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Old 03-28-2010, 09:04 AM
 
203 posts, read 270,090 times
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I'm starting grad school in NJ again and will hopefully get my LPC license in less than 5 years at the most. It seems like GA and NJ requirements are similar so I would eventually be licensed in GA as well. This won't be for a few years but we have a young family and are considering somewhere near Alpharetta to settle down within the next few years. I know NJ has its share of therapists but it doesn't seem too competitive. I would eventually like to share a practice or open up my own after doing my supervised hours. Just wondering how hard of a time I'd have maintaining a practice if there's an MSW or LPC every mile or so. For example, I know NJ has a shortage or speech therapists and there are waiting lists if you want your child seen by one. Curious as to the attitude towards therapy and how many therapists there are. TIA!
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Old 03-28-2010, 09:13 AM
 
Location: Inman Park (Atlanta, GA)
21,870 posts, read 15,030,663 times
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I know that LCSW's are well organized in Atlanta. NASW Georgia Chapter I don't know how many therapist there are in Atlanta but like any other practice, I am sure that starting up a new one is a slow start.

Good luck!
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Old 03-28-2010, 11:31 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deenie1 View Post
I'm starting grad school in NJ again and will hopefully get my LPC license in less than 5 years at the most. It seems like GA and NJ requirements are similar so I would eventually be licensed in GA as well. This won't be for a few years but we have a young family and are considering somewhere near Alpharetta to settle down within the next few years. I know NJ has its share of therapists but it doesn't seem too competitive. I would eventually like to share a practice or open up my own after doing my supervised hours. Just wondering how hard of a time I'd have maintaining a practice if there's an MSW or LPC every mile or so. For example, I know NJ has a shortage or speech therapists and there are waiting lists if you want your child seen by one. Curious as to the attitude towards therapy and how many therapists there are. TIA!
I think the market is ??extremely?? competitive. Alpharetta is an affluent community and there should be a potential market for services. Plenty of PhD's in Atlanta so that might also be a consideration.
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Old 03-28-2010, 12:20 PM
 
Location: Dunwoody,GA
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Short answer, yes, Atlanta is glutted with therapists with differing degrees. Your success will depend on a number of factors, including your willingness to be on insurance panels vs. insisting on self-pay. Alpharetta is pretty affluent, but a lot of people insist on using their insurance for weekly therapy, so just be prepared. Therapists/psychologist/psychiatrists are a dime a dozen in Atlanta proper; you're better off joining an established practice in the 'burbs.
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Old 03-28-2010, 01:21 PM
 
203 posts, read 270,090 times
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Default Thanks. I would rather work in a suburb anyway

You bring up a lot of good points about insurance panels too. I know here, the well established practices are getting away from accepting insurance but I would think I'd have to have quite a few years under my belt to do that. I would ideally like to work with other therapists in a group practice just for safety's sake as well as having other peers to consult with. It sounds similar in opportunity to NJ and hopefully will provide me with a way to have a successful practice. I just would love to move to that area some day but want to make sure I have a way to follow my career path. As it is, I'm going back to grad school at 47!

I just didn't know what the prevailing attitude was like re: therapy in other areas of the country. It still carries some stigma but NJ is pretty progressive and has lost some of that in this day and age.

Any other opinions welcome!
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Old 03-28-2010, 03:29 PM
 
3,972 posts, read 12,607,582 times
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As of a few years ago, Metro Atlanta had one of the highest number per capita of psychologists in the country.

Every therapist I know is struggling right now to make ends meet.

It doesn't mean it will stay this way, but that is the current state of things today.
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Old 03-28-2010, 07:15 PM
 
203 posts, read 270,090 times
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Default Good to know

I at least have a few years. DH needs to find a job first as he is the primary provider. If I can work P/T hours in a practice, that would be great for now. I have to get my internship hours done and then I would still want to be home in the afternoons since my kids are only in K & 1st grade now. Even when they get older, the need for supervision doesn't seem to change... Thanks for the input. I'm going to keep an eye on the real estate market as well as other things over the next couple of years. We're in no rush but just checking things out. Thanks.
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Old 03-28-2010, 07:29 PM
 
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I am just finishing up a grad program (LPC) here in Atlanta. I moved down here to go to school and about half way though I realized what my prof's had been telling me all along. Atlanta is way to saturated with therapists. I have been strongly advised by my profs to move away from Atlanta to find work.
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