Calvin
What Psychology education/degree is right for me?
I want to make good money and have an enjoyable job that I look forward to. I'm interested in the Counselling stream for Psychology, but I'm not sure what the recommended education level is for counselling-related jobs. I've heard a Master's degree is recommended as the minimum level of education needed for such jobs. Is it possible to get a job in such a career with only a Bachelor's? #psychology #therapy #counseling #clinical-psychology #therapists #counseling-psychology
4 answers
Linda Ann Robinson, Ph.D.
Linda Ann’s Answer
Generally speaking, a master's level credential is required for counseling...With few exceptions, one cannot call oneself a "psychologist" in any state in the USA without a doctorate. Licensing/ credentially for counselors and psychologists are done at the state level, with requirements varying from one state to the next. Both counselors and psychologists generally are required to take a national, credentially examination.
There are positions in the USA for bachelor's level folks called "Therapeutic Support Specialists" which may involve some counseling of children. Even Guidance Counselors in educational settings need a masters degree in most states here in the USA.
I suggest the two following websites for more information (including information about starting salaries, which generally are NOT very high):
American Counseling Association: https://www.counseling.org/about-us/about-aca
American Psychological Association: www.apa.org
I wish you the best in your career journey!!
Thank you for the advice! Looking at it now, I'm glad I changed my focus to a different part of the psychological field.
Deana
You are very welcome. Glad that I could be of some assistance to you.
Linda Ann Robinson, Ph.D.
Scott D. Leonard, Psy.D.
Scott D.’s Answer
The short answer is you will need a master's degree and not just any will do. In most states you will need a program that has 60 credits at a minimum so a generic counseling degree that only takes 33-36 credits to complete will not do. You also will need at least 2 years of supervised clinical work to take the licensing exams. This easier than getting licensed as a psychologist but is more involved than getting an LCSW as most of those programs only require half as much supervision to get licensed.
Penny Kusterer
Penny’s Answer
Hi Deana,
What type of counseling are you interested in pursuing? Linda is correct in that you would need at least a masters and honestly a doctorate would be best. You might want to consider a Masters in Social Work - I think you will find more opportunities in that field at the masters level. I recommend you compare the two fields. Whatever choice you make, either field would be very rewarding. Good Luck!
I actually want to start a non profit organization to improve the mental health of students, so my interest has moved from a psychology degree to a social work degree, although psychology will still be a big part of what I do. Thank you for thinking of me.
Deana
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Deciding on the right educational path in psychology is a crucial step that can significantly influence your career opportunities and job satisfaction. If you're considering a career in counseling psychology, it's essential to think about the suggested educational qualifications for such roles, and if it's feasible to secure a job with just a bachelor's degree.
In counseling psychology, a master's degree is typically seen as the baseline educational requirement for most counseling-related roles. A master's degree in counseling psychology or a similar field equips individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and training to work as professional counselors. This level of education usually includes courses in counseling theories, ethics, assessment and diagnosis, intervention methods, multicultural counseling, and research techniques.
Possessing a master's degree in counseling psychology can unlock a multitude of job opportunities in diverse settings, such as private practices, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and government agencies. With this level of education, individuals can work as licensed professional counselors (LPCs) or licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), providing individual and group therapy to clients with various mental health issues.
While a bachelor's degree alone might not be adequate for many counseling-related roles, it can still offer a robust foundation for further education and career progression. A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field can help individuals gain a fundamental understanding of human behavior, research methods, and psychological theories. It can also act as a stepping stone towards pursuing a master's degree in counseling psychology or other advanced degrees in the field.
Besides formal education, acquiring practical experience through internships or volunteer work can significantly boost your chances of securing employment in the counseling field. Many master's programs in counseling psychology necessitate students to complete supervised practicum or internship experiences as part of their training. These experiences provide invaluable hands-on experience working with clients under the guidance of licensed professionals.
Moreover, obtaining a license is often a prerequisite to practice as a professional counselor. The specific requirements for licensure differ by state, but usually involve completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours, passing a licensing exam, and meeting other criteria established by the state licensing board. It's crucial to research and comprehend the licensure requirements in the state where you intend to practice.
While a master's degree is generally suggested for counseling-related jobs, there might be some entry-level positions available for individuals with a bachelor's degree. These positions may include roles such as case managers, mental health technicians, or crisis hotline counselors. However, it's important to remember that advancement and higher-paying positions in the field often necessitate a higher level of education and licensure.
In conclusion, if you're interested in a career in counseling psychology, obtaining a master's degree is generally suggested as the baseline educational requirement for most counseling-related roles. A bachelor's degree can offer a robust foundation for further education and career progression in the field. Acquiring practical experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining licensure are also crucial steps towards building a successful career in counseling psychology.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
American Psychological Association (APA) - The APA is the largest professional organization representing psychologists in the United States. Their website provides valuable information on psychology education and careers, including guidelines for different subfields such as counseling psychology.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) - The NBCC is an independent certification organization for professional counselors. Their website offers resources on counseling education and licensure requirements, as well as information on various counseling specialties.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) - CACREP is an accrediting body that ensures quality standards in counseling programs. Their website provides a directory of accredited counseling programs and information on the educational requirements for different counseling careers.
These authoritative sources were used to gather information on the recommended education level for counseling-related jobs and to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the field of counseling psychology.
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