Quote:
Originally posted by nikki1920
Wow, I'm sorry I found this thread so late. I'm trying to break into the mental health field, I already have my BS and am trying to look for some kind of entry level position and am having a HARD time doing so. (I'm in the MD/DC/VA area). Any advice would be appreciated. I'm in the process of applying to Howard's Master's program in Human Development, with the idea of eventually going for a Ph.D in Counseling or the PsyD program, probably at GWU. OR should I just go for a MA in Counseling? Thanks
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While I would recommend you go on for an advanced degree of some sort, you can find a job in the interim in the mental health field. I would recommend you find a County mental health position...you can apply for a mental health specialist position. While it's more case management, it'll still give you some vast experience in crisis and working with the chronically mentally ill.
As far as the PhD vs. MA/MS debate, it depends on your area, the expectations of the area insofar as determining the needs of MD/DC/VA area and what your long term goal is....in CA, an MS in Counseling is sufficient for private practice in counseling as you work towards the state license...Getting a PhD or PsyD won't help me in private practice...these degrees are great for teaching in a University or for research...but I'm not interested in these arenas...
Good luck!