What is the difference between marriage and family therapy and a proffesional counselor? What can one do that the other can't? Why would one go for one over the other? does anyone know how many residencies Liberty requires for their MFT program? does anyone know the cost of the SCU graduate program? thanks for your help
Here's my shot at it, hopefully others will pile on. I think the main difference between a degree program entitled "Marriage and Family Therapy" and one entitled "Counseling Psychology" is that the former is likely to focus primarily, though not exclusively, on family dynamics as opposed to the latter which will focus primarily, though not exclusively in individual intrapsychic dynamics. Many people who pursue the Marriage and Family option do so because they have an interest in working with kids ('cause when you work with kids, you work with the parent(s) too.) Other people pursue such programs because they may be more accessible or more affordable (in some specific cases). Also, there may be some evidence (although I don't know this) that one program may be a more reliable ticket into Doctoral programs. While I'm sure it varies according to state law, once you're licensed, it may not make much difference. Jack
how does the social work degree (MSW) fit into this picture as far as what counseling they do or can do? drew
<<What is the difference between marriage and family therapy and a proffesional counselor? What can one do that the other can't? Why would one go for one over the other?>> The difference depends -entirely- upon state law. For instance in California there is no professional counselor licensure but there is master's level MFT and LCSW licensure and of course doctoral level psychologist licensure. While historically these professions grew from different roots (systems theory for family therapists, social worker for LCSW and academic psychology for clinical psychologists) in California all three of these independent professions can do pretty much the same thing when it comes to psychotherapy. There are some differences, however. For instance, in CA only psychologists can conduct psychological testing as an independent endeavor (although MFTs and maybe LCSWs can test their own clients) and many state and county run mental health clinics cannot hire MFTs due to a quirk in state law (which MFTs are fighting to change and, no surprise, LCSWs are fighting to retain). I also believe that currently MFTs cannot get reimbursement via federal medicare/medicaid and are fighting to change that also (again resisted by psychologists and LCSWs). Regards, GE
Aqui en Nuevo Mexico, only a person licensed under the Psychologist Licensing Act may use the word "psychology" in connection with their practice. As GME says, only masters level "Psychologist Associates" and Ph.D./Psy.D. "Psychologists" may administer and interpret psychometric tests. Recently, psychologists with additional training have gained limited authority to prescribe drugs for mental conditions. Personally, I think that this is going to prove to be a bad idea. We'll see. Educational psychology and social psychology (whatever THAT may be) are separate cases.
Drew - This is a very loaded question as Social Workers do far more than (simple) psychotherapy. In that regard however, I would say that Social Workers enjoy the absolute BEST Masters level licensure deal across the entire USA. What trumps all the other disciplines is that insurance companies routinely approve Social Workers for compensation while other disciplines rarely receive this treatment. This does two things. The first is that it makes you a more attractive job applicant as human service agencies know they'll be compensated by any/all insurance agencies for your efforts. Secondly, it allows for the option of private practice (the fantasy of many aspiring therapists - this is the subject of an entirely new thread) Jack
While GME is absolutely correct in this assessment, every single Social Worker (and most Psychologists, btw) would say, "So what." Most Clinical Psychologists neither administer nor want to administer psychological tests as a major portion of their job description. There are a few extremely demented, disturbed individuals in every jurisdiction that do this for a living. Fortunately, they tend to do it quite well. I've never personally known a Psychologist who got into the business so that they could "do psychological testing." Back to the insurance issue . . . insurance companies rarely compensate for psych testing. It's a great skill with little monetary value. Jack
I agree. Psych testing can be very tedious. Unfortunately, many school psychologists are so overwhelmed with new cases that their entire day consists of nothing more than psychological testing.
<<What trumps all the other disciplines is that insurance companies routinely approve Social Workers for compensation while other disciplines rarely receive this treatment>> In CA at least MFTs regulary get insurance reimbursement (of course getting on HMO/PPO panels is a whole ordeal in and of itself).
Drew, I just got my info packet from SCU's counseling M.A. programs a couple of weeks ago. Costs are currently $465/credit hour (courses are 3 credits each) plus a $400 comprehensive fee per semester regardless of the number of credits you carry. Also, their half-time status (which you need to meet to qualify for Federal financial aid) is 6 credits per semester. All semesters, including the summer, are 15 weeks in length. I am in the process of applying to transfer to this program from the program I started at Argosy. SCU's program appears to be more flexible, and the costs are pretty comparable to other distance learning schools I found in this field--plus I like the fact that you actually have classes you can interact with. Hope this helps, anne
