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Thank you for your article about the shortage of PhD candidates in our field. I think one of the major factors in the lack of professionals pursuing post-graduate degrees is funding. Despite all the funding sources, pursuit of a PhD can be very expensive. Many of us have completed expensive master's programs and are unable to incur further academic expenses or quit our jobs to go back to school.
It is also somewhat disturbing that the article did not mention efforts to "reach out" to the vast body of practicing clinicians who may be considering further study. CSD programs are already too theoretical in nature. Recruiting undergraduates for PhD programs ensures that the programs will be taught by professors who have limited experience and interest in clinical practice. This would be acceptable if these students were eventually assigned to teach more theoretical courses, but are they best suited to teach students to develop effective therapeutic interventions?
I have checked out university job postings to see if this is a future career possibility. Most, if not all, require a PhD. How can clinicians who are dedicated to continuing their practice achieve this? Universities should realize that they need to offer additional financial support, relax residency requirements, and do whatever it takes to make it possible for clinicians to complete post-graduate programs. Otherwise, the PhD shortage will likely get much worse. For my future, I have to consider an EdD.
Sean Sweeney
Boston, MA
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