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wedgedrive · 02-26-2008, 08:33 AM

I am a MSW in private practice. I agree with rap_mom that burn-out is not so much an issue for social workers and psychologists in private practice. It occurs more frequently among practitioners in social service agencies, welfare departments, etc. I have loved my career (30 years). It has afforded me a great deal of opportunities and freedom. I have had the opportunity to ramp up or down depending on family/life circumstances. I have taught on a college level on occasion while maintaining my private practice, and have loved that. My specialties have gradually evolved, according to what I found interesting. While initially anxious about the responsibility, I have grown to love the freedom of being an independant practitioner. I have been surprised to discover that I now enjoy the business aspects of my career, and mentor other social workers in this.

That said, if I had to do it again, I would go for a doctorate in psychology, probably the Psy D. That program was not available when I was applying to graduate schools, and gaining admission to a clinical psych program was impossible at the height of the baby boom. Doctorate level psychologists receive better insurance reimbursement. Also, if you have any desire to teach at a college level in other than an adjunct capacity, a doctorate is a must. Having a college connection would aolow you to do research. Another option would be getting a doctorate in social work. I do not happen to know if there are DSW programs that specialize in clinical work.

Best wishes to you. The field needs good people whether MSW's, PsyD's, PhD's or DSW's!

02-26-2008, 08:33 AM	#4
wedgedrive Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Threads: 8 Posts: 98	Interesting post, Tobia_e I am a MSW in private practice. I agree with rap_mom that burn-out is not so much an issue for social workers and psychologists in private practice. It occurs more frequently among practitioners in social service agencies, welfare departments, etc. I have loved my career (30 years). It has afforded me a great deal of opportunities and freedom. I have had the opportunity to ramp up or down depending on family/life circumstances. I have taught on a college level on occasion while maintaining my private practice, and have loved that. My specialties have gradually evolved, according to what I found interesting. While initially anxious about the responsibility, I have grown to love the freedom of being an independant practitioner. I have been surprised to discover that I now enjoy the business aspects of my career, and mentor other social workers in this. That said, if I had to do it again, I would go for a doctorate in psychology, probably the Psy D. That program was not available when I was applying to graduate schools, and gaining admission to a clinical psych program was impossible at the height of the baby boom. Doctorate level psychologists receive better insurance reimbursement. Also, if you have any desire to teach at a college level in other than an adjunct capacity, a doctorate is a must. Having a college connection would aolow you to do research. Another option would be getting a doctorate in social work. I do not happen to know if there are DSW programs that specialize in clinical work. Best wishes to you. The field needs good people whether MSW's, PsyD's, PhD's or DSW's!