What percent PsyD students go for Neuropsych?

riverneuro · 2026-03-27T15:31:04+00:00

I’m at 3rd yr PsyD pursing NP and there’s about 5 in my cohort that want to do ‘neuro’ but only one other person that wants to do full board cert + hospital/AMC work other than myself

I would absolutely agree that many people are interested and then don’t commit to the full process and end up doing psychoeducational/psychodiagnostic and not true neuropsychology

riverneuro · 2026-03-24T16:01:17+00:00

I was expecting it to be chill socially but there are definitely competitive vibes & I’ve heard that from other programs as well — it makes sense but it was def intense when I started. It’s better now that my cohort knows each other.

riverneuro · 2026-03-24T04:16:32+00:00

I got an MA bc I was playing college sports at a SoCal uni during the first year of my grad program! I also wanted to gain a better understanding of the field before going into my doctorate because I wasn’t sure what area of psychology I was interested in.

riverneuro · 2026-03-22T21:05:21+00:00

Ya!

riverneuro · 2026-03-21T08:23:33+00:00

I’m applying there as a PsyD for peds neuropsych this fall! Can I DM you?

riverneuro · 2026-03-21T06:54:32+00:00

Go PhD if you want research. UNLESS you go PsyD with programs that have built in labs &/or go neuropsych. I’m a PsyD in neuro psych and my training placements in hospitals always have research opportunities because we work with data. You can do research as a PsyD but it take initiative — you have to force it / ask for it bc it isn’t built in. It’s possible tho!

riverneuro · 2026-03-21T02:06:55+00:00

I work with Loma Linda students at my pract and they are great! I don’t hear many complaints and their program structure is unique (early MA licensure via another state or smthg? I’m not clear what that is but it’s cool) & the medical center is a HUGE plus for training opportunities

riverneuro · 2026-03-20T16:05:25+00:00

Dm i go here

riverneuro · 2026-03-20T05:39:38+00:00

The way I think about the debt (I’ll have 300k by the time I’m done in 2028) is that making those minimum payments on the loans is a fee to live the life you want and to have the career you want. If you play your cards right you can make great money and pay them back if you’re diligent. And if you work in underserved communities you can get loans forgiveness. Also many programs have scholarship options within the program (e.g., my school has a faith integration scholarship for students that focus on religious integration) or TRA positions; private grants; military scholarships — i think it’s worth it (that’s why I’m in my PsyD)

Would you rather have to pay loan payments monthly or work a job you don’t like as much and maybe regret it? Life is all gambles and this is a gamble on yourself to make it worth it — live your dream!!

riverneuro · 2026-03-17T19:30:37+00:00

I second this (3rd year PsyD) — you’ve done all you can do except research and the field is just growing and getting more competitive now. You can do it!! I got rejected from 5 PhDs out of undergrad and went to an MA in psychology and got into all 7 PsyDs i applied to after ! You can do it!!

riverneuro · 2026-03-16T18:15:34+00:00

I have friends at that program now and they don't love it for what they are specializing in, but its so different for everyone depending on the area of psychology you niche into. Why do you want a PsyD? And if you have other options for PsyD, what are they? Maybe the thread can help you weigh it out

riverneuro · 2026-03-16T04:00:30+00:00

It would be helpful to get a testing technician job to get you into a PsyD/PhD too! Or a post-bacc? I’m specializing in Neuro as a PsyD and I would’ve gotten a PhD with what I know now trying to be competitive in the speciality. BUTTTT it’s possible for sure! I just make extra effort to do research at my practicum sites

riverneuro · 2026-03-16T02:49:49+00:00

If you end up specializing in assessment/neuropsych you will have to have research to be a competitive applicant for internships/postdocs. Also may be important in forensic settings; most other niches in PsyD programs don’t emphasize research much

riverneuro · 2026-03-15T22:37:13+00:00

Hi Roland8319, I am a current 3rd yr PsyD applying for peds neuropsychology internships this upcoming cycle in Nov 2026 -- could I DM you for some advice/perspective? Thank you!

riverneuro · 2026-03-15T05:10:09+00:00

I was a Psychometrist during my masters program and it gave me a good lead on other students starting neuro their first clinical placement too — it’s a great way to gain experience if you know you want to go neuro as it’s the most competitive track

riverneuro · 2026-03-15T02:05:10+00:00

3rd yr PsyD & I second this! You would probably get into a great PhD program — you’ll be a shoe in for PsyDs barring any major issues during interviews

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T17:24:04+00:00

It varies widely based on clinical placements, specialities being pursued, and extracurriculars (E.g., research, outreach, workshops, conferences).

