Different ways to get where I want to be??

[nontradjake]

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First a little about me....I am 32, left a career in robotics/territory management in order to go back to school and change careers. I am 2 years from getting my bs in psych. I should have a 4.0 or close for this college. I went to college 12 years ago and had a 2.6, so my overall will end up being about 3.3. I will do research and all the other stuff, but anyways this is not a "what are my chances" question, but rather I just want to know, what is the best way to get to my end goal?

my goal: I want to end up with a private practice after I get some experience. I'd be ok with getting a masters and licensed as an LPC, but I want to be in a good position later in life to get a phd or psy. d. In the meantime, I don't want to do school psych, but i do want to work in a counseling capacity, preferably with teenagers. As a secondary interest, I want to do some research. I guess anyone can do that as long as a phd supervises ?? Are there ever any counseling positions that have research opportunities or responsibilities as well??

So moving forward, I want to get the graduate education that will make myself employable in counseling until I can practice privately. I know this is a doctorate section of sdn, I posted here because I want to get a phd or psyd. eventually, and I don't want to shut any doors to that path now.

What Masters should I choose so that I can
1) be eligible to get licensed to practice independently (after min hrs supervised)
2) have a masters that will improve, not hurt, my chances of getting into a phd or pys d at a later point
3) be worth something on its own, to qualify me for a career counseling after graduation.


Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[nontradjake]

Maybe I should go straight for the doctorate instead of masters. I just worry about acceptance, simply because of the fact that programs are so competitive right now.

Do private practices with a phd tend to be a lot more successful than those with a masters as an LPC?? I would tend to think that success would depend more on how well you do on the business and marketing side of things, at least to start... Of course its a lot easier to market a phd after your name.. thoughts on this??

Sorry to unload all my questions at once... please reply to whatever questions you know about!

 

[PsyDLICSW]

First a little about me....I am 32, left a career in robotics/territory management in order to go back to school and change careers. I am 2 years from getting my bs in psych. I should have a 4.0 or close for this college. I went to college 12 years ago and had a 2.6, so my overall will end up being about 3.3. I will do research and all the other stuff, but anyways this is not a "what are my chances" question, but rather I just want to know, what is the best way to get to my end goal?

my goal: I want to end up with a private practice after I get some experience. I'd be ok with getting a masters and licensed as an LPC, but I want to be in a good position later in life to get a phd or psy. d. In the meantime, I don't want to do school psych, but i do want to work in a counseling capacity, preferably with teenagers. As a secondary interest, I want to do some research. I guess anyone can do that as long as a phd supervises ?? Are there ever any counseling positions that have research opportunities or responsibilities as well??

So moving forward, I want to get the graduate education that will make myself employable in counseling until I can practice privately. I know this is a doctorate section of sdn, I posted here because I want to get a phd or psyd. eventually, and I don't want to shut any doors to that path now.

What Masters should I choose so that I can
1) be eligible to get licensed to practice independently (after min hrs supervised)
2) have a masters that will improve, not hurt, my chances of getting into a phd or pys d at a later point
3) be worth something on its own, to qualify me for a career counseling after graduation.


Thanks for your help in advance!

An Masters in Social Work (MSW) is the route I went when my clinical psyc application process didn't work out the first time. You can practice independently in private practice with an MSW. My MSW supervisors were faculty at a medical school department of psychiatry and conducted research on various topics with an MSW only, no doctorate. My MSW experience helped me get into PsyD programs and one PhD in counseling psyc. I don't think a masters degree will hurt you unless the PhD programs you are applying to are banking on their sudents being a blank slate, but that depends on the program. There may be some professors who look down on the MSW, but in my experience that was only one professor out of dozens. If you get an MSW or masters in a mental health related field, you need to have a good reason why you chose that route instead of PhD (e.g. wanting more experience, wanting to deversify your background is a good one). "I didn't get in the first time" is not a good answer.

As for choosing an MSW program, make sure you choose a program with an emphasis on clinical social work and psychotherapy. Do not choose a generalist program with an emphasis on general clinical work (e.g. "direct practice" within a generalist social work program refers to any work with clients from therapy to case management to CPS work).

Good Luck and hope this helps!

