"Counselor-esque" work options in CO when one has an MSW but no license (Denver: home)

[proudphoenix]

I'm starting a long-distance job search in the Denver area, prior to moving there in October of next year from NC.

I have a Master of Social Work, but I do not have any sort of license at this point.

I'd like to find out what sorts of work are / are not possible in CO when one has an MSW but does not have any sort of license.

For example, is it ever possible in CO to work in the non-profit / for profit / government sector(s), providing any sort of psychotherapy without a license, or does one absolutely have to have a license to do so?

How about doing other sorts of counseling or "counselor-esque" work in CO?

Any input would be appreciated.

Paul

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by proudphoenix

I'm starting a long-distance job search in the Denver area, prior to moving there in October of next year from NC.

I have a Master of Social Work, but I do not have any sort of license at this point.

I'd like to find out what sorts of work are / are not possible in CO when one has an MSW but does not have any sort of license.

For example, is it ever possible in CO to work in the non-profit / for profit / government sector(s), providing any sort of psychotherapy without a license, or does one absolutely have to have a license to do so?

How about doing other sorts of counseling or "counselor-esque" work in CO?

Any input would be appreciated.

Paul

Check with DORA, also with your professional associations. I have "heard" that anyone can call themselves a psychologist in CO.

Department of Regulatory Agencies Home Page

[Dogmama50]

You can usually apply to have your license transfered from another state, it's better to just take the test while the information is fresh and get it over with. You will also find more jobs at a better pay rate if you have a license.

[proudphoenix]

Thanks, Katiana and Dogmama50, for your replies.

I'll do as you suggested, Katiana...

.... and Dogmama50, I would do as you suggested, too (as far as having a license transferred from another state) but I never got my license here in NC.

(So far, I've managed to do work that I want to do without getting it, so I've never ruled out getting a license, but I've never gotten one either.)

No doubt, as you say, a license would afford me greater opportunities at a better pay rate, but in the shorter-run (at least), I'll just have to work with whatever opportunities I can turn up, without one.

Thanks again.

Paul

[Dogmama50]

I brought up the license thing because a friend put off getting hers for 2 years and then kicked herself at how easy of a test it was. When she relocated to another state her pay rate was 20% higher with the license.