Suggestions for DL schools in Counseling?

I'm looking for APA approved Master's degrees in this field. If you have suggestions on any schools (outside of Capella), please feel free to offer them.

I'm having trouble with a good place to start. I'd want to be done in about 2-3 years, no residency, moderate cost, and no GRE or MAT testing for entry.

Thanks for the help.

 

If it must be APA-approved, wouldn't it make sense to begin on the part of the APA web site that discusses that sort of thing? I dunno... just askin'. If so, is this web page a good place to start?

Also, if you copy the following to your clipboard:

• +master OR "master of arts" OR "master of science" +degree +counseling +"APA approved" OR "APA accredited" +distance OR online -capella site:.edu

and then paste it, exactly as shown above, into the Google Search Box, and then click on the "Search" button, you might find something useful on one of the search pages.

• NOTE: Don't worry that the above, in blue, may appear on two or more lines on your screen. Just copy it as if it were just one line and paste it in. There are no hard carriage returns or line feeds in the HTML code as it appears on your screen, so if you just highlight the blue line(s), above, is if they were one, then copy to the clipboard, they will paste as a single, unbroken line.

Hope that hel.... er... oh... wait... I'm on your ignore list, aren't I?

Oh, well... never mind.

 

The APA doesn't approve Master's programs -they approve doctoral programs and in Clinical, School and Counseling Psychology -not Counseling.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accredits Counseling programs.
http://www.cacrep.org/directory.html
They list over 150 programs at their site.
Psychology and Counseling are 2 distinct fields - with much overlap in theory and practice. There are many Counseling specialties or tracks to pursue.
There are Licensed Mental Health Counselors(also called Licensed Professional Counselors), Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors. Certified Substance Abuse and Alcohol Counselors, School Counselors etc. to name the major ones.
All states require a doctorate to be a Licensed Psychologist. School Psychologists can have a CAGS or Doctorate.
http://www.nasponline.org/about_nasp/whatisa.html
There is an orgaonization promoting the Master's degree in Psychology for licensure and recognition.
Northamerican Association of Masters in Psychology
http://www.enamp.org/index.php
They list about 25 states where you can use a Masters degree in Psychology for licensure of some sort -usually Psychological Assistant, Associate or in a school.They also offer a certification to be a nationally certified psychologist-hoping to promote the Master's as the entry level for practice. Don't think it will happen as APA is strong -some see it as lowering status of psychologists to not be "Dr"

 

You might check this thread out: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20247 .

 

Hello Laferney,

Thanks for the information. I had heard of LPCs, but was not aware of the fact that Master's in Counseling programs were not granted formal approval by the APA. Does this create a problem for someone who might want a Master's in Counseling as an LPC? I'm mainly looking at Mental Health Counseling...so if you have any inside track information on what DL schools might offer it...that would be really cool.

Thanks again.

 

Awesome Ted...thanks.

 

While you're looking at programs you might want to look at this one:
http://ssw.fsu.edu/Part-Time_Online_Handbook.pdf
It's the only online Masters degree program in Social Work in the USA.
Good luck in your studies.
Jack

 

Jack,

I checked them out...they are extremely expensive for out of state students. Not sure if I want to ask for a loan with 25% APR interest to pay for that school. EEEEccckkk.....

Thanks for the thought though...nice of you to offer it.

 

APA

OK Here's the thing. A degree that takes you to Licensed Clinical Social Work is extremely useful. Probably better than any psych masters counseling degree around. Most want the undergrad degree to be in Social WorkBut, if you want a useful psych degree, your best move is probably Fielding Institute. It is currently the only APA acc. Psych program available in a distributed format. You received your Masters as a matter of course during your program toward the Ph.d. in order to facilitate practicums and stuff (You gots ta have one of them there masters degrees fer that). Also, landing an APA approved residency is tough in the extreme from what I hear.
Cappella's counseling program under their Human Services branch is great. You may want to look at that one or search for posts by our friend "Blackbird" here on the site.
I'm trying to finish one degree and get back to UWA's counseling psych program and then, try to stretch it out to the required 48 credits for licensure here in NC.
Good luck
Dan B

 

Most require some on campus time:
GO to:
http://programs.gradschools.com/distance/counseling_mental_health.html
Suggest these only:
Goddard
Walden Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Capella MS in Human Services / Counseling Studies
Seton Hall online Master of Arts in Counseling.
Prescott
Central Michigan
University of West Alabama ** BEST Value
(Note: There are some unaccredited ones listed here on this site as Canyon, Bircham etc. -stick to those I listed as they are regionally accredited.)
Also suggest: Liberty University's M.A in Master of Arts in Professional Counseling .
University of Wisconsin-Stout offers a Master of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation through distance education. Concentrations available include:
Rehabilitation Counseling

 

Re: APA

This is very accurate.

Mental health facilities, at least here and in Illinois, look for MSW's and LCSW's above any other degree and license.

Insurance companies prefer LCSW's to LMFT's, LPC's, or LCPC's, at least the ones I have dealt with do.

The Rev. Mr. PhiloScholar should check with his state licensing board before pursuing any degree in the behaviorial science field.

 

Re: Re: APA

Hello Rev. Clifton,

First, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the licensing. Second, as I'm sure you're aware...one clergy to another, the designation of "Rev. Mr." is normally used for Deacons - one step down (typically) from full minister status - like you and I. You demoted me a rank...lol.

And third...just to be picky...(and yes, I know you were kidding) my username on this forum, is not attached to my ministry. So, this whole new thing you got goin' with blending my ministerial title to my username...not really working for me. LOL.

Thanks again.

 

Shawn: If there's a doctoral program in your future, look here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19769 . Licensure info is here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20592 .

 

Re: Re: Re: APA

I don't think this is generalized transdenominationally. I think it's denominational specific.

 

Yeah...I'll be 50 when and if it happens, but thanks for thinking of it.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: APA

Not to be off topic here, but I agree with you. Which is why I said "typically" in my previous post. Every religious community is indeed different.

 

Don't worry, I'll be at least 45 if my master's in history ever happens and thus easily at least 50 if the doctorate in history happens. But go for it and score one for us old geezers.

 

Link giving licensure info in many states -psych and others
http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/centers/srmhrc/shortages/lic-psychology.asp
or go to http://www.enamp.org/index.php and link there.

 

Oh! I just realized that my list of counseling docs on the thread linked above failed to mention Regent University www.regent.edu .

 

Also previously posted here.