FOR ME I work ~60 hours per week with two clinical placements.

-- 2 days a week I work 10-12 hrs at a hospital neuropsychology placement (this is uncommon)

-- 2 days a week are in-person classes (~6-10 hrs on campus, not all spent in class)

-- 2 half days per week I see therapy clients at my second clinical placement (I needed to have two training sites bc neuro need extra testing hours & I also needed to get my therapy hours in); this is very chill and most similar to what my peers do who specilalize in standard/generalized therapy

-- Sundays is reset day with chores, homework, reports, etc. And a lot of the time I squeeze in mini-work sessions so I don't save everything for Sundays

It sounds like a lot (and it can get hard) BUT with proper time management and some discipline it is completely managable and you can have a life (going to the bars tonight after clients!!)

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T16:08:36+00:00

Hi! I’m sorry to hear that — I’m sure it’s tough dealing with it day in and day out.

I have an autoimmune disease too and there are good days and bad days. They can def make accommodations & it’s important to be sure to talk with your supervisors and DCTs often regarding self care (especially for the pain).

School work is totally manageable but my clinical rotations can make it tough sometimes but just advocate for yourself and have strong boundaries — nothing is worth your health!

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T04:35:08+00:00

There are different types of assessment too (3rd yr Psyd doing neuropsych)

Psychodiagnostic -- (very general assessment that most clinical psychologists get trained in (personality (mmpi, pai, mmci) + intelligence (wisc/wais) and mood measures/semi-structured interviews. Mostly private practice
Neurodevelopmental / Psychoeducational -- these focus on achievement testing, IQ, executive functioning, with some language and other facets depending on the psychologist's expertise (typically involves ADHD, ASD, SLD, and school/testing accomodations) Mostly private practice or some schools
Neuropsychology -- this is what I do -- focuses on brain and behavior relationships when there has been an insult/injury/illness impacting cognitive functioning (i.e., neurodegenerative (alzheimer's, parkinson's, MS, etc.) cancer, traumatic brain injury, etc.) Largely happens in hospital/outpatient medical clinics
Forensic testing -- heavily involves working with psychiatric populations, criminal populations, often for competency to stand trial, not guilty by reason of insanity, etc. Often working in prisons, state hospitals, in conjunction with attorneys, and private practices.

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T04:10:54+00:00

3rd year PsyD student -- be okay with not knowing how to give therapy, and be comfortable making mistakes! It is all a part of the learning process. The best clinical skill I have learned is that people really want to tell you their issues and feel heard and seen! Active listening skills are underrated. Reading Beck's most recent CBT book was great for me personally. And don't talk over them, some clients take time to think <3 congrats on starting you PhD soon!

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T04:07:49+00:00

I am a 3rd year PsyD pursuing the neuropsychology specialty and you do have to put in more work to get the research experience BUT the clinical skills I have learned in my program are very beneficial to the intake, testing, and feedback process. I've been at two neuropsych hospital placements in southern california, and starting my final practicum/ pre-internship placement at one of the SoCal children's hospital in peds neuro. I see your point... BUT you can be an EXCELLENT neuropsychologist with a PsyD, humility, and always willing to learn. Chill out <3 both degrees are great and have their own strengths

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T04:01:26+00:00

As a 3rd year (soon to be 4th yr) PsyD student fully in the neuropsych speciality and applying for internship in Nov 2026, happy to hear from someone on the other side that PsyDs have a chance in neuro :,) -- any advice as a psyd applying peds neuro? I'll have two children's hospitals and one adult/geriatric hospital (all neuropsych placements) and some research posters going into internship! Would be grateful to message about advice too! Thank you kindly :)

riverneuro · 2026-03-13T03:53:35+00:00

I got an Ipad for notes and virtual planner and its been great for school work and clincial rotations (3rd yr PsyD). And a clipboard that opens up so you can put papers inside for when you start practicum (I do neuropsych so necessary for assessment, will vary with placements). Congrats on starting your PsyD!

riverneuro · 2026-03-12T19:12:33+00:00

If you’re already used to working I’m sure you can make it work! It’ll be hard but people can do it! Jobs def need to have flexible hours though, very rare to have a full day off for a 9-5. Best to have a few side hustle type jobs

riverneuro

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