfill a lifelong dream/goal of helping individuals who are living with mental health disorders. Similarities exist in all of the available pathways, however, as a professional counselor we focus extensively on the individual and how counseling is delivered. This offers a lot of room for creativity, and the ability to remain lifelong learners within the counseling profession." - Kala Hight, MA, LPC-MHSP

"I chose to explore Expressive Arts Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling because I feel passionate about allowing others to have space to explore their thoughts and feelings in different ways including through art. Having this unique component allows me to provide alternative therapeutic strategies and increase access to therapy for those who may not desire traditional psychotherapy." - Hannah Karamanoogian, MA, ATR-BC, LCMHC

"As a career changer contemplating graduate programs at age 35, I knew I was not interested in research and did not want to go through the lengthy process of earning a PhD or PsyD. This ruled out doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology (I did not even consider the MD pathway). My main interest was in clinical practice and getting started in the field as quickly as possible, so I looked to Master’s degree programs that provided a path to clinical licensure. I considered both Social Work and Counseling programs, ultimately opting for Counseling for what I perceived was a greater focus on psychotherapy practice." - Velizar Nikiforov, LCPC

"My undergraduate degree was in psychology. However, this was a career shift for me. Because of that, I spent a lot of time deciding between the different degree options and talking to individuals who had their doctorates, social work degree, and counseling degree. I knew that ultimately I wanted to end up in private practice doing evidence-based treatment. In my area, I had met with a few counselors who had done just that, which was really inspiring for me. Because of that, I realized that I didn't actually need my doctorate to be in private practice (I was also already in my late 20s when I was going back to grad school). I looked at both the social work curriculums and counselor curriculums in my area (Chicago) and found that the counseling curriculums were more focused on the counseling theory and practice and less on social justice. Ultimately, that was how i made my decision." - Jennifer Welbel, LCPC

What, from your perspective, differentiates your degree from other mental health degrees?

Having a degree from Loyola’s Pastoral Counseling program has uniquely enabled me to have the skills to address spiritual issues with clients, if they so desire. The LPC in general is different from a LCSW in that the focus is on clinical treatment." - Stephnie Thomas, LCPC

"Professional counseling programs offer an in-depth focus and practice in counseling skills that are important in building the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor." - Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, LPC, LIMHP

"Counseling focuses more in-depth on working with individual clients and therapeutic techniques than the other areas from my experience." - Sara Wilkerson, LCMHC

"Again, I think length of time in the program. I think that counseling programs focus heavily on the therapeutic relationship and how to develop this and the relationship as a big motivator for change. I think psychology programs are more medical model focused and social work tends to be more focused on social work related services in addition to counseling." - Jessica Bell, LMHC

"Having a degree in art therapy and counseling allows me to have a dual lens in the mental health field. It attracts clients to me that have shared values, or can be an entry point for folks skeptical of traditional psychotherapy practices. My degree also has allowed me the ability to use evidence-based practices in a creative way." - Sarah Webber, LMHC, LPC, AT-P

"As a licensed professional counselor, my degree, a Master's in clinical psychology, focuses on direct client interaction and practical application of therapeutic techniques. The curriculum emphasized developing strong counseling skills, understanding human behavior, and applying evidence-based practices to help clients with a wide range of issues, from everyday stress to severe mental health conditions. In comparison, other mental health degrees, such as those for psychologists or social workers, may have different focal points. For instance, psychologists often pursue a doctoral degree and have extensive training in psychological testing and research, while social workers may have a broader focus on social systems and advocacy in addition to therapy. In essence, while all these professions aim to support mental health, the specific training, skills, and perspectives can vary significantly." - Kelly F. Dennis, LPC

"In my experience, a counseling degree is good preparation for a career as a clinician. The field is broad enough to allow for a significant degree of specialization—in my case, I was able to specialize in evidence-based treatments for OCD and anxiety disorders, but there is great diversity in the ultimate paths chosen by counselors. As for drawbacks, the Counseling field seems to be less familiar to the general public than other credentials, but this has not had a significant practical impact on my career. In addition, there has been a trend towards regulatory parity for Counseling (e.g., Counselors becoming eligible for coverage under Medicare), so that the opportunities open to counselors are similar to those for social workers and other clinicians." - Velizar Nikiforov, LCPC

What advice do you wish you had when choosing which degree to pursue? and/or What advice would you like to give to individuals who are trying to choose a career path in mental health?

