3 answers
1
Question
Asked
385 views
What Would be the best route to become a counselor?
What would be the best college prep or programs that would help me get into Helping out trouble kids?
Login to comment
3 answers
Barbara Lovelady, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI (She/Her)
Clinical Social Worker
2
Answers
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
There are a few ways to go. If your goal is to get out and work with kids where they are, I would suggest going the social work route (either a psychology or social undergrad degree and an MSW). If you want to just do counselling in an office setting, then you can either do the counseling route (MA in Counseling) or the social work route. Typically, as a psychologist, you would work more with testing than counseling, unless you have your PhD. With the master’s degree in either counseling or social work, you will be able to do counseling independently or within an agency. Well the social work degree is more flexible and allows working in more environments, the counselling degree tends to better prepare someone to begin counseling with more confidence. This is a great endeavor. I think you will find it very rewarding regardless of the route you take.
Look at options for future jobs that facinate you and see what they require.
Ask to chat with at least four people in your choosen field before going too far.
Barbara recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jen’s Answer
I would definitely suggest getting a bachelors in psychology. Then you will go on to a counseling masters program. I’d also suggest you try to find some volunteer or paid work that will allow you to get experience within the field you’re most interested. Not only will that help
You get experience which will help with future job hunting, but it will also confirm that this is the field you want to work in.
You get experience which will help with future job hunting, but it will also confirm that this is the field you want to work in.
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Sometimes if you can't get straight into an Bachelors of Social work or do a Master's in Psychology (because you need to do a masters degree to practice), you can go the senic route. Try an undergraduate degree in counselling and if you like it or find an area you want to go towards, build from there. Just remember there is no right way to get the career you want, some things take time. Or if you know of an organisation you want to work for, ask to speak to their staff and see where and what they studied. Best of luck