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counseling degree

counseling degree questions and answers

More information about counseling degree at Education News.

Q: another question...so can a grad in psychology who had a masters degree practice counseling?
or he still has to be a PhD to be able to do counseling??? if that is the case then what is the work of an undergrad and the one who has a masters degree?

A: You can practice counseling but with supervision of a PhD. Not so great. I just got my 4 year degree in psychology and quite honestly I regret going for it. I so desperately wish that I had gone for something else because now I don't have a job and I know that I won't be able to find one in the psychology field. It's almost pathetic that I wasted so much time and money going to school and now I'll probably end up working at the mall or something completely irrelevant like that. And because I don't have a job I can't afford to go to school further for at least a Master's. Pathetic.

Q: What certification is required to practice private therapy if one has a Master's Degree in School Counseling
If one has a Master's Degree in School Counseling what further certification would be required for them to open a private practice and do individual therapy out of their house or office???

A: Depends on the state. In OH. for example, it depends on when you got your master's in school counseling. I declared my major as school counseling when I took my first course in 1987. When they increased the requirements, I grandfather'd out and didn't have to take the extra credits. I finished in '91. I could have sat for the licensing board at that time and practiced privately or in a group. I didn't, but I would probably be required to take the extra classes now. I'm not sure.

Q: What kinds of jobs can you get counseling if you don't have a degree?
I really want a full time job counseling people and helping them but I don't have a degree yet and I want to start to get in the field so when I do get a degree it might be easier to get a psychologist/ counseling job at a junior high school!!!!

A: Look to companies for an internship or apprentice work. Usually these pay very little if anything at all. They are great for experience and opening up options.

Q: what jobs can i find with a MA degree in counseling, if I don't want to work in this field anymore?
Is there something that I can do without going back to school for another degree?

A: Well I guess that depends on what you want to do - do you want to get out of Counseling all together. It's tough to say since you didn't mention anything else you want to do, or even what you do counseling in now to even see if there is a relateable field. You should start with what you ant to do, then go from there. Recruiter, 10+yrs exp

Q: I want to start a master degree in Pastoral Counseling, where can I find available financial aid in Florida?


A: I'm assuming you mean grants or scholarships? Because getting loans (Stafford, Perkins..) is pretty easy (although I'd recommend it only as a last resort, considering that you're not exactly heading into a high-paying field. You don't want to get stuck with years of paying back loans!) A few possible resources: 1) the business office or financial aid office at the school/seminary you're intending to enroll in. 2) your denominational office (whoever's in charge of ordination, licensing, etc.) 3) your local congregation--ask your pastor, your parish council, and/or put an ad in the church's bulletin or newsletter. You could ask your local church to sponsor you. If you are currently a pastor of a church, you might check into the Lilly Foundation's program to help fund sabaticals for pastors. I was at a conference last year where they were practically begging pastors to apply. Good luck with your search.

Q: Masters degree - Counseling or Social Work?
I am considering getting a Master's degree in either Counseling or Social Work. I'm mainly interested in becoming self-employed either in a private practice or as a contractor working as a contractor for a govt agency or large corporations (travel). I have seen similar questions asked -- but mine is specifically geared toward the opportunity to run my own practice. Is anyone out there working with a MSW (masters of social work) or a Masters of Counseling? What are your experiences as far as marketability of these degrees? Drawbacks? Advantages? Any and all of your experiences would be helpful.

A: The vast majority of psychotherapists in private practice are social workers with an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker). The LCSW is the second most respected license (the licensed psychologist is the most - but you need a PhD for this). With an MA in counseling you will get wither an LMFT (licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) or LPC (licensed professional counselor). Social work has an accreditation schema that ensures a level of quality. Not all counseling programs are accredited. Also the LMFT and LPC are newer licenses. Now all that said. Social work is more than clinical work. It is a profession that is also about social justice and larger system work. So if you have no interest in these - then I would go the counseling route. DA

Q: Where should I go to school at in Lincoln, NE for a counseling degree?


A: UNL has the widest range of programs. , although Hamilton College would probably lead to a career faster, but not necessarily better.

Q: What are some of the different jobs I can get with a Master's Degree in Counseling?


A: You can work at various publicly funded institutions like senior centers, psych wards, prisons, hospitals, etc. You can hang a shingle and start a private counseling practice. You can get certified to become a school counselor. If you like and care about people, it's a rewarding job.

Q: I'm applying for counseling in master's degree. Is school counseling or mental health counseling better?
I want to study in counseling psychology for my master degree. I need to decide whether to study school counseling or mental health counseling, because most of the graduate schools are divided into these categories. I know that school counseling works in schools, and mental health works in the society. I've seen some school counselors say that there is so much paper work to do in their job that is not related to their profession. Is this true? I think I would prefer to work with children and family. I am quite confused on which to choose. I'd like to know the good and bad parts of being a mental health counselor and also school counselor. Also are there much job opportunities? Thank you very much !