 

[Peanut2011]

I would concur that the MS social work or whatever it takes to be the LCSW would be your best route. Seems like demand is high (I mean realistically it is and it isn't for social work; the demand being "high") = but you can wear allot of "hats," is my impression with allot less commitment to the academic piece (PsyD and PhD is going to require, generally a pretty intense dissertation project, etc = which may or may not add to how much you make/ your job satisfaction/ or [not add] a lot to the bottom line of your salary/ pay check = unless you want to do research, or really specialize in what your dissertation topic is). Also, I know in CA if you go MFT (it's a relatively intense degree, and = that MFT might not "transfer" to other states; in WA, for instance, you can get licensed a the MA level, but again state-to-state it's gonna differ).

My thought is that if you really want to do counseling and counseling/ psychotherapy only = the MSW is the best route. On the surface it seems like the credentials are understood across states (I mean this superficially, but think across "state lines" whether your in NY or MO, a social worker is a social worker = I think people (the average "joe" gets that more than even what a "psychologist is" or does).

If the job market tightens, you could always find more case management stuff to foot the bill or work at school (as you build your private practive). One thing to keep in mind (this is my thought anyway), the price and time spent getting the license will be much faster at a LCSW/ MSW/ MA level = if you like it, you can always continue on to the PhD or PsyD = not all work will transfer, but some will. If you don't the amount of time and money spent will not be totally wasted.

One other thing to also consider (my GF works in nurse/ OT/ PT staffing). Many opportunities with the OT world and high in demand. MA level OT are making 65 to 85k -- out of the gate after graduation = I would say that's more than typically a PhD/ PsyD psychologist is making 1 year post licensure (we are talking about 6 to 7 years to get that license as opposed to maybe 3 to get OT). OT is a strange field (I don't necessarily agree with it), but the fact is demand is high (look into it)... Also, one more point = one the best psychotherapists I have ever known was a MSW from NY, and he lives in CA-- San Diego, has a booming private practice (I think he trained in Gestalt as well = but his license is MSW -- CA, and he works as the head of a non-profit clinic as well, his name is Larry Lavemen or Laveman if you want to google him).

I think for me (I've been considering MD now that I am post PhD psychology-- I think one option looking back would have been [for me] to go the MSW route, then I would have seen other options without being tied to a PhD that I have invested 5 years in, plus 1 to 2 more for licensure, and aside from testing/ assessment piece of psychology and that patients at times will call be "doctor," [but then are confused when I can't do meds]-- the "LCSWs" are pretty much doing the same thing I am doing... That way if I "liked it," I would be only 25 or 26 considering medschool (or something else PhD), not 30-- as I am now. For you the "2 or 3 year" committment sounds better for you; and will leave options on the table-- and look into the OT thing. At the Army hospitals psychologists don't even work in-patient ward = it is pretty much OT and psychiatry and nurses, so they ge to do couseling and for all intents and purposes their pay check via the DOD/ gov system looks about the same as mine, and they have spent many less years in school! Anyway, Good Luck! keep us updated
🙂

 

[ClinicalPHD5]

I think the MSW is the most versatile out of all the M.A. programs out there.

In the real world, psychologists and social workers are often doing the same work for the same title and income. There are state hospitals i've been to that call psychologists with PhDs/PSyD's and MSW's as "Therapists" and the pay and job is exactly the same. That is 2 years of graduate school for the MSW vs. 6 for the PhD.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

In the real world, psychologists and social workers are often doing the same work for the same title and income. There are state hospitals i've been to that call psychologists with PhDs/PSyD's and MSW's as "Therapists" and the pay and job is exactly the same. That is 2 years of graduate school for the MSW vs. 6 for the PhD.

It definitely depends on the setting. Some people/places go out of their way to homogenize everyone because the employer can pay less and mid-levels do similar jobs as doctorally trained clinicians. While other settings are much more support of each discipline and what they have to offer.

