Dr. Darnell A. Durrah

As a licensed psychologist, I really don’t have to pursue board certification; however, I am not doing this just for me, but my children, my community, and those that have supported me along my journey to where I am now! So, will you join me on my journey of board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in counseling psychology?

So, what does becoming board certified even mean? Well, for starters let us start with the requirements of becoming a licensed psychologist and then move into board certification. To become a licensed psychologist, one must take and pass the Examination of Professional Practice in Psychology, or for us psychologist type, we just say the “EPPP.” For some, the EPPP itself can be traumatizing. Heck, it was for me until I finally passed that exam. Honestly, this was one of the hardest exams I ever have had to take. It was hard because of the material that was covered. It was learning how to study for this four hour and fifteen-minute exam. Big shout out to my village for the continued support and encouragement even when I wanted to just quit and become a truck driver after not passing initially! For those still in the trenches studying for this exam and need some extra support and encouragement, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to be there for you. Just hit me up at drdarnelldurrah@gmail.com.

Now that we briefly discussed the license hurdle, lets talk more about board certification. According the ABPP website at abpp.org “Board Certification through ABPP provides peer and public recognition of demonstrated competence in its affiliated specialty areas. Additionally, Board Certification through ABPP provides the professional with increased opportunities for career growth, including employability, mobility, and financial compensation.” I less am focused on the increased opportunities for career growth, because once I transition from active duty, I never plan to work for an organization expect the one I will own and operate. The mobility aspect will come in hand as I plan to obtain licensed in multiple states, especially with the rise of tele-behavioral health. This would allow for greater reach of those who will need our services. Lastly, I tend to not make decisions solely for financial reasons. My dad taught me how to play dominoes and one of his favorite sayings was “all money isn’t good money.” However, DJ Quik’s dollaz and sense song taught me, “Cause if don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.” So, yes there will be some financial benefits involved with obtaining boarding certification while in the military and as I eventually transition out.

There are 15 specialty boards one could obtain board certification in. The specific specialty I am pursuing is counseling psychology more formally known as the American Board of Counseling Psychology (ABCoP). This is one of the original specialties since the inception of board certification in 1947. The ABPP website states, “The practice of Counseling Psychology encompasses a broad range of culturally sensitive practices that help people improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to function better in their lives. These activities are guided by a philosophy that values individual differences and diversity and a focus on prevention, development, and adjustment across the lifespan.”    

So, I originally started this process back in 2019; however, during this time, I had a lot going on. I will just leave that there. As a result, I was not able to follow through with board certification at that time. Now, I am locked in and ready to become a board-certified counseling psychologist! Since my initial application expired back in 2020, I am waiting on my last endorsement letter to submit my application again. Once this is completed, the next step is continuing working on my professional self-study, which consist of a ten-page paper focusing on how my professional, personal, and academic roles are consistent with the philosophy of a counseling psychologist.

One might ask, why blog about this journey. For me it serves as a level of accountability and hopefully it will encourage someone to not give up on yourself. What is one thing you have been putting off for the longest? Let us go on this journey together! My goal is to be board certified by next summer. I can see it now, not only will I be Dr. D; however, I will be Dr. D who is board certified from Compton, California! Let’s GO!!!