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Originally posted by Corsulian
You'll want to check with your state regulations on this. Licensing and Certification for counselors/psychologists/psychiatrists differ from state to state. I'm planning on specializing in I/O Psychology and am trying to figure out what sort of certifications I need since I/O isn't technically in the health field.
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Checking with your state to see what their requirements are is great advice. Certification and licensure and job definitions and requirements vary depending on the state in which you live.
I can do a number of things with my degree, and do not feel limited because I do not have a PHD. I completed my school certification, and am currently working in the schools. I am also working towards my LPC, and National Boards while employed. I'll kill two birds with one stone in the next two years, and have a pay increase based on the National Boards. I will not get one due to having the LPC, but will increase my marketability should I pursue other avenues.
Other things I could do with my degree are private counseling (and yes, I did have a class on the DSM IV so I can diagnose clients), agency counseling, human resources, college advising, career counseling, research, consulting and some psychological testing to name a few.
In my state, when you want to get more specific to have a title, such as MFT, substance abuse or geriatric counseling you will have to complete those hours of supervision no matter what degree you have. If I had a PHD and decided that I wanted to be a certified substance abuse counselor - then I would still have to complete the necessary requirements of getting that certification, which again in my state will include 2000 hours of supervision. It does not necessarily come with the PHD degree unless you follow that track from the beginning.
If you have a clear picture of what you want to do as far as counseling goes, then make sure that you target your internship hours towards that. If you want MFT, then have supervision by an MFT, and then you can count those internship hours towards the required 2000 hours of supervision.
You will find as you explore the mental health field that there are many schools of thought (MSW, MA Counseling, Clinical and Couseling Psychology, Psychiatry, etc) and you need to pick the one that is right for you.
BirthaBlue4 - I completed graduate school with three girls in tow! It can be done!
PM me if you want to hear more about it!