 

[nontradjake]

An Masters in Social Work (MSW) is the route I went when my clinical psyc application process didn't work out the first time. You can practice independently in private practice with an MSW. My MSW supervisors were faculty at a medical school department of psychiatry and conducted research on various topics with an MSW only, no doctorate. My MSW experience helped me get into PsyD programs and one PhD in counseling psyc. I don't think a masters degree will hurt you unless the PhD programs you are applying to are banking on their sudents being a blank slate, but that depends on the program. There may be some professors who look down on the MSW, but in my experience that was only one professor out of dozens. If you get an MSW or masters in a mental health related field, you need to have a good reason why you chose that route instead of PhD (e.g. wanting more experience, wanting to deversify your background is a good one). "I didn't get in the first time" is not a good answer.

As for choosing an MSW program, make sure you choose a program with an emphasis on clinical social work and psychotherapy. Do not choose a generalist program with an emphasis on general clinical work (e.g. "direct practice" within a generalist social work program refers to any work with clients from therapy to case management to CPS work).

Good Luck and hope this helps!

--Yes, this helps a lot! Thank you. Just one question though... why not do the generalist masters program?? Does it limit eligibility for certain licenses?

I would concur that the MS social work or whatever it takes to be the LCSW would be your best route. Seems like demand is high (I mean realistically it is and it isn't for social work; the demand being "high") = but you can wear allot of "hats," is my impression with allot less commitment to the academic piece (PsyD and PhD is going to require, generally a pretty intense dissertation project, etc = which may or may not add to how much you make/ your job satisfaction/ or [not add] a lot to the bottom line of your salary/ pay check = unless you want to do research, or really specialize in what your dissertation topic is). Also, I know in CA if you go MFT (it's a relatively intense degree, and = that MFT might not "transfer" to other states; in WA, for instance, you can get licensed a the MA level, but again state-to-state it's gonna differ).

My thought is that if you really want to do counseling and counseling/ psychotherapy only = the MSW is the best route. On the surface it seems like the credentials are understood across states (I mean this superficially, but think across "state lines" whether your in NY or MO, a social worker is a social worker = I think people (the average "joe" gets that more than even what a "psychologist is" or does).

If the job market tightens, you could always find more case management stuff to foot the bill or work at school (as you build your private practive). One thing to keep in mind (this is my thought anyway), the price and time spent getting the license will be much faster at a LCSW/ MSW/ MA level = if you like it, you can always continue on to the PhD or PsyD = not all work will transfer, but some will. If you don't the amount of time and money spent will not be totally wasted.

One other thing to also consider (my GF works in nurse/ OT/ PT staffing). Many opportunities with the OT world and high in demand. MA level OT are making 65 to 85k -- out of the gate after graduation = I would say that's more than typically a PhD/ PsyD psychologist is making 1 year post licensure (we are talking about 6 to 7 years to get that license as opposed to maybe 3 to get OT). OT is a strange field (I don't necessarily agree with it), but the fact is demand is high (look into it)... Also, one more point = one the best psychotherapists I have ever known was a MSW from NY, and he lives in CA-- San Diego, has a booming private practice (I think he trained in Gestalt as well = but his license is MSW -- CA, and he works as the head of a non-profit clinic as well, his name is Larry Lavemen or Laveman if you want to google him).

I think for me (I've been considering MD now that I am post PhD psychology-- I think one option looking back would have been [for me] to go the MSW route, then I would have seen other options without being tied to a PhD that I have invested 5 years in, plus 1 to 2 more for licensure, and aside from testing/ assessment piece of psychology and that patients at times will call be "doctor," [but then are confused when I can't do meds]-- the "LCSWs" are pretty much doing the same thing I am doing... That way if I "liked it," I would be only 25 or 26 considering medschool (or something else PhD), not 30-- as I am now. For you the "2 or 3 year" committment sounds better for you; and will leave options on the table-- and look into the OT thing. At the Army hospitals psychologists don't even work in-patient ward = it is pretty much OT and psychiatry and nurses, so they ge to do couseling and for all intents and purposes their pay check via the DOD/ gov system looks about the same as mine, and they have spent many less years in school! Anyway, Good Luck! keep us updated
🙂

Thanks so much for all the info! That is all a huge help for me to know, especially as it comes from experience. These are the kinds of things that are just so hard to know from the start, unless you've been there, or talked with someone who personally has.

