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I think LCSW . . .I think it is more versatile than a psychologist . . .I don't know about the clinical hours . . .if they are the same or different . . .I think that would make a difference. In my state clinical hours needed for psychologists are 3,000 last time I inquired . . . so you have to be able to support yourself through school, then through internships and externships which pay little to nothing.
So basically you have to be well off or be willing to rack up HUGE student loans . . .and I don't recommend doing that.
Social workers don't do the kind of counseling she is talking about. They evaluate situations and recommend counseling but don't do it themselves. Most are cautioned NOT to do counseling. School counselors do NO counseling for psychological problems like these. They counsel for school problems, maybe go as far as dealing with bullies but once it gets into family problems, they refer to a school psychologist or an outside resource. School counselor's function is to help kids through the school process.
OP your options really are to get an undergrad in psychology and a masters in counseling and most likely a PhD in psychology to do the work you want to do. Neither of these jobs really pay well enough to live in New York City though
Clinical social workers in private practice can do that sort of counseling. You can become a psychotherapist with a degree in social work.
Social workers don't do the kind of counseling she is talking about. They evaluate situations and recommend counseling but don't do it themselves. Most are cautioned NOT to do counseling. School counselors do NO counseling for psychological problems like these.
Golfgal....you are wrong about that. A masters in social work allows one to begin the LCSW supervision process. LCSW's, even those in beginning supervision right out of the program, can counsel in the same way that LPC's do.
Golfgal....you are wrong about that. A masters in social work allows one to begin the LCSW supervision process. LCSW's, even those in beginning supervision right out of the program, can counsel in the same way that LPC's do.
Also, in many cases LPC's have to pay for their supervision and most who are on the path to becoming LCSWs do not. I found this out through meetings with a career counselor at my previous university.
I am currently a psych undergrad and am looking into graduate schools. What I want to do is work in a mental health clinic and counsel children and teenagers who are being abused or who have severe emotional problems.
1. Which graduate degree would be best for me to be able to do this, and also allow me flexibility?
2. Which would I be able to make the most money living in NYC? I will also be multilingual, speaking 4 languages by the time I"m done with grad school.
Thanks in advance!
I need to ask you which one you LIKE. They are similar but very different.
For example in time of training. A Phd can take as long as ten years. You will ne awarded a MA/S at some point, and if at that point you have "had enough" you can walk away with the Masters.
Being multi-lingual is always good.
1. To be able to do this fastest and with the most options in terms of being hired, the MSW offers the most flexibility. You mentioned NYC and in NY State, where I am from; it is the most marketable of the Master's degrees that you mentioned. For complicated reasons.
NY State is late in recognising Mental Health counselors at the Master's level.
In fact they only started doing this a few years ago. There are NO PSYCHOLOGISTS in NY State in ANY type of practice with only an MA. MA programs in NY State are stepping stones into PhD programs or for personal enrichment OR to teach at the community or small college level.
2. To earn the most money in NYC? That's easy. A PhD. Then a PsyD.
The PsyD is more West Coast and was looked down upon in the North East until recently. Now I do know PsyDs who work in student health services at two SUNY campuses.
As others have stated, if you get an MSW in clinical social work, then get the requisite supervision and hours under your belt, you can practice as in independent therapist, billing insurance, etc. At least in the states i am aware of.
MSWs can do lots of things, however, not just do therapy. So as most have stated, it's your most versatile degree.
But again, the PhD gets your more money, typically, and opens up the possibility of doing psych testing.
There do seem to be lots of jobs for clinicians out there. I have seen that the VA actually pays pretty well for MSW clinicians...
Remember to volunteer in the areas of your interest. You will find what jobs you take early on will pigeon hole you later....build your resume as you go through school. Plenty of placements turn into full time positions...It is a lot like other fields...It may come down to who you know. Get to know the agency you wish to work in...Volunteer.. always remember the little people at every agency....smooze a lil it can make a big difference.
I am moving to Harlem from out-of-state to attend City College and want to buy a car. Should I or would it be a waste of money? Also, is a car useful in Queens? I have family there.
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LCSW's are counselors
