Hi, KaceFace! I actually went to psych grad school in a bypass the master's program. I had to do what was called a "major area paper" along the way, which was a bit like a master's thesis, but I didn't actually get a master's. I am talking about the 1970's and 1980's, but I would be surprised if the schools don't have them now. Having a doctorate in psychology is best. It can be hard to get into a doctorate program after getting a master's. But if you can't get into a doctoral program, then go for a master's. People can do counseling with degrees such as M.S.W.'s, too. A friend of mine got a master's in school psychology and works with a school system.

The Psy.D. is a degree where you don't do research, but more applied psych study, and would be for someone who wants to go out and practice psychology (counseling) and not ever teach it at a research university or write research papers and do research as part of a job.

Getting into a clinical psych program is notoriously difficult and has been for years--harder than getting into med school. Just pointing out the facts, alas. Are your grades top-notch? How about scoring on standardized tests? You will need to also do quite well on the G.R.E.

I don't know of any places that offer internships, but you can call around and ask. Some volunteer work with children would be possible, especially children with problems, and that would be great to show on a resume.

Let me know it you want to talk more about it.