I am especially interested in the OT thing... Occupational Therapy, right? Could I get into this position with an MSW or is it only for those with a Masters in OT?? The only thing I would worry about is whether going the OT route would block the option of private practice counseling. Guessing it would. What is the average salary for MSW/LCSW's?? It looks like the demand is great for both, just glancing at monster and career builder. I know sometimes this can be deceiving if there are many people applying.

Thanks again to all that have replied so far.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I am especially interested in the OT thing... Occupational Therapy, right? Could I get into this position with an MSW or is it only for those with a Masters in OT?? The only thing I would worry about is whether going the OT route would block the option of private practice counseling.

OT and Social Work are completely separate fields requiring completely separate training.

 

[PsyDLICSW]

Originally Posted by nontradjake
Yes, this helps a lot! Thank you. Just one question though... why not do the generalist masters program?? Does it limit eligibility for certain licenses?



It depends on the state. In my state (Southeast, Appalachia) the generalist program gives you what you need for licensure. However, in neighboring states (I lived in a tri-state area where I got me MSW) my colleagues that wanted licenses in those states have to take grad level counseling courses. It is best to know the requirements of the state you wish to practice in.

A generalist MSW program is geared to produce professionals with a variety of skills (from therapy to social policy reform) not necessarily therapists. In a generalist program, those who want to be therapists will find the coursework frustrating because you have to take courses in crap that have nothing to do with therapy and not enough mental health and therapy related courses. I was dissatisfied with the therapy coursework in my generalist MSW program. I had a great internship and that is where I learned most of my therapy training but not everyone in a generalist program has the opportunity that I did. I'm just trying to save you grief by encouraging you to apply to clinical social work focused programs so you don't have to take courses that won't be of any use in therapy and that you have enough therapy related courses to get licensed. Hope this helps.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Generalist programs seem to suffer from a "Jack of all trades, master of none" problem, though some people may argue differently. If you know you want to do clinical work, identify programs that slant heavily towards clinical training. You may also want to pursue additional supervision and training so you can be an LCSW (or similar).

 

[PsyDLICSW]

Generalist programs seem to suffer from a "Jack of all trades, master of none" problem, though some people may argue differently. If you know you want to do clinical work, identify programs that slant heavily towards clinical training. You may also want to pursue additional supervision and training so you can be an LCSW (or similar).

You are absolutely right about the "jack of all trades" comment. I found my expereince in my MSW quite frustrating because i wanted courses in therapy, not social policy and "generalist practice" where some case managers are glorified taxi drivers shuttling clietns from doctors appointments to group homes.

 

[nontradjake]

...In a generalist program, those who want to be therapists will find the coursework frustrating because you have to take courses in crap that have nothing to do with therapy and not enough mental health and therapy related courses. I was dissatisfied with the therapy coursework in my generalist MSW program.

-- yes, I could definitely see myself feeling that way. I am going to take your advice on this and look for something more specialized. How difficult is it to find a masters program like that? How about one that's funded? (guessing there are not many).

Generalist programs seem to suffer from a "Jack of all trades, master of none" problem, though some people may argue differently. If you know you want to do clinical work, identify programs that slant heavily towards clinical training. You may also want to pursue additional supervision and training so you can be an LCSW (or similar).

Is there anything built into the design of a Masters program that will give you clinical hours towards the LCSW? Or is that something that has to be done completely afterwards?

Thanks for all the good info.

 

[nontradjake]

OT and Social Work are completely separate fields requiring completely separate training.

Got it. I looked into OT a little more, and it appears that there isn't much therapy or counseling involved. This appears to focus more on the physical aspect, helping people learn to perform functions of daily life and perhaps return to work. Is that right? I am just wondering how much this job usually focuses on the mental health side of things. I think that if it focuses 90% on the physical stuff, it might get a little dull for me, personally. Still very important, but perhaps just not what I'm looking for.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Got it. I looked into OT a little more, and it appears that there isn't much therapy or counseling involved. This appears to focus more on the physical aspect, helping people learn to perform functions of daily life and perhaps return to work. Is that right? I am just wondering how much this job usually focuses on the mental health side of things. I think that if it focuses 90% on the physical stuff, it might get a little dull for me, personally. Still very important, but perhaps just not what I'm looking for.