"I would advise individuals to research the degree programs very carefully. Not all Masters level programs are created equal. Is the program CACREP accredited? Does the program offer evidence based treatment techniques? Does the program actively assist you to find internships? " - Stephnie Thomas, LCPC

"Pay attention to the courses offered along with the faculty's background. It is important to have good professors and classes you connect with." - Sara Wilkerson, LCMHC

"I would apply to an array of programs. I would also recommend reflecting on your value and how you view the world and what types of programs might line up with that. And then get as much information as you can, read about the programs, talk with people at the various programs (students and faculty), go to information sessions if they’re available. The more information, the better." - Jessica Bell, LMHC

"I wish people had talked more about the licensing process earlier on and across states. I wish people had talked more about the business side of this work and professional options available. My advice is to be in therapy yourself, give yourself grace in learning, and lean on your community." - Sarah Webber, LMHC, LPC, AT-P

"I wish I would have known that certain organizations, insurance companies, Veterans Affairs etc. prefer one degree over another." - Andrea T. Sheckler, LPC

"I wish someone had spoken to me about life after graduate school. Back then, the focus was on transitioning to community mental health or inpatient psych units. I had to self-educate to learn about all of the other options available." - Hannah Karamanoogian, MA, ATR-BC, LCMHC

"Based on my impressions of the clinical profession, it seems that choosing a particular degree can be less critical to ultimate career outcomes than making decisions around clinical interests and areas of specialization. Being strategic in choosing courses, seeking out internship experiences, connecting with mentors and clinical supervisors, seeking out post-graduation opportunities for learning, and connecting with like-minded colleagues were all key in shaping my career in line with my values and interests. On that path, making a decision on degree type was just the first step of a much longer journey of learning and growth." - Velizar Nikiforov, LCPC

"What are the various mental health roles you can perform with your degree (e.g., professor, individual provider etc.)?
Masters-level professional counselors can do almost any job performed by a social worker. They can become individual providers, have a private practice,and run a group practice. Some colleges allow Masters-level professional counselors to become professors. There are more professorial opportunities for doctoral level professional counselors." - Stephnie Thomas, LCPC

"Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor has unlocked many doors and opportunities to pursue. There is flexibility to work with a variety of populations and problems areas. There is extensive ongoing trainings and certifications for professional development. The field is constantly changing and growing. It’s exciting to be a part of the growth in the industry not only in a learning capacity but also as a provider, teacher, and leader of this change. There is never a shortage of people to support and guide through their personal struggles. It is exhilarating and rewarding to be a part of their journey." - Mitch Turner, MS, LPC, CSAC, ICS

"I've worked in private practice as part of a group and opened my practice in January 2023. Also, I worked for a local hospital system in various roles. I was an inpatient psychotherapist at a mental health hospital working with severe mental illness. Also, I worked with children in a behavioral health ER and spinal cord injury patients at the hospital's rehabilitation center. I perform assessments and provide psychotherapy for neurodivergent conditions with adults." - Sara Wilkerson, LCMHC

"I’ve seen those who went through my program work as professors. I am an individual provider and a group practice owner/clinical director. I’ve seen counselors be able to take social work type of positions (discharge planning, etc), working at agencies, individual private practice, group private practice, and hospitals as a therapist." - Jessica Bell, LMHC

"With my degree I can be many roles: a small business owner, an artist, art therapist, art therapy professor, an individual, counselor, counseling professor, supervisor for counselors or art therapists, writer, a consultant for business or other providers, a group therapist, a designer and merchant of mental health products, and a trainer for licensure requirements to other providers. In my career now, I’m thinking of growing to a small group practice or opening an intensive outpatient practice." - Sarah Webber, LMHC, LPC, AT-P

"The opportunities are endless. I truly believe in this day and age that if you can dream it, you can do it. Whether it is 1:1 counseling sessions, teaching, creating courses, presenting, running groups, writing, and so on there are so many different ways you can utilize this degree." - Hannah Karamanoogian, MA, ATR-BC, LCMHC

"After achieving full licensure as a counselor, various career options are available, including individual clinician, practitioner/team member or administrator in a facility providing higher level of care, educational roles in the Counseling field (though becoming primarily a counselor-educator requires a doctoral degree), among many many others--members of my graduating cohort went on to have roles that ranged from professional matchmaker to working in the federal justice system." - Velizar Nikiforov, LCPC

What is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)?

An Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a psychotherapist with specialized education and training on couple, family, and relationship dynamics. This background helps better treat the whole person in the context of the system of relationships they live in, as all psychological concerns are affected by these dynamics. They are trained to look at the bigger picture—not just symptoms, but how people are connected to those around them.

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a licensed mental health professional who works with individuals, couples, and families, always considering how relationships and environment play a role in mental health. We’re trained to look at the bigger picture—not just symptoms, but how people are connected to those around them. MFTs support clients through challenges like anxiety, OCD, trauma, and relationship struggles.

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a licensed mental health professional who focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families through a systemic perspective. MFTs have a relational focus, recognizing that many issues stem from the way individuals relate to the people and the world around them.

A licensed mental health therapist who has been trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions while using the lens of family systems. Marriage and Family Therapists can provide therapy to couples and families, but it is not limited to that. They are licensed to provide therapy to all individuals, couples, and families.

A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a licensed mental health professional trained to work with individuals, couples, and families. MFTs use a systemic lens to understand how relationships impact mental health and behavior. They focus on improving communication, resolving conflict, and addressing emotional or psychological concerns within relational contexts.

Why did you decide to pursue your degree? Why did you choose this degree over the other available pathways (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Psychiatry, Psychology)?

"I specifically chose to pursue the MFT licensure because I wanted to focus my studies on clinical practice and have a deep-rooted interest in working with children and families. In working with children and teens, I think it is important to have a deep understanding of the family system, since so much of the child and teen experience is defined (and sometimes confined) by the family system." - Tina Pham, LMFT, LPCC

"I was drawn to the MFT path because I loved the idea of really looking at relationships. I loved that it offered strong clinical training with a systems lens, and I got to start seeing clients early on. Other programs felt a bit more medical or individual-focused, and this just fit who I am and how I think." - Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT

"Two reasons, one practical and one personal. Practically, it was the shortest path to full licensure when I decided to become a therapist in my 50s (I am 70 now). Personally, my former career involved writing and teaching about crisis communications skills, which gives me a good "gut" in understanding and working with interpersonal dynamics." - Rich Gallagher, LMFT

"I chose this path because I learned so much about myself through understanding my own family system. So when I was choosing a degree path, I knew all roads would allow me to provide therapy, but it made sense to me that our experiences are greatly influenced by the systems we come from. I did not realize at that time that I would become so passionate about evidenced-based treatment and choosing a specialty like anxiety disorders and OCD. I knew I didn't want to be a prescriber, so psychiatry was never of interest. I considered Psychology because of my interest in research, but ultimately didn't want to extend my education so I didn't go that direction." - Jenny Matthews, LMFT

"I chose MFT because I wanted to help people heal within their relationships, not just as individuals. My experience working with youth showed me how family dynamics often shape behavior and mental health. MFT stood out from Counseling, Social Work, and Psychology because of its unique focus on systems and relational change. " - Christan Maxwell, LMFT

What, from your perspective, differentiates your degree from other mental health degrees?

"While I think there is a lot of overlap in other mental health degrees, the academic coursework to become an MFT highlights the study of relationships, families, and systems." - Tina Pham, LMFT, LPCC

"The MFT degree is rooted in the idea that we don’t live in a vacuum—our struggles, joys, and healing are deeply connected to our relationships. We’re trained to look at how patterns play out in families, partnerships, and communities, which gives us a really holistic view of mental health. That systems lens has shaped everything about how I show up as a therapist." - Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT

"One huge difference: most counseling degrees have maybe one course on couple and family dynamics, while MFTs study this intensively in graduate school. There are many great couple and family counselors with other degrees, but this training is a real plus." - Rich Gallagher, LMFT

"MFTs are uniquely trained in systems work. When they are treating an individual, they see beyond one person and think about this person in the context of their family system. They think about how the context of relationships influences a person." - Jenny Matthews, LMFT

"MFTs are trained to look at problems through the lens of family systems and relational patterns. We specialize in couple and family work, which many other programs only briefly cover. This degree emphasizes how relationships contribute to healing or maintaining mental health concerns." - Christan Maxwell, LMFT

What advice do you wish you had when choosing which degree to pursue? and/or What advice would you like to give to individuals who are trying to choose a career path in mental health?

