Why a Yeshiva Founder Chose to Pursue a Doctorate in Psychology

After founding a yeshiva for boys who needed extra support, Dovid Lieberman saw firsthand the challenges families face and the need for more psychologists in our community. Now in his first semester of the Sara Schenirer/Felician University Psy.D. program, he is pursuing a longtime goal. We reached out to hear how it’s going, what helped him commit to doctoral study, and what he would share with others considering the same path.

1. What inspired you to pursue a doctorate in psychology?

Psychology has always interested me, and I've always wanted to help my community. A few years ago, I opened a yeshiva for boys who needed extra support, and through my work helping parents navigate challenges with their children, I saw firsthand how great the need is. Being a little older than the typical student, I felt that now might be my last realistic opportunity to pursue something I've wanted to do for a long time.

2. When exploring Psy.D. programs, what made you choose this one?

The men-only cohort was an important factor for me and made this program a natural choice. Sara Schenirer also has a strong reputation for emphasizing academic excellence, which gave me confidence that I would be getting a quality education.

3. Did you have any hesitations or concerns about beginning a doctoral program?

I definitely had some hesitation about committing to a five-year program, especially at this stage in my life. However, the Sara Schenirer team helped put many of my concerns at ease, and ultimately, having my family's support was a major factor in feeling comfortable moving forward.

4. Now that you've started the program, what has your experience been like?

The faculty at Felician University have been extremely supportive and have gone out of their way to make us feel comfortable. The professors are warm and approachable while maintaining a high level of professionalism and academic excellence. There is a strong academic atmosphere and a real sense of unity and collaboration among the faculty.

5. What would you say to someone who is still unsure whether to take the next step?

It's a great opportunity, and if you have the passion for it, I would definitely encourage you to go for it. It's a chance to make a real difference in our community, where there is such a great need, while pursuing a fulfilling career with opportunities in many different fields and specialties.