I am trying to decide which masters degree to go into. I am excited about working in this field once I graduate and I’d like to have as many options as I can. I don’t want to be limited to just couseling but it is difficult to find a school that offers a masters in clinical psychology. Most degree’s in clinical psychology are a doctorate level. If I do a masters in counseling will I be as in demand or as able to do other things with a counseling degree as would be with a clinical degree?
The level of education would impact the fees you can charge, which would possibly impact those who could afford you. You can also consider a masters in clinical social work, which allows you to be a counselor as well.
I’m a retired clinical social worker. As such I had many options in terms of counseling. I could be in private practice, work in any number of social agencies, work in criminology, in schools, hospitals, etc. You need a masters in social work, which is a 2 year program. Then most states require a license in clinical work, which takes some time to get. Once you have it, you can be a provider for most of the health insurance companies.
Whatever degree you go for, make sure that it is accepted by insurance companies. Otherwise, you will not be able to be in private practice, and counseling agencies will not hire you.
Hey Sherri
I have a Masters in Sport Psychology so I can give a bit of advice here about those that you mentioned.
There is no doubt that having the qualification in Clinical Psychology is the crown of psychology in my opinion. If u wanted to just concentrate on counseling alone then you should go for the counseling master’s but u said u didn’t want get limited.
the clinical will enable you to work more diversely, particularly in mental health field and with those suffering from mental health issues that are chronic, as well as autism, ADHD, children’s learning difficulties.Clinical Psych’s also have good testing training so they can work with a range of diagnostic tests for clients.
Why limit yourself to the master’s? If you want the clinical go for the doctorate, let nothing stop you, just do it and don’t let doubts, fears or false limits get in your way!!
Good Luck!
To become a Jedi first you must become a master.
It all depends on your outcome, which leads to your question, your doing some research first, good for you.
Personally I believe that a masters of Psychology would cover everything that you would learn in a masters of counselling (maybe apart from new applications) But a masters in counselling would just give you everything you would ever need to know and more..
If your an action orientated person, counselling.
If your a bit more scientific, psychology.
Both are good. I might be mile off but I think your heading toward being a Psychiatrist which can do a nice amount of both and a lot more too. (wink)