I have worked in a few settings with OTs, and from what I have seen the OTs do not do any therapy or counseling. They often have to be supportive and encourage their patients throughout the sessions, but actual talk therapy has been reserved for the social workers and/or psychologists.

 

[Peanut2011]

I have worked in a few settings with OTs, and from what I have seen the OTs do not do any therapy or counseling. They often have to be supportive and encourage their patients throughout the sessions, but actual talk therapy has been reserved for the social workers and/or psychologists.

Good info. Yeah I don't know 100 percent what OTs are all about (just Know for a fact that military OTs = they do supportive counseling). But, the military is weird, and the civilian world is going to have way more regulations on something like that.

But, honestly, to the orginial poster = just keep doing your research = I would want you to walk into a LCSW or MSW or MFT or PhD program/ whatever = knowing all your options. I've been perseverating on how much money and in how demand OTs make recently = when it's basically a worthless field; but again, I say cover your bases, know your options = and don't be mad (like me) if the counseling jobs don't pay = but, do pursue your dreams!!!! Like when I was 26 and entered into a PhD program = seriously I didn't care about money, but at 30 I do care...

I clearly have issues, sounds like for your though (seriously) = MSW = you might be able to angel for some scholarship pay outs if you work in impoverished areas (that's how my mom got her Master in Public Health = working for cook county for 3 years or something). Also, look into PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, I repeat public health service = they probably have payment for social work = and you are guaranteed good job and will get to focus on psychotherapy 9you might have like a 3 year commitment, but you will build valuable experience in the mean time.

 

[sydb1367]

But, honestly, to the orginial poster = just keep doing your research = I would want you to walk into a LCSW or MSW or MFT or PhD program/ whatever = knowing all your options. I've been perseverating on how much money and in how demand OTs make recently = when it's basically a worthless field;

you're kidding right?
Having just admitted you don't really know what OT's do, how can you say this?

One of my internship rotations was on inpatient rehabilitation working with mainly stroke and TBI patients, most of whom had hemiparesis (weakness on one side of body) or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of body). OT's help these patients "re-learn" how to manage their ADLs. e.g. dressing, bathing, grooming, eating. Basically they focus on the fine-motor skills of the upper-body while PT's focus on mobility with the lower body. Not exactly what I'd call worthless.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

But, honestly, to the orginial poster = just keep doing your research = I would want you to walk into a LCSW or MSW or MFT or PhD program/ whatever = knowing all your options. I've been perseverating on how much money and in how demand OTs make recently = when it's basically a worthless field;

You sure do have some strong opinions about areas that you yourself admitted you do not know much about. OT is a valuable service in a rehabilitation setting. Being able to help a patient learn/re-learn ADLs is paramount for getting them back to their life. I'm not sure how much exposure you get to patients that require OT services, but there is definitely a place for them. As for the money....if a psychologist (who invests 6-8 years in training) cannot make more than the OT (who invests 2-3 years in training), then it the failure of the psychologist and not the OT.

 

[Peanut2011]

Once again psychologists protecting others and not their field. OT's pay is way inflated = that's my frustration. They should not get paid for what they do = the are paid becuase of politics and lobbying and the health care-industrial complex (which has basically passed psychology by) = not becuase their skills (OTs') are hard/ or that difficult to do. So, TRULY= my apologies, did not mean to offend OT = yes what you do is valuable = but no (in my opinion) = OTs are WAY over paid. period. False Demand. Inflated supply.

However, if our friend [original poster] above wants to get into health care (and give something a shot without investing a bunch of time and then only make 25K working with homeless people, then maybe OT is something he would like = maybe not = I want our friend above to weigh is options. All is fair in love and war. OTs make bank and there is high demand for them (not psychologists, which I am). Sometimes, if you can't beat them join them. In all seriousness I am looking out for our posters best intersts and letting him know to explore his options. AND look into public health service corps.

you're kidding right?
Having just admitted you don't really know what OT's do, how can you say this?

One of my internship rotations was on inpatient rehabilitation working with mainly stroke and TBI patients, most of whom had hemiparesis (weakness on one side of body) or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of body). OT's help these patients "re-learn" how to manage their ADLs. e.g. dressing, bathing, grooming, eating. Basically they focus on the fine-motor skills of the upper-body while PT's focus on mobility with the lower body. Not exactly what I'd call worthless.

