Master's in Mental Health Counseling (with intent to work in NYS)

You are correct that COAMFTE is the primary accrediting agency for MFT programs. However, CACREP does accredit a number of MFT programs as well.

Also, just as an aside, from what I've gathered MFTs have higher median salaries than social workers (MSW) or mental health counselors. Of course, this should not be one's only consideration in selecting a program, but it is an important factor for many.

 

So, it all depends on what the student wnats to do and what the state requires for licensure. To be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in many states (I want to say "most," but I'm not sure of the percentage), a graduate degree with COAMFTE-accreditation is required. States naming CACREP-accreditation will require it for professional counseling licenses (LMHC, LPC, etc). So, in most cases, even if a person attends a grad program in MFT, if it is accredited by CACREP graduates will most likely be able to seek licensing as Counselors. That is, unless the state does not require organizational accreditation for MFT programs (NJ is one, I think).

Anyway, just because you are a LMFT does not mean that you only work with families. Just because you are a Mental Health Counselor does not mean that you only counsel individuals. Just because you are a Social Worker does not mean that you only do case management. Just because you are a masters-level psychologist does not mean that you only do psych-testing. Most of these licenses can perform jobs that are interchangeable (although there are issues such as insurance and test-requirements that place limits in certain areas)... so it really just depends on what the licensed person wants to focus on post-graduation. Just because MFT programs focus on systemic approaches does not mean that the students can only learn about and use systemic approaches. Just because counseling students learn about counseling theory does not mean that they can only use that theory in their work. Just because social workers learn more about group theory does not mean they can only practice what they are trained in. That's what's great about CEU requirements! There are always options to learn more and add to your ability as a therapist!!

 

Thanks again, Hadashi. Do you go to New Paltz or a different school? I wouldn't mind having my husband drive me (as I don't drive) 4 hours on a weekend day. I was interested in driving 7 to the Buffalo area for the Medaille College program, but there's no way I could be in time for Friday evening classes (they do Friday-Saturday-Sunday one weekend per month).

 

No problem! I attend Antioch New England, which is in Keene, NH. If NY State would accept out of state degrees, and if you would be OK making the 4-hour drive to Keene once per week, I would recommend my program to you. I absolutely love it, and have learned and grown a lot since beginning. It's full time (but you can go part time if you want), but having class one day per week makes school, work, internship, and real life pretty manageable. I'm still busy, but life is more manageable than having to go to class randomly throughout the week. The CMHC program at Antioch New England is also CACREP-accredited.

Antioch University New England - Graduate School in New Hampshire - Offering master's degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates.

 

Also... here is a way to view the list of all of the Mental Health Counseling programs that are "approved" by New York State.

http://www.nysed.gov/heds/IRPSL1.html

Choose the "professional licenses" link, and then choose "MENT HLTH COUNSL." A list should appear.