"I was lucky in that I had a lot of support in selecting which path was right for me. My advice to someone trying to choose a career path is to look at the academic coursework for each potential pathway and talk to licensed professionals in the pathways that interest you the most and see what resonates most." - Tina Pham, LMFT, LPCC

"I wish someone had told me that there’s no one “right” degree—just the one that best matches how you want to show up in the world. Take time to learn about the different paths, talk to people in the field, and notice which training models and values speak to you. It’s okay to choose the one that feels like the best fit, even if it’s not the most traditional route." - Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT

"Listen to your gut. There are important and distinct reasons to become a psychiatric social worker, psychologist, substance abuse counselor, or MFT in addition to general counseling skills, so consider what attracts you to this profession, and then stretch from there. We are legitimate therapists - many of the bestselling self-help books on OCD, for example, are written by MFTs - but my own family therapy background greatly enriches my work." - Rich Gallagher, LMFT

"It's hard to say because at that time I didn't know what kind of therapist I really wanted to be. I don't necessarily think my degree was a poor choice, but had I known I wanted to specialize in anxiety/OCD treatment I would have taken a different path. However, I do think my training as a MFT has given me skills that I would not have gotten otherwise. When I was deciding, many people told me that any degree would allow me to do therapy and so choose the degree path that interests you the both. And I think that is sound advice." - Jenny Matthews, LMFT

"I wish I had taken more time to research each profession's daily work and long-term opportunities. My advice: know your passion, learn the licensure paths, and explore populations you want to serve. Choose a degree that aligns with your personal values, strengths, and career vision." - Christan Maxwell, LMFT

What is a Master of Social Work (MSW)?

An MSW is a broad degree that involves learning about individuals and how to help them on both a micro, macro, and mezzo level. Individuals with an MSW can have a variety of jobs including, but not limited to, individual clinical providers in a variety of treatment settings (e.g., assessment, treatment planning, and interventionist), clinical supervisors, trainers and professors, programmatic director, care coordinators, researcher, consultant, speaker, social justice advocates, and policymakers.

As a MSW, to provide therapy, an individual takes licensing tests. They then need to practice under a supervisor until they are eligible to sit for a second level licensing exam. Details vary by state.

Why did you decide to pursue your degree? Why did you choose this degree over the other available pathways (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Psychiatry, Psychology)?

Individuals choose an MSW program for a variety of reasons, including length of program, accessibility (e.g., financial and geographical), and flexible program structure.

“I was in a psychology graduate program but was not interested in testing or research, so I left to pursue an MSW where I could learn to advocate for marginalized people and develop clinical skills to help people live their best lives.” - Kimberly Morrow, LCSW

What, from your perspective, differentiates your degree from other mental health degrees?

A social work program includes a wide breadth of topics, including clinical skills, case management, advocacy, and policy development. An individual in a social work program will learn about these topics through the micro, macro, and mezzo level. Social workers also complete internships during their time in graduate school. These internships can range from inpatient mental health programs to working in geriatric care management. Those seeking to work as a clinical social worker are encouraged to seek supervision and postgraduate training to supplement what is learned in the social work program.

What advice do you wish you had when choosing which degree to pursue? and/or What advice would you like to give to individuals who are trying to choose a career path in mental health?

“Love what you do! And if you don’t, try something different! It’s ok to change your mind. Seek support, know yourself, always be open to new learning, self care is vital. Build your support network.” - Heather Greenawalt, LCSW

“I had a mentor early on who had an MSW, and she gave me great advice that this is a degree that can grow and change with you over your career. I agree completely and am grateful to her for that advice.” - Elizabeth DuPont Spencer, LCSW

What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)?

First, there are numerous PhD (academic) programs that focus on mental and behavioral health. Some programs emphasize understanding, assessing, and treating mental health through scientist-practitioner or clinical scientist training models (e.g. Clinical, Counseling, or Educational Psychology), and some emphasize understanding biological or societal aspects of mental health that can inform assessment and intervention (e.g., Neuroscience or Public Health). PhD programs will inherently emphasize skills in conducting research, student mentorship, and teaching.

PsyD (professional) programs were developed to train students under a scholar-practitioner model, as an alternative to scientist-practitioner PhD programs. PsyD programs are an excellent option for students who aspire to primarily practice as licensed clinical psychologists.

