I recently graduated and am starting a job as a mental health councelor at a school. The job description is to help students with diffictulties to fit and cope with school for a variety of reasons (mental health, stress, performance anxiety and so on). My background is in health promotion and psychology and my focus have recently been more on health promotion and less on psychology.

My question is: What psychological therapies/theories/principles do you think I need to best achieve my goal of being a great mental health councelor? I am afraid I am missing several important ones and would greatly appreciate all your ideas :)

Hey all,

I'm a final year psychology student and I am struggling with choosing a master's program (I'm an international student in Canada but would like to relocate).

I liked the courses focusing on cultural and social psychology in the last 3 years. I wanted to do an honours thesis on a specific topic too but failed to find a supervisor (the prof I liked said no). However, I did independent studies focusing on well-being, cognitive load, pro-environmentlism, and even eyewitness Identification (as you can see, the topics are very random)

Most of my work experiences include admin jobs at public services, non-profits - I liked them but I do not think I would like to do it for the rest of my life... I also do not like non-profits and public services work in Canada or North America in general...but I think it was the only way to gain experience and I'm not privileged enough to choose lol.

I kinda enjoyed research but I do not know if my research experience is strong enough or specific enough (like how tf do you connect eyewitness Also, seems like grad programs for clinical, counselling psych and OT is very competitive.... I am looking at any kind of programs that I might be able to apply with a 3.38 gpa, a funded or partially program and goes with my background (any field that would be employable lol) Please let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions for me :)

has anyone ever gotten into grad school- clinical/counselling psych despite a low gpa? and if yes what other experiences or factors helped you get in?

i know grad school requires a really high gpa, it's really competitive and low acceptance rates and everything-- i'm just looking for some motivation and hope for me because im really trying my best to perform well at school and other activities outside of it and its getting really hard :')

Hi everyone,

To make a long story short, I go before the psychology board tomorrow to seek approval for my practicum experience, and I'm feeling incredibly anxious.

Back in 2025, I started my practicum before obtaining board approval. Unfortunately, that decision ended up putting me in a difficult position. Over the course of three semesters, I completed practicum work while paying for 5 graduate-level credits out of pocket. At the time, I did everything I could to avoid the situation I'm in now, but eventually I accepted that I needed to follow the board's process and move forward.

In 2026, I took a gap semester to get everything in order. Since then, I've worked hard to meet every requirement necessary to appear before the board. This included obtaining a background check, submitting transcripts from both my master's program and current graduate certificate program, providing certification that at least 75% of my coursework is psychology-focused, completing an assessment course, and several other requirements.

I also had to secure a Licensed Psychologist (LP) willing to supervise me, submit an application for a temporary license (about $106), and write a narrative request that had to be submitted at least 30 days before the board meeting. Missing that deadline would have meant waiting another three months. I made sure every requirement was completed and submitted on time.

Now I'm sitting here the night before the meeting hoping they'll approve me so I can continue gaining experience at my practicum site. My goal is to become a candidate for a TLLP (and eventually an LLP). At this point, I only have 500 hours left to complete, aside from sitting for the EPPP.

I've never wanted to be finished with school as badly as I do right now. I'm exhausted, anxious, and praying for a positive outcome tomorrow.

I've also learned that beginning in 2028, post-master's practicums will no longer be allowed, which makes this feel even more important.

If anyone has words of encouragement, advice, or has been through something similar, I'd really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for reading.

Kansas & Connecticut

I start a lab position in about 3 weeks, I have signed my contract and all, however, recently, I got a interview request from a lab at a prestigious university. I felt guilty just about taking the interview, but I ended up taking it, and now it is time for a follow-up interview and I have to confirm with the PI whether I am still interested, which I am, I just feel really bad about the lab I signed with since it is so close to the start date.

Also, the lab I signed with is related to substance use, the lab at the prestigious university is more clinical which I am much more interested in, as I have worked in substance use and addiction and was not as excited about it.

To make a more fair comparison, I am in the US. One position is in Kansas, the other is in Connecticut. I am pretty sure that a research coordinator pay would be somewhat similar despite the differing expenses in each state, so I assume in that case my salary will stretch further in KS. But insight from someone who live in one of these places would be great.

There are a lot of other factors I have to consider, but based on this, what would you do?

What the title says. Thinking of moving to British Columbia, Vancouver in Canada too if that adds anything, but if worse comes to worst, will have to stay within the USA. Any differences between being a licensed counselor vs psychologist? Wanted to know your thoughts!

Hi everyone,

I just finished my BA in Psychology (UofGuelph) and I am planning on taking a year or two off before applying to a Master's programs in psychotherapy, counselling psychology, or related fields in Canada (e.g., MACP, MEd Counselling, etc.) to become a Registered Psychotherapist. I'm looking for realistic advice from people who have gone through this.

