[hereiam]

I want to be a psychologist and plan on getting my doctorate degree (Psy.D)...but I read somewhere that you have to be approved or something? As in your mental health? What can prevent me from being able to be a psychologist? I love helping people and I don't think my problems should prevent me from doing that. Is there anything or any specific DX that can prevent someone from pursuing their career? I'm really worried about this!!! Please be honest!

[SeptemberMorn]

Hi, Miss... Rapunzel had those problems. She could give you the skinny on it.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Here}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[(JD)]

Of course there is a licensure process, for mental health care providers; it's important that everyone meets certain guidelines.

Each state can adjust some of their requirements, within the guidelines of the APA. Here are the two main ones for FL, btw. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0491/ch0491.htm

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/psych..._statutes.html

Here is the actual form for FL application. http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Mqa/psychology/ap_licensure.pdf#search='DOH%2FMQA%2FPY%20APP%2FREV.%204%2F02' You will see on page 4 it asks if you had or been treated for mental illness within the previous 5 years. But if you haven't even realized what is involved in becoming a psychologist, you have plenty of time to become well, imo!

Good wishes!

[January]

((((((((((( Miss ))))))))))))))

I see Sky has helped you with the regulations. I don't know about them, but I do know that you will be most awesome!!! I believe in you!

Hugs,

Jan

[hereiam]

Thank you Sept. & Sky...but my question is simple: Can I, with mental health issues, still become a psychologist? Why would the profession that helps treat and is supposed to understand, codemn those with problems and not let them help others in spite of their personal issues?

>

yes you can. there are alot of therapy professionals that are in the business and had and or presently have mental problems take for instance Author of Can I Look Now Rachel Downing. she is now an actively practicing therapy professional and licensed in her state and helping DID people and she is a survivor of DID.

[(JD)]

I know it used to be that you had to be "free from mental defects for 5 years" before you could be licensed as a psychologist...assuming you had met all the other requirements. Maybe they changed the rule, maybe they just ask it this way on the form now, to find the truth.

How far away in years are you from licensure, hereiam?

[hereiam]

Many years. Do you have to be out of therapy, and considered well and normal to practice? I mean some things don't just 'go away'...

Can you elaborate on 'mental defects', Sky?

[(JD)]

I don't see that wording in the links I gave you... so it may be old terminology.

Are you reading what you are asking, hereiam? Wouldn't you want to see a psychologist who is considered mentally healthy?

Did you pull the links I gave, read the application form for yourself?

I'm thinking if you are that far out on your education, then your focus should be on getting well, not worrying about what you will be when you're done healing

[hereiam]

im worried about it. i feel like i can help people without my personal issues getting in the way. this is so retarded.

(yea i know im acting stupid i dont really care)

[gardenergirl]

Raises hand....

I'm not anticipating any problems getting licensed despite my history of major recurrent depression.

I suppose I should double check my state regs, though. For some reason, in my state I think it's more harsh for nursing than psychologists. I don't quite get that....

gg