I am a student at Ashford University and i graduate in Feb. of 2011 with my BS in Psychology. I will be attending grad school afterwards to obtain my Masters degree. I am not looking to get my license in Psychology right now (not sure if i will stay in ny where i live). I am planning to work as a counselor in a residential type of faciity (group/ elder home, etc),and non profit sector. My question is should my major still be in psych with a specailization (university of the rockies told me to get my MA in psych specializing in mediation and conflict resolution). Capella told me to get my MS in mental health counseling. Can anyone guide me as what is the best course of study in order to be a counselor? Also what schools do you guys recommend? Thanks for sny help!
I'd suggest at least looking into a 3rd path: a Masters in Social Work. Social workers have a very strong advocacy group behind them (the National Association of Social Workers) and so the scope of practice, insurance reimbursability, and job opportunities for MSWs are often broader and more flexible-- sometimes MUCH more so -- than for masters-level psychotherapists. Social workers also get broader education into the family and support systems that are often an important part of counseling and mental health. Particularly if you're planning on working in a group home environment, I'd think the social work credential would be highly beneficial. I also think, but am not sure, that there is greater reciprocity between states for LCSW/LISW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Independent Social Worker) than there is for MFCC or CPC or other similar credentials. There are also masters programs in community mental health, which are set up for people providing services similar to what you're describing. I would not suggest putting a lot of faith in recommendations from any school, particularly a for-profit one like Capella, since they will have a tendency to steer you toward their own programs. I do think talking to some masters-level therapists, and perhaps hiring managers or exec directors at residential facilities such as you're considering as employment prospects might give you some great insight into the differences between a masters in psychology, a community mental health degree, and an MSW. If you search the degreeinfo archive, there are qute a few threads on online MA in psych/counseling and MSW programs.
In general, I concur with chip's post above. However, my step-sister did her PhD in psych thru Capella, to her satisfaction. Her specialty is corporate conflict resolution - where counseling is cheaper and better than lawyering up! For anyone interested in the MA path in a similar vein, I'd check out University of London's external masters in organizational behavior. I think it is a bargain (although, not what mittens74 is seeking).
I would advise a program that allows you to pursue licensure as a mental health counselor in your state (you can check http://nbcc.org). I'd be sure to take 60 graduate hours (even though some schools issue an MA at 48 - most states are now requiring 60). If you have to do it online (with 3 weeks of intensives total), then Liberty University (www.liberty.edu) is a great option (note: there are 2 required classes that discuss integrating Christian faith with counseling). Personally (though I have taught graduate counseling courses online - including for Liberty University), I'd recommend an on-campus experience. If possible, I'd even look for one at a CACREP-accredited RA-school (www.cacrep.org). I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in clinical practice (as well as an active adjunct). If your intention is therapy (and it sounds like it is) then I believe Counseling is the way to go. If your intention is testing, psych is better; if you intention is hospital work, then LCSW. Licensure process is easiest of the 3 as an LPC. Hope that helps.
There are typically three traditional masters programs that qualify you for licensed counseling to the general population (not counting school psychology, school counseling, or psychiatric nurse practitioner): 1. Mental Health Counseling Masters (LPC, LMHC, etc.) 2. Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) 3. Social Work (MSW) For licensure you will have to do clinical "hands on" counseling to graduate and after your graduate to sit for the board exams of your State. If you choose a Mental Health degree then enroll in one that is CACREP accredited. I recommend a school like Capella or Walden if you do it online.
Actually there are a number of master's degrees in rehabilitation counsleing that allow you to become board certified in rehab counsleing and licensed in counseling. Licensure at the master's degree in counsleing is now approved in all 50 states. In many situations it also qualifies you for 3rd party insurance payment. Examples of distance programs that may qualify you for licensure by taking a master's in rehabilitation couinseling include University of Arkansas Little Rock, University of North Texas, Utah State, San Diego State UNiversity, Georgia State, Wayne State, etc.........
