Hi,
I would really appreciate your advice on which path I should pursue. My long-term goal is to help reduce childhood maltreatment and support young adults and parents who have experienced childhood abuse, particularly those with untreated or unrecognized mild Complex PTSD or other related mental health challenges.
During my freshman year, I was convinced that pursuing a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology was the only path that would lead me to this goal. However, at this point, after two cycles of rejections, I’ve started to question whether that path is truly the right fit for me.
I’ve done some initial research (using Chat GPT), which suggested that a Master of Social Work might align better with what I want to do. That said, I understand the limitations of relying on AI, so I wanted to seek advice from people with real experience and insight.
I am still planning to apply to PsyD/PhD programs one more time. At the same time, I can’t help but feel anxious about what my future might look like. I worry about the possibility of continued rejection, struggling to find stable work, or feeling stuck in a low-paying mental health role.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly appreciate any guidance or perspectives you’re willing to share.