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I am currently enrolled in an LPC masters program. I have been debating whether or not to switch my degree to social work. When I found out that I would have to be supervised for 4000 hrs AFTER completing my degree in order to sit for the LPCC I was devastated. I want to perform therapy/direct counseling and eventually working in private practice. I also have my BSN and am currently working as an ICU nurse. I love school but this is getting ridiculous. I just want to be "billable"! What program should I pursue in order to be a COUNSELOR. Does anyone have any suggestions?
You will have to do supervised hours to be billable, to earn your LPC or LCSW. Most states seem to require at least 3,000 hours for either license. If you are already in an LPC program, I would think it would save you time to remain where you are and continue, rather than switch programs and start over.
Don't see it as wasted time, especially if you want to work in a private practice. After you graduate, look for a job where you will not only earn supervised hours, but also be able to network and develop good relations with the community, which will be priceless when you do go on to work in a private practice.
Best of luck.
What state requires 4000 hours?! California's license is marriage and family counselor. California requires 3000 hours, but it includes supervision 1h individual supervision or 2 hours group supervision to 10 hours face-to-face and you can count 250 hours of paperwork, and various other things. Colorado's equivalent is licensed professional counselor. From what I gather, Colorado requires master's level internships of 700 hours and an additional 2000 post graduation, plus supervision 100 to 2000
Also, in California, the marriage and family counselor's scope of practice is relationships. For example, smoking cessation would not be within the scope of practice. Social workers have a wider scope of practice in California. A degree program in clinical social work would allow a person a wider range in California.
As for changing programs, most master's degree programs only let you transfer in with about 10 credits.
Last edited by Jennifer W; 05-18-2009 at 01:08 PM..
Reason: Typo
In my state, the LPC is the easiest license to learn. LPC's are allowed to count their internship and supervision while in school toward their total hours leaving them with only 1200 hours post-degree to complete before they can sit for their exam and become fully licensed. The hours do not even have to be paid hours. Also, individuals from various masters programs can earn their LPC and the training provided varies greatly between individuals. Conversely, the LCSW requires 3000 post-degree, paid hours over a time period no less than 2 years with 100 hours of supervision, only 25 hours can be group and none of the counted hours can be paperwork/ or sub-clinical.
Now, there are some GREAT LPC's who are way more knowledgable and talented than you'd imagine, so don't let the numbers discourage you..
Consider where you will be practicing, check out the job listings and see which license is hired most often, attend some continuing education events and meet some LCSW's and LPC's and see who you are better able to relate to in the end, etc, etc, etc. You can get a lot of groundwork covered in a month and get a better feel for your market.
Also, do not make the mistake of devaluing your training during the licensure period. As a former nurse, you should know the delicate and intimate nature of patient care. There's a LOT to learn. As a counselor, following licensure, you will often be on your own... and that's not a right any of us deserves just because we completed some coursework.
Many in my family are nurses so I'm not trying to be rude when I say this... but nurses are highly supervised in tiered levels. So even though it felt like you were out there earning money on day one following graduation, you were actually still in training and constantly monitored (or supposed to have been monitored) by nurse supervisors, nurse managers, review teams, accreditation specialists, and physicians.
I don't know if your previous experience has anything to do with your expectations right now... but the two careers are dissimilar in multiple ways. The degree you are seeking is an advanced degree and it involves intense coursework and training. It is not an entry level, bachelors degree program. You will be expected, eventually, to handle cases completely on your own and that isn't something that can be rushed regardless of how much you are ready to be finished with school.
Good luck with things. I know it must be difficult to work full time and attend school. Hopefully, it will pay off in the end for you! Be well.
Take it from me I already graduate from my masters and Im about to take my LPC test, and its not worth it AT ALL! i Wish i had somebody who guide me cause at that time it didnt make sense so I finish and now I finally complet my hours,but every job out there is for social workers, try a quick search and you will understand what Im saying, being a social worker pays a lot better, rigt after school you can have yo LMSW, which allows you to practice, supervise interns and have better jobs and then you will have to complet your hours to take you LCMSW, if you stay in program you are right now you left with NOTHING! no license nothing until you complet those hours and even after having your license jobs are for social workers. I wish you good luck but trust me when im saying switch thats the best decision you can make.
I scanned the responses and I don't think anyone mentioned this but another difference between LPC (aka LMHC in other states) and LCSW is that an LCSW can bill medicare, while LMHC's and LPC's cannot. The LCSW is more widely recognized, has been around alot longer and it's pretty obvious that there are more opportunities with this license than with the others. Most LPC (LMHC's) that I know are in private practice. There are not as many opportunities outside of that. If you want to do agency or hospital work in addition to having the opportunity for private practice then proceed with the LCSW.
I am a LCSW in Florida. For sure you should get your degree in Social Work. You will have the most employment options. It is a real pain to get the hours and the test is really difficult but.. It will be worth it!!!
Psychiatric nurse practitioners are WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY in demand because they are supportive of psychiatrists but cheaper w/lower overall experiences/malpractice insurance, etc.
They are briefly trained in psychotherapy but focus more on diagnostics and psychopharmacology. I mean, I'm probably preaching to the choir, if you are a BSN you might even know some close to you right now.
In my state, if I had my MSN with Psychiatric NP credentials, I could EASILY get a job tomorrow paying between $50-$75 k starting out. EASILY! I see ads for them all the time on internal employment memos at the different agencies. Then again, my state has a severe shortage of psychiatrists so I suppose it depends on your market.
I've thought about either getting a physician's assistant degree and doing a fellowship in behavioral health or doing nursing studies to become a psych NP... but in the end, I don't want the responsibility of RX.
Good luck with your decision.
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Social Work your best bet!!!