 

[Peanut2011]

You sure do have some strong opinions about areas that you yourself admitted you do not know much about. OT is a valuable service in a rehabilitation setting. Being able to help a patient learn/re-learn ADLs is paramount for getting them back to their life. I'm not sure how much exposure you get to patients that require OT services, but there is definitely a place for them. As for the money....if a psychologist (who invests 6-8 years in training) cannot make more than the OT (who invests 2-3 years in training), then it the failure of the psychologist and not the OT.

~disagree with you here. False demand. Skills are not hard for OT. Health care bubble. Awsome that you are defending their high pay. Hopefully your instituation or job/ employer will lower your salary and higher more OTs... becuase that's what I see right now. Vote for it. Protect the poor OTs.

 

[nontradjake]

I would have to agree that what OT's do is very important. I am guessing that he didn't mean that the work is worthless, maybe he just meant that with regards to someone having an interest in doing therapy, it would be worthless, if the job does not fill that desire. I don't know.

Anyway, let me shift focus and ask something else that is on my mind. I have been reading a lot of threads, and trying to understand my options. It seems like a lot of the work can overlap, but I am wondering about the difference in demand and pay for these two paths: LCSW vs. LPC. And of course any of the variations that go with each. So I choose either the SW path or the counseling path for a masters. And after that, what is it that really makes them different? I know it varies by state, but in general, once licensed, can LCSW do all that LPC can? Can LPC do all that LCSW can? Is there a greater demand, or more opportunities for one over the other? Better pay? Is one easier to market for a private practice? For LCSW's, much of the general public might be thinking, hey, why should I go get therpay from the people that take kids away?? I know that's completely ignorant, but I'm afraid that's what many people associate with social workers. Does that present a challenge ever, in private practice? I know it can vary, but I would just like a general understanding of how/why people choose one over the other.

Thanks again.

 

[Peanut2011]

Honestly= I am trying to help the orginial poster = not turn this into another agenda. And I will re-iterate I want our friend to know his options = know what's out there! 😀

~disagree with you here. False demand. Skills are not hard for OT. Health care bubble. Awsome that you are defending their high pay. Hopefully your instituation or job/ employer will lower your salary and higher more OTs... becuase that's what I see right now. Vote for it. Protect the poor OTs.

 

[Peanut2011]

This is mentioned above = here is what I would = again it will depend on state-by-state. Here are a couple of confusing examples in psychology = if you want to be a licensed psychologist in CA, yes you have to or ideally you go to an APA (think governing body of psychology = loosely) accredited school, but here's the catch = you school doesn't really need to be APA accredited it has to be WASC accredited.

Some sates will also let you get licensed at the MA level and call yourself a psychologist if you pass the EPPP. Dr GOOGLE is your friend here.

So to help you further, what state(s) would you like to go to 1) go to school in, and think what states 2) would you like to practice in. Knowing the the states will help us -- can help you clarify what you want or or asking. Again, another example = in WA it is the department of health for WA if you google that = you will find allot of answers on what is available. The danger is if you go to an online school or a school in a different state than you want to settle down in/ and practice = you might have some issues getting licensed (if you get MFT in CA, WA is going to have different requirements than in WA = psychology is allot like that as well = but there is much more of a clear standard = if you want to work at a federal institution, then you can be licensed in any state. Again (another example), CA = great MFT programs and licenses (like I might recommend MFT for you in CA and MSW in NY). So, what state do you want to practice in. That will help us! 🙄

I would have to agree that what OT's do is very important. I am guessing that he didn't mean that the work is worthless, maybe he just meant that with regards to someone having an interest in doing therapy, it would be worthless, if the job does not fill that desire. I don't know.