Why did you decide to pursue your degree? Why did you choose this degree over the other available pathways?

Individuals choose a doctoral program for a variety of reasons, including a passion for highly specialized research, teaching, and/or practice.

“I felt that a doctorate in clinical psychology provided me with an advanced training in assessment, treatment, and research of mental health disorders.” - Jesse Spiegel, PsyD, Private Practice

“[I chose a PhD program] because I wanted to pursue a career that allows me to mainly conduct my research and mentor students, as well as provide therapy to patients.” - Cope Feurer, PhD, Researcher at a College or University

“I quickly realized I wasn't interested in how bones nor other body parts work, so I became disenchanted with the idea of spending 4 years in medical school to become a psychiatrist. At the same time, [...] I loved learning and uncovering new understandings about how the brain works and operates, and could see myself pursuing a career that blended both clinical and research expertise.” - Katie Bessette, PhD, Researcher at a College or University

“I enjoy working with children and families, really enjoy brain science, like the real-life application of clinical work, and wanted to have the option to do it all (practice, research, teach, train)” - Elle Brennan, PhD, Clinical Psychologist a Children’s Hospital

“I wanted to lead scientific studies that help answer the most pressing questions in the field of neuroscience and mental health. Therefore, I chose a degree that completely immersed me in the research process and allowed me to focus all of my time on science.” - Lana Ruvolo Grasser, PhD, Researcher at a Federal Agency

What, from your perspective, differentiates your degree from other mental health degrees?

A mental health-oriented doctoral program encourages specialization in certain mental health concerns. PhD programs, specifically, are unique in that they emphasize skills in conducting clinical research. APA-accredited, licensure-eligible doctoral programs emphasize specialized coursework and training in neuropsychiatric assessment, therapy fundamentals as well as specific treatment protocols for certain disorders or concerns, and biopsychosocial approaches to understanding and treating mental health disorders. Years of working with an expert mentor further enables topic specialization. Clinical/Counseling/School psychology PhD/PsyD students complete part-time clinical practica throughout graduate training and a full-time internship in a clinical setting (i.e., a year-long predoctoral residency placement). Postgraduate training may also be required for licensure (varies by state).

“The emphasis on research is the main difference [...] Other [mental health] degrees can provide training in clinical practice without such a large emphasis on the research piece.” - Cope Feurer, PhD

“[A PsyD] provides more nuanced [and specialized clinical] training than [some Master’s degrees that are shorter in duration] .” - Jesse Spiegel, PsyD

“My degree is different from many other mental health degrees because it does not have a clinical component [...]this means that my time, training, and expertise is entirely focused on research." - Lana Ruvolo Grasser, PhD (Neuroscientist)

What are the various mental health roles you can perform with your degree (e.g., professor, individual provider etc.)?

In summary, with a doctoral degree in mental health, individuals can pursue many roles in their career. This may include, but are not limited to: professor/instructor, provider at a hospital, community center, or group practice, , psychological testing, business owner, clinical supervisor,, private practice, consultant, program developer, researcher, social justice advocate, institutional administrator, industry employee, AI consultant.

What advice do you wish you had when choosing which degree to pursue? and/or What advice would you like to give to individuals who are trying to choose a career path in mental health?

“First determine the type of job or career you'd like to have [...]and from there, determine how others in that position got the training needed and which degrees they pursued. A PhD takes a lot of time, money, and energy, and is not needed for most mental health careers”. - Katie Bessette, PhD

“Advice for a degree: Be sure you are ready for the significant amount of training and studying that is needed. The educational background can be costly. [However,] if you are looking to help people with mental health difficulties then [you are on the right] path!” - Jesse Spiegel, PsyD

“I do wish that I had known about other degrees that merged both research and clinical work, like clinical psychology. Talk to a lot of different people who have different degrees and expertise to find out what really interests you and what the best fit is. {...} Be very specific in your goals and align your time towards those goals through the degree that you choose. There is something for everyone and every career!” - Lana Ruvolo Grasser, PhD

“PhDs in clinical psychology prepare one to enter the field through many paths (e.g., clinical, clinical supervision, teaching, research, administrative, industry, etc.) but take a long time and much dedicated work. I would not encourage someone just interested in clinical work to pursue this degree, but rather to start with a master's level degree.” - Elle Brennan, PhD