I am going to be bald......

Yeah I have heard! But I figure the MAIS would open other doors for me as well at community college such as doing advising or something. I have been spending some time this evening trying to decide if another degree would best serve me and I really am having a hard time deciding!

 

As one who is working in the field of advising (student services), I don't think the MAIS would do that much for you there. If anything, I would think that the undergrad major you have chosen would help more. If the positions require a master's degree, schools will probably want an MEd or an MS in College Student Personnel.

 

That makes sense. Just bear in mind that LPCs are not permitted to operate independently (e.g. open your own practice, as you mentioned below). This is mainly due to reimbursement issues. MSWs often do receive reimbursement for mental health services, while LPCs usually do not.

If you're going to pay as much as Walden or Capella charges, you might be interested in something that it is a bit more lucrative. Capella offers an MS and post-masters certificate in School Psychology. School Psychologists make good coin (much more than LPCs and MSWs!) and Capella offers the only (mostly) online program accredited by NASP (National Association of School Psychologists). Note, that in order to be eligible for licensing, you must complete both the MS and cert in School Psychology through Capella. Click the "Overview" tab on the cert page for more information.

I'm sure that there are other factors involved in your decision on what path to pursue, however, here is a quick breakdown from of median salaries (May 2009) from BLS.gov:

Mental Health Counselors: $38,010
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $38,200
Child, Family and School Social Workers: $39,960
Medical and Public Health Social Workers: $46,300
Marriage and Family Therapists: $46,920
Clinical Counseling and School Psychologists: $66,040

You can see the jump in salary once you get to School Psychologists. Also, they usually only work 9-10 months per year!!!

 

What about Antioch?

And takes lots of Biotin, exercise, and eat healthy so you don't go bald!

Abner

 

Thanks for all that info! I will look into the school counseling programs just not sure that is the route for me.

I am not sure where you got the info about LPC not being allowed to have their own practice as they can and I know many that do. Yes you run the issue of not being allowed to bill some insurances and such but you can work in private practice as a LPC.

 

You're welcome! Just a point of clarification. I was referring to School Psychologists, not School Counselors.

Okay. I'm sure you've done more research on this than I have. Anyway, it might be tough to open your own practice if you have issues with reimbursement. Not impossible, but certainly difficult. I'm sure it will depend greatly upon which state you end up working in.