Anyway, let me shift focus and ask something else that is on my mind. I have been reading a lot of threads, and trying to understand my options. It seems like a lot of the work can overlap, but I am wondering about the difference in demand and pay for these two paths: LCSW vs. LPC. And of course any of the variations that go with each. So I choose either the SW path or the counseling path for a masters. And after that, what is it that really makes them different? I know it varies by state, but in general, once licensed, can LCSW do all that LPC can? Can LPC do all that LCSW can? Is there a greater demand, or more opportunities for one over the other? Better pay? Is one easier to market for a private practice? For LCSW's, much of the general public might be thinking, hey, why should I go get therpay from the people that take kids away?? I know that's completely ignorant, but I'm afraid that's what many people associate with social workers. Does that present a challenge ever, in private practice? I know it can vary, but I would just like a general understanding of how/why people choose one over the other.

Thanks again.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

~disagree with you here. False demand. Skills are not hard for OT. Health care bubble. Awsome that you are defending their high pay. Hopefully your instituation or job/ employer will lower your salary and higher more OTs... becuase that's what I see right now. Vote for it. Protect the poor OTs.

OTs don't do anything remotely close to what I do; I am simply supporting colleagues who offer something of value to the patient. I am quite comfortable with what I have to offer and what they offer, and I don't need to put down a profession because their job is "not hard for OT". I look at what they do every day and would hate it. They look at what I do and have similar thoughts.

 

[Peanut2011]

Seriously, I can delete my posts or move them to a new posts (or if they are bothersome, I am happy to delete them). Let's move forward and help this person answer their question. Original Poster = we REALLY need to know what state you want to practice in to help clarify what you are asking. Read my post above.

OTs don't do anything remotely close to what I do; I am simply supporting colleagues who offer something of value to the patient. I am quite comfortable with what I have to offer and what they offer, and I don't need to put down a profession because their job is "not hard for OT". I look at what they do every day and would hate it. They look at what I do and have similar thoughts.

 

[nontradjake]

Seriously, I can delete my posts or move them to a new posts (or if they are bothersome, I am happy to delete them). Let's move forward and help this person answer their question. Original Poster = we REALLY need to know what state you want to practice in to help clarify what you are asking. Read my post above.

Let's let the OT disagreements go, as I am pretty sure its not what I want to do.

As far as where I will be practicing, I am currently in Utah, and still own a home here, so there is a good chance we will want to stay in Utah. We would also consider Hawaii, Florida, South or North Carolina, and Virginia. Because we have so many ties to different states, and would like to be flexible with regards to relocation, it is kind of hard to predict where we will end up. These states seem the most likely though. That is why I am sort of looking for general info, but if any of you can answer my original questions either specific to any of these states or just in general, that would be super helpful! Here is what I am asking again:

....I am wondering about the difference in demand and pay for these two paths: LCSW vs. LPC. So lets say I choose either the SW path or the counseling path for a masters. After that, what is it that really makes them different? ... can one do all that other can?

I would just like a general understanding of how/why people choose one over the other.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

....I am wondering about the difference in demand and pay for these two paths: LCSW vs. LPC. So lets say I choose either the SW path or the counseling path for a masters. After that, what is it that really makes them different? ... can one do all that other can?

I would just like a general understanding of how/why people choose one over the other.

The MA/MS forum has a plethora of threads comparing the various MS level degrees.

 

[PsyDLICSW]

Let's let the OT disagreements go, as I am pretty sure its not what I want to do.

As far as where I will be practicing, I am currently in Utah, and still own a home here, so there is a good chance we will want to stay in Utah. We would also consider Hawaii, Florida, South or North Carolina, and Virginia. Because we have so many ties to different states, and would like to be flexible with regards to relocation, it is kind of hard to predict where we will end up. These states seem the most likely though. That is why I am sort of looking for general info, but if any of you can answer my original questions either specific to any of these states or just in general, that would be super helpful! Here is what I am asking again:

....I am wondering about the difference in demand and pay for these two paths: LCSW vs. LPC. So lets say I choose either the SW path or the counseling path for a masters. After that, what is it that really makes them different? ... can one do all that other can?

I would just like a general understanding of how/why people choose one over the other.

I terms of the difference between LPCs and LICSWs in my state: LICSWs are independent and can practice autonomously like a psychologist (in terms of therapy) without supervision. LPCs cannot practice independently and can only work under someone else's license. In my state, LICSWs make more money and have an easier time billing insurance companies (with the exception of medicare and medicaid) without much trouble.