A: Mental health will not get you more money, especially starting out. The running joke in most mental health programs is that we are "doing this for the money" because no one is. School counselors make a bit more starting out than mental health counselors, but they have to deal with school administration and politics where as most mental health counselors have to deal with insurance company politics. Several of the school counselors in my program do comment on how much time they spend doing everything but counseling. There is a lot of extra work that goes into being in a school system. Mental health counselors typically are more independent many doing fee for service work. To make the most money and have the most flexibility in mental health you would need to get licensed. That opens up being able to see private insurance clients. Licensure differs by state but typically requires 60 graduate credits and approximately 2,800 - 3,600 direct client hours before you get licensure. Mental health counselors also typically find a niche from which they specialize. Many get certifications as a certified addictions counselor, marriage and family therapy, etc. If you like to be on the go and constantly working on a new project, school counseling may be for you. A lot of time may be spent doing outreach and trying prevention methods. However, a lot of time is spent putting out fires and doing paperwork. Let me know if you have anymore questions. tajiquan@yahoo.com

Q: What kind of a job can I get with a Masters Degree in counseling psychology if I don't want to be a counselor
I am 58 years old and really burned out as a psychotherapist...so much so that I let my professional license lapse...now what? I've only been able to find minimum wage jobs. I keep hearing how skills transfer from one profession to another but I've not been too successful with this. Has any one else had any success with changing careers after "a certain age?"

A: A friend of mine is 58 and just got a Continuing Education certificate from a local university to work with senior adults, after burning out in her field. I'm getting my masters in education at 48, so I never think it's too late to find something to do that interests and excites you! I also have a psych degree (Bachelor's) so I know you can do a lot of different things with this degree. With a Master's degree, you could teach Psychology at a community college, or work in a number of Administrative capacities at a college or university or corporation such as in training, recruiting, advising, alumni relations, employee relations, arbritation, or mediation. Check out this info from the Occupational Careers Handbook about what jobs you could perform in Educational settings: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm Many people with psychology degrees work in public relations and human resources, since you need to be able to work well with lots of different types of people and act appropriately in many different situations. Check out info about careers in Public Relations: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos086.htm Plus check out info about careers in Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos021.htm Management analysts and consultants figure out what is wrong with an organization and make recommendations on how the organization can be reorganized. Here's info about being a Management analyst: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos019.htm There's a lot you can do, if you find something that inspires you. Good luck!

Q: Family/Marriage Counseling Degree?
I want to go in to family and marraige counseling. What are my options? Is this a masters? Doctorate? Bachelors? What would my bachelors need to be? Psychology? Child developement? Anyone ou tthere have this degree or somthing similar and how do you go about doing it? Also is there alot of math involved other than basic requirements? Thanks so much for all your answers!

A: You have to either get a degree in counselling or in counselling psychology. Psychology is a good bachelor's to have for that. In counselling you would only need a Master's, in counselling psychology you might need a PhD. It depends on regulations in the area where you live. Check those.

Q: Can you become a psychologist if you have a master's degree in counseling.?
Can you move from lpc to phd psychologists? What are the steps?

A: To be a psychologist you need a Ph D. If a school excepts your current masters degree is at their discretion. You might stand a better chance of getting into a counseling psych Ph D program vs a clinical psych program.

Q: Which colleges in California offer a Master's degree in Developmental or Counseling Psychology?
Could be either private or public.

A: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/counspsy.html Make sure your program is APA accredited. Here is a list of APA accredited counseling programs. You'll need to scan it to see which are in CA.

Q: Why would it be worth pursuing a Master's Degree in Counseling? ?
I love to listen and help people. However, I would have to go back to school for the third time. Is it worth it?

A: Absolutely. And with a master's degree you could also do other jobs that you may not have thought about. My friend graduated with a psychology degree and got her masters in counseling and now works for the community college sector in NC. She gets to travel all over the country giving presentations on research and gets paid for doing it. It's an awesome job in counseling that you may not have thought about if you couldn't get your dream job of actually counseling people. A masters degree isn't that hard and it's well worth it! Keep going!

Q: my mom is 44 and graduating from college tomorrow afternoon with a degree in Counseling. What can I get her?
I dont have time to order anything and the 'traditional' gifts don't really seem to fit. HELP!

A: Wow, it sounds like she's really accomplished a lot. I would suggest a spa gift certificate. She would probably love a day of pampering, or even an hour of pampering. And if she's not a spa-type person, what about setting up a dinner, where you go to her house (if you don't still live there, I guess), making her a really special dinner to celebrate the occassion and then having her be free to relax while you clean up and do the dishes and such? It's a very sweet gesture and something I bet all moms would enjoy!