This table provides a brief summary of the different graduate paths to becoming a therapist. Not every program fits the descriptions we have listed here. Take this chart as a starting point. One excellent way to learn more about these degrees is to visit the web sites of graduate schools that offer each degree. 

Degree

Description

Skills Emphasized

Special skills or jobs possible for this degree only

Difficulty of getting in to grad program

Length of grad program

Cost of grad program

Prestige among professionals

M.D. (Psychiatry specialty)

A medical doctor's degree, with a specialty in psychiatry. 

Prescription writing

Prescription privileges, administrative positions in hospitals

One of the most difficult

4 years medical school
+ 4 years residency
+ more

Very expensive

Highest

Ph.D. in clinical psychology

A doctoral level degree.  In graduate school you will focus on both clinical training and training in how to do research in psychology.

Both research and clinical training

University faculty positions

One of the most difficult

6 yrs on average (including an internship year)

Usually free,P and include a stipend (based on TA and RA positions)

Second highest

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in counseling psychology

A doctoral level degree.  In graduate school you focus more on clinical training than on research.  A counseling psychologist typically does therapy with less severely disabled populations.  Some counseling programs are in Schools of Education, hence the degree is also an Ed.D. 

Clinical training

University faculty positions

Less difficult than MD or Ph.D. clinical (but still competitive)

6 yrs on average(including an internship year)

Usually free, and include a stipend (based on TA and RA positions)

Third highest

Psy.D. in clinical psychology

A doctoral level degree. In graduate school you will focus almost exclusively on clinical training, not on research training.  Learn more at this website.

Clinical training

Less difficult than MD or Ph.D. clinical(but still competitive)

4 yrs on average(including an internship year)

Very expensive

Fourth highest

Masters in social work (MSW), with later licensing for clinical social work (LCSW)

A masters level degree. Your coursework will include traditional community social work, but also training and practice in psychotherapies.  Traditionally, this was the only masters degree that could be licensed for independent therapy. 

Clinical training

Easiest to get into

2-3 years on average

Same cost as 2-3 more years of college

Lowest

Masters in clinical psych

A masters level degree with training in clinical skills. Increasingly, masters level psychologists are being allowed to practice independently.  States and employers vary in their licensing requirements. 

Clinical training

Easiest to get into

2-3 years on average

Same cost as 2-3 more years of college

Lowest

Masters in counseling psych

A masters level degree with training in clinical skills. Increasingly, masters level psychologists are being allowed to practice independently.  States and employers vary in their licensing requirements.

Clinical training

Easiest to get into

2-3 years on average

Same cost as 2-3 more years of college

Lowest

Masters in school psychology

A masters level degree that teaches how to assess learning, behavioral, or emotional problems in children.  You would practice in the school setting, assessing individual children and working with teachers and parents to design effective interventions.

Clinical training, assessment of children in their learning environment

Easiest to get into

2-3 years on average

Same cost as 2-3 more years of college

Lowest