Why I Chose Clinical Psychology (After a Detour or Two)
When people ask me why I chose clinical psychology, I usually have to pause and smile. Because the truth is, I didn’t always know this was the path I’d end up on. I started my journey in a very different field — one that involves drills and fluoride, not therapy and diagnostics.
Let me explain.
From Dental School to Deep Work
I started off wanting to become a dentist.
In college, I was pre-dental — fully committed to the path. I even completed a year of dental school before realizing something critical: this wasn’t my career.
Leaving wasn’t easy. It meant stepping away from something I’d invested years into. But it also opened the door to exploring new possibilities.
That exploration started in personal training. I began working with people recovering from injury — not just helping them physically, but also noticing how much mental and emotional recovery was involved. That led me to meet a mentor who happened to be a sports psychologist, and our conversations changed everything.
After talking with him, I realized that what I loved most wasn’t just helping people improve their health — it was understanding what drives them, what holds them back, and how they could genuinely transform from the inside out.
That’s when I decided to pursue clinical psychology.
PhD vs. PsyD: Why I Chose the PsyD Route
Once I knew I wanted to become a clinical psychologist, I had to choose between two main doctoral paths: the PhD and the PsyD.
I chose the PsyD to focus primarily on clinical work—seeing clients, doing therapy, and building real-world skills. The PsyD route felt more aligned with this kind of work.
Looking back, I think it would’ve been smart to apply to more PhD programs, especially since some PhD programs offer strong clinical training and are often better funded. They can also be more competitive, making the decision more nuanced.
But hey, if I had gone the PhD route… this blog might’ve been called Phil’s Guide to PhD — and let’s be honest, that doesn’t have the same ring.
Why Clinical Psychology?
Beyond the obvious — helping people — I chose clinical psychology because of its versatility.
With a PsyD or PhD, you can:
Work in therapy or clinical settings
Conduct research
Teach at universities
Do psychological testing and evaluations
Consult with companies or organizations
Build a private practice or become a speaker
In an unpredictable world, clinical psychology felt like a profession that could adapt with the times — and with me. Whether you want stability or flexibility, structure or entrepreneurship, this field offers a bit of everything.
Any Regrets?
Zero. Not one.
If anything, I’ve grown more confident that clinical psychologists are uniquely positioned to offer something the mental health field profoundly needs.
While master’s-level clinicians often focus on therapy and psychiatrists on medication, psychologists can operate at the intersection — doing therapy, assessments, research, consulting, teaching, and more. The doctorate gives you a breadth and depth of skills that are hard to match.
As technology (like AI) continues to evolve, I believe psychologists’ human insight and expertise will become even more essential.
Final Thoughts: You Get What You Put In
Yes, grad school can be expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating. But for me, the benefits outweigh the costs — by a long shot.
What I love most about this profession is simple: you get what you put in.
Clinical psychology can be a fulfilling career if you’re willing to show up, learn the skills, network, and stay curious. And the same goes for grad school. It’s a lot, but the rewards are there if you commit.
And that’s why I’m writing Phil’s Guide to PsyD. Because every step — even the unexpected — led me here, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
