Have BA in Communication, an MS Ed, want to become a licensed counselor in Idaho

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by saltdog, Mar 30, 2011.

Loading...
  1. saltdog

    saltdog New Member

    I have lots of experience in related fields (training and mediation). I love to
    do "communication counseling", it's finally time to hit the mainstream and be licensed as full-time counselor. What is the most efficient path for a mediator-type to be able to accept insurance as a counselor? Should I be an LPC, a Marriage and Family Therapist, something else? Is a 2nd Master's necessary or can I get a lower course load with a certificate? I realize I need 1000 hours of internship and supervised practice, look forward to that. I don't think I need MAJOR $$$$$ and time commitments at 55 years old!!!!

    I appreciate your opinion, I will be smarter when talking to the state university and licensing board, and will know more about distance options from this wonderful forum!
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'd be really surprised to hear that any part of your current Masters will help you toward a career in Counseling. What I hear is that these counseling programs, because they're all designed to satisfy licensure laws, are pretty rigid in their requirements. I'm guessing that you're going to have to start from scratch with a whole new Masters program.
     
  3. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Wouldn't that a Ph.D would give you more credential in the field? Especially, when some family needs Marriage and Family Therapist counseling would choose somebody has Doctorate degree? I am not in the field, but that is my perception. If that is the case, then Ph.D in Counseling at Liberty University would be a good investment. Also Ambridge University has Ph.D's in the related fields..
     
  4. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Could you jump professions successfully like that? Seems like it would require previous education and experience. I wonder what the entrance requirements would be at Liberty. I have always been interested in counseling too, but I'm not willing to jump ship yet again.
     
  5. major56

    major56 Active Member

    You may want to consider the University of Louisiana-Monroe online PhD (non-clinical) in Marriage and Family Therapy:

    e.g., “This unique doctoral concentration is designed for master’s level professionals from a wide array of disciplines who desire a deeper study of the contexts that advance the creative practices of the transformative arts. Students admitted to the program will have successfully completed a master’s degree program from a regionally accredited institution, or the equivalent.”

    ULM's Gateway to Online Degrees (GOLD): Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy: Non-Clinical Concentration in Creative Systemic Studies
     
  6. eilla05

    eilla05 New Member

    You would need either a 2nd Masters or a PHD. I honestly don't feel you need the PHD if you want to do counseling. Is it nice to have...sure but not required. I know quite a few successful and awesome counselors who only hold their Masters. There are not that many distance learning programs in counseling actually and even fewer that are CACREP accredited if you want that as well. And what all the distance learning options have in common is that they are EXPENSIVE!! Most everything I have found range from 18-40k dependent on the school. As for time its gonna take you 2-3 years just to complete the degree.

    Go here for more information about your states requirements...
    Board Page

    And if you go right here it will tell you what you need to get licensed in your state: 60 credit hours counseling related credits:
    http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/rules/idapa24/1501.pdf
     
  7. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Now, this, I just don't believe :boggled:
     
  8. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Interesting program, however, this program is intended primarily for masters-level MFTs, and as stated in the description does not lead to initial licensure.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 30, 2011
  9. saltdog

    saltdog New Member

    Thanks to you all for your perspectives, you have helped me narrow down my choices. I will check out Liberty and Ambridge, as well as my state university Master's program. Good call on the ULM program. Thanks for the Idaho.gov links, the pages were down when I checked before and I thought that information was unavailable.

    As for jumping ship yet again... it gets easier. At 55 and with the kids launched I feel I have a good 30 years of career development left!
     
  10. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    Exactly. A non-clinical PhD in MFT would do nothing for the OP. It wouldn't likely open any doors teaching, either, as licensure and clinical experience would probably be an absolute requirement for instructional positions.
     
  11. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    With Liberty, be sure that you are comfortable with an intentionally Christian program. It is designed to lead to professional licensure, but it takes a decidedly "Christian" approach to counseling. I earned an MA in Human Services (non-licensure program) from LU's counseling department, and I enjoyed the program.
     

Share This Page