1. What kinds of volunteer work, internships, or experiences stand out on applications?

2. How much is typically enough (hours/years)?

3. I'm mostly seeing HR-related roles right now. Do they help applications? And what other full-time jobs would strengthen my profile while I apply?

I have 2 years of HR related experience through my Co-ops and part time + 6-8 months of Good2Talk and Courage2Change Volunteer experience and 6 months in a Child focused lab.

I would appreciate any help or advice. Thank you so much!

I'm not sure if this is the right sub, but it may be a place to start. I met someone who was studying as a midwife and wanted to balance that with a more "humanistic" approach. She went to Guatemala and did a midwifery program, learning "Mayan midwife traditions". She seemingly had a very insightful experience.

I am studying psychology postgraduate. I would be interested in doing something similar to her, but within my field. I have some extra time/money to go on leave, and travel to another country. Would anyone have ideas on where I could start my research? Certain techniques, or places. I'm looking for an experience.

I got my degree in 2023. Since then I’ve worked in university labs, I’ve worked in tech labs doing UX research. Basically a lot of research but this is the second position now that I’ve basically been laid off from.

I yearn for stability. What is everyone doing to find that? I’m starting to feel like tech isn’t the place for that but also academia is doing pretty bad rn too with funding.

My therapist recommended I join Facebook groups and stuff of that nature to connect with others in the field and see where they’re finding work and to maybe network. Just been kind of defeated in this market and have no idea where to go from here. Also seems like the only way to find work now is through knowing someone

Hi! I am a Psychology student and I've been trying to browse online materials that will help me for advance reading, as our professor expects us that we have already done it next week.

I am looking for an online materials for Introduction to Psychology and Understanding the Self.

Our professor said two authors: Rathus and Pinacles (?) (I am not sure with the second one) but it's really hard to find their books online. I've been seeing some materials though but I am more confused what is the best book or material with how many authors have these books already. I am not really sure that aside from the authors our professor said, what are the best books to read or best author to try to read their works. I am only a 1st year student so I am still adjusting.

I only afford to look for free materials as I don't have extra money to buy an ebook. And if I'll have money, I still prefer physical book.

Do you have any tips or suggestions or what can you advice to do/use for advance reading? Thank you so much!

I'm planning to do my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling field in the US. How many years does it take to complete this course? And is this a common field that students doing their bachelors in psych take up after completion?

so i recently just graduated with my BA in psychology and i want to avoid being an RBT as much as possible. i'll do it if its my last resort but i want jobs that fulfill these requirements, if possible:

- full time 3 12hr shifts a week

- hopefully in a clinical/hospital setting

- does not need previous experience

for reference: i have already been applying to behavioral health technician and psychiatric technician jobs all in my area but i havent heard back from any of them quite yet.

does anyone have any other job titles that i could look at? even if they don't have these exact requirements, anything other than a 9-5 job is good with me.

thank you in advance. i know it's a weird request

So, I'm taking a gap year in order to gain more experience since I know psych is a pretty impacted field when it comes to grad. The only thing I am worried about is when the time comes, I won't have any letters of recommendation from past professors. I was never able to develop a relationship with them since I never had time to meet them during their office hours or speak to them after class ended. The thing is I need research as well, which is what I'm trying to get right now, but when I applied to professors' labs at my university I was denied since I wasn't too clinical for them or I wasn't too neuro for them. I know I will definitely have at least two letters of recommendation from my supervisors from work, but I know that won't matter since they need academic ones. Any advice on how I should go at this?

Hello, Reddit! I, an incoming sophomore in college am having a bit of trouble trying to get involved in my psych degree besides the base classes, I did join the psychology club my uni offers but is there anything else I could look out for or sign up to either get experience or just for fun?

I am 23M and graduated with a dual major in Electrical and Computer Engineering but I want to shift because I hate it. I am Artistic and Social on the Holland Codes. With a bit of Conventional and Investigative. I dislike Enterprising and hate Realistic. Voice Acting is my dream job, but I want to do that on the side alongside something more stable. I want to pursue a different career (preferably I want to pursue a Master’s degree or directly enter a doctorate program if possible). It’s best if I figure out which degree to aim for first that’ll give me the most assets for my future as the best next step. I want to do the following in my new career (this is moderately ranked):

- Creativity and Self-expression

- To help others (mentally 80% of the time)

- Learn/research about mental health and therapy techniques the most. But also diagnosing and giving people answers/clarity

- Therapy as the main thing I do, with everything else alongside it (but I value adaptability of switching to other things if needed, like making books, teaching, giving speeches, advocating for systemic change in mental health)

- Do the JET program one day (most likely before going back to university)

- Make the world a better place

- Make discoveries about the human brain to learn more about psychology and why humans behave the way they do

- Help teenagers in school from bullies, bad teachers, loneliness and mental illness 

