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I am finishing my Bachelor's in Psych in a few weeks and I am stumped about moving forward with a master's program. Does anyone have any ideas regarding 1. the difference between all that I listed above, 2. the requirements for licensing specifically the additional hours (internship), 3. online degree instead of a traditional degree (i have kids, can't go to regular school).
I know I want to work with kids, but the MSW may be too draining for me. I hate injustice and well, MSW will usually lead me to work for the government meaning tremendous issues relating to children. So, I am thinking of school psychology or school counselor, but I don't know what the difference is???
Any information regarding online education would be greatly appreciated as well as information about the above professions.
I have an MSW and always wished I had gone the PHD psych route instead. There are lots of different places you can work with an MSW, depending on what state you live in and how they feel there about social workers. In AZ you need a Behavioral Health License in order to work anywhere significant, regardless of whether or not you are doing anything with behaviors. I have resented that and so, I never got the license and the jobs open were limited, except for the state. And the state pays really poorly; thus I have not made alot of $ in my career.
I think working in the schools as a psychologist , doing testing and helping with difficult kids, would be fun. I know they make alot more money here and are very respected. Again, I would first decide where you are going to live; then, look at job openings in your area. Then decide which degree to pursue.
I would do PHD in Psy. It's a good career and it seems cities do not have enough of them. What specifically do you want to do? You need to decide that first before you start spending a lot on tuition to further your career. Maybe meet with a career counselor at your school.
Definitely do an MSW over school counseling! School counseling is way too limiting and not enough jobs. MSW you can do almost anything. OR go the Prof counseling route. I have an LPC in AZ and that rarely limits me.
I was in a psych Psyd program in the past but dropped it as I didn't see huge need for it. Now I'm in the DBH (doctor of behavioral health) program at ASU. I don't see a huge need for a doctorate other than MAYBE wanting to teach years from now.
Thank you all so much for your input. I do not want to do a PhD in psych because I'm already reaching 40 and I have my kids to put through college as well. I'm only going as far as a Master's. Liberty U has a good school counseling program that I am looking into, but social work does have more areas for employment options. I have friends who are both social workers and those that are school counselors. They have good and bad things to say about each profession though, which is normal- I guess. I think I am leaning more toward school counseling because as a social worker, I may not be able to disconnect from the situation because usually social workers are more directly involved than school counselors. I love children and I want to save all of them!!! My big heart will get in the way, I think.
Again, thanks so much for all your input. I appreciate it.
I would look at what kind of job you like to do and what kind of people you want to work with. I started a School Psych program many years ago and that would still be my choice today. Its giving tests and diagnosis of childrens learning problems. MSW; many of these jobs, you are dealing with the poor, indigent, elderly. If you like drama and conflict with family and friends, take the MSW or the counseling route. Not for me.
Many in the helping profession have a great deal of difficulty dealing with their own personal weaknesses. To effectively help others usually they need to go through years of deep psychoanalysis. Few have the courage to do this and their profession has suffered greatly. Instead of knowing thyself they choose to focus on the problems of others. Some say helping others helps them heal. Unfortunately, that line of thinking makes their patients and others around them sick.
You would be better off choosing a different profession unless you are prepared to deal with the psychic warfare of the sick individuals in our society. There is a great deal of transference and counter transference. Often times the helping profession are really dealing with their personal issues while attempting to help others.
You may want to research Otto Rank, Boris Sidis & Carl Jung. All three were pushed aside by Freudian psychology at some point. The best minds always are opposed by the weaker minds.
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