RA BSW vs NA Masters Psychology

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Mr harry, Apr 12, 2015.

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  1. Mr harry

    Mr harry New Member

    I am interested in hearing the pros and cons of doing a cswe accredited BSW from an RA University (already have a bachelors) vs a NA Masters in Psychology. If it were up to you which one would you choose.
    The purpose is to work in social services either as a social worker or therapist(masters)
     
  2. Neuhaus

    Neuhaus Well-Known Member

    Well, for starters, you need to look at your state's requirements to work as a therapist. I've not seenq s state that allows you to work as a therapist (licensed clinical social worker) with a BSW. MSW is typically the degree required for licensure.

    And the majority of states I looked at do not allow you to practice with an NA Masters.

    But part of the problem here is that you are trying to compare apples to oranges.

    Generally speaking, a degree in psychology would qualify you to become a licensed psychologist.

    An MSW, generally speaking, would qualify you to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (there are numerous variations of this title/license by state).

    An MA/MS in Clinical Counseling, generally speaking, would qualify you as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

    And MA/MS in Marriage and Family Therapy would, generally speaking, qualify you as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

    Now, every state has different rules. But if you want the most generally accepted accreditation requirements it would be thus:

    Psychology - APA
    mental Health Counseling - CACREP
    Social Work - CSWE
    Marriage and Family Therapy - COAMFTE

    There are programs in California which are NA (or even unaccredited but state approved) and approved by CA to qualify you to become a psychologist there. If you never intend to leave the state of CA, that's an option. But if you think you're going to earn a degree, which lacks the generally required programmatic accreditation, and use it in just any old state you are likely going to waste time and money.

    Also, many states have veered away from licensing masters level psychologists and now require doctorates.

    That said, there may be some unlicensed positions you can fill. In New York the state hospitals employ "psychologists" who are not required to be licensed but who work under a licensed psychologist. Still, those positions require a doctorate from an RA (or NYS approved institution) and they seem to be pretty strict about not allowing "related" fields such as counseling, I/O etc.

    All of that explained, your question of BSW vs (NA) Masters in Psychology to become a therapist is a bit like asking whether one should pursue a bachelor in art history or a Masters in neuroscience if your end goal is to be a heart surgeon. There might be some screwed up country that allows that particular educational path, but neither is the most direct route to your goal.

    First, I would clarify what license you wish to obtain. Then I would identify what is required to get that specific license in my state. Then I would pursue accordingly.
     

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