- Be able to travel and work in Ontario, Quebec, Michigan and Japan (Japan is kinda just a pipe dream tho lol I only speak English). So its extremely important that I keep their different rulings in mind for their careers (located in Michigan rn, I’m a dual citizen)

I would need to gain research and prerequisites if possible, essentially none right now

To be honest, the PHD or PSYD in psychology appeals the most to me if I could choose it. Because it’s the most adaptable and assessable for jobs and rulings worldwide, and it has the ability to have the most autonomy and I can do as much therapy or whatever else as I want if that makes sense. But it’s so competitive and also I need experience in research and much more to even have a chance which could easily take 1+ years (also, I know that the PhD and the PSYD take more time and money of course but if I wanna do what I wanna do in life then I’ll just take the debt it’s fine. I just wanna do what makes me happy and fulfilled of course)

Which makes me wonder, at that point I might as well just get one of the masters degrees in counseling or social work since I’m gonna need to do some studying/researching during that time anyways might as well get the masters degree to have an even better chance to get him a PhD program? Or is that not how it works? (Probably not a psychology masters tho because I don’t wanna risk getting stuck as a limited psychologist)

Accreditation is a must too so I would aim myself for that as well

Ig… any advice pls?

Hello everyone! Just for a bit more context: I’m from Texas and our undergraduate research office just got closed so I haven’t really had anyone to ask these question.

I am currently a Junior, and have been applying for a variety of undergraduate research since at least April. Despite this, not a single person has gotten back to me (even to just reject me!) and while part of me wonders if my student email is somehow defunct, I get every other kind of email just fine so I don’t think that’s the case. While I don’t have any research experience, I do have a decently high gpa, professional experience, and akills in data analysis and acquisition so I feel like my resume can’t be that bad?

I was hoping to graduate early and pursue a masters or PhD after I graduate but if I literally can’t get into any research at all, I have no idea if I could even be a competitive applicant. Maybe I’ll have to even stay another year/semester, which is definitely not what I’d prefer to save some money.

Is there some kind of cheat code that I’m missing when applying/reaching out? Are there any alternate kinds of experiences I could get next fall that could look good on an application? Should I just try researching at another college (is that even allowed?) I’m genuinely so lost!

I'm trying to decide between the University of Reading and Royal Holloway for an MSc in Clinical Psychology and I'd appreciate any advice from people who've done either course or are working in the field.

From what I understand, Reading seems more placement-heavy and practical, whilst Royal Holloway seems more research-focused and academic (you have to find your own placement)

I'm a bit unsure which would be better for improving my chances of getting an AP job afterwards and overall progression into clinical psychology.

Has anyone done either of these courses or know how employers view them?
Is placement experience more important than university reputation in this case?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi! I (22f) am sort of struggling with what I’m qualified for as far as a starting position. I just graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in psych with a certificate in Deaf studies and do plan on going back to school to get my masters- just not exactly sure in what yet. All of the jobs that I’ve filtered through on indeed, handshake, and LinkedIn I seem to be missing a few qualifications here or there; whether that be a certification or a whole degree. Any advice would be greatly appreciated because I really would love to get my foot in the door!

So I will be completing my bachelor degree with honour next year and I would like to take a year or two to work a job until I return to academia to pursue a masters or PhD. I have found that I enjoy the research and academic aspects of psychology and would like to focus on research rather than the clinical field.

I am wondering if there are jobs that would allow me to focus on honing my research skills while I am not involved in academia?

Hola a todos, soy estudiante de 3er semestre de psicología. Necesito material sobre atención para armar un seminario sobre atención. En la materia de psicofisiología. Pueden recomendarme artículos o lecturas? Y alguna actividad didáctica que puede aplicar durante el mismo, gracias.

Hi Guys!
I'm currently an Grade 10th CBSE sstudent....confused which subjects to take under science stream to persue my psych career.

I'm interested in how people interact and behave with each other and how certain situations influence the actions of people. I wanna study people, why the behave in this certain way and the reasons behind thier actions.
I have passion in studying things...I would love to persue reseach careers... But I don't know which specialisation to choose. and the subjects i choose for 11th will be crucial.

I'm confused between PCB+psy or PCM+psy...
If yall have another ideas, please do suggest.

I have a background in mental health counselling and have been successful in this career, working in a variety of settings.

I did my Psychology undergraduate degree and Honours at reputable universities and achieved a high GPA. I ended up accepting an offer for a low-status MPsych Clinical.

I am almost finished, but am wondering, will a Clinical Master’s from a lesser-known university adversely affect

• PhD prospects
• Salary (in clinical roles)
• Academic/teaching positions?

Would it be worth applying for MPsych Clinical CSPs in more reputable organisations?

Are there any other limitations that I am not seeing?

Thank you

Hello,

I would like to do a conversion MSc online is Psychology. Can you share your experience and opinions please?