I know the goal - what is the path?

[lt1196]

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I graduated from University of Dallas two years ago with a degree in Existential/Phenomenological Psychology. I have been working as a low(est) level social worker at MH/MR. I could be called a glorified babysitter - except for the fact that I'm not glorified. I am good at school - and I like it - so I want to continue with my education. But I have not been sure what to pursue, which is the reason I'm just working right now. Recently, I had a foudroyant realization while making things out of clay with one of my consumers (the developmentally disabled). Without really thinking, I split the clay into balls and tested my consumer's numerical conservation ability. He could do it. Then I tried conservation of volume. He couldn't grasp the concept. That's when it hit me - this is what I love. To continue doing this and other similar tests would be a dream come true. What are my options professionally? What degrees might I pursue to make this a reality?

Thanks guys.

 

[Qwerk]

I graduated from University of Dallas two years ago with a degree in Existential/Phenomenological Psychology. I have been working as a low(est) level social worker at MH/MR. I could be called a glorified babysitter - except for the fact that I'm not glorified. I am good at school - and I like it - so I want to continue with my education. But I have not been sure what to pursue, which is the reason I'm just working right now. Recently, I had a foudroyant realization while making things out of clay with one of my consumers (the developmentally disabled). Without really thinking, I split the clay into balls and tested my consumer's numerical conservation ability. He could do it. Then I tried conservation of volume. He couldn't grasp the concept. That's when it hit me - this is what I love. To continue doing this and other similar tests would be a dream come true. What are my options professionally? What degrees might I pursue to make this a reality?

Thanks guys.

If you want to do any kind of psychometric testing, you will need a Ph.D./Psy.D., but most other areas of clinical work with the developmentally disabled are open to master's-level practitioners. Also consider OT/PT.

There are plenty of threads in this forum that delve into M.S.W. vs. counseling vs. MFT, so I won't go into it, but I want to note that nearly every agency that serves the developmentally disabled is Medicaid-funded. If you're looking to work with this population, make sure that you choose a degree that is Medicaid-reimbursable in your state. I believe that in Texas, counselors and social workers are reimbursable but not MFTs. There might be additional limits and restrictions that I'm not aware of, so check this out before you start applying to programs.

I used to work with developmentally disabled clients, and it was very rewarding, but you're right that you need a graduate degree to do anything other than low-level work.

 

[wigflip]

If you want to do any kind of psychometric testing, you will need a Ph.D./Psy.D., but most other areas of clinical work with the developmentally disabled are open to master's-level practitioners. Also consider OT/PT.

There are plenty of threads in this forum that delve into M.S.W. vs. counseling vs. MFT, so I won't go into it, but I want to note that nearly every agency that serves the developmentally disabled is Medicaid-funded. If you're looking to work with this population, make sure that you choose a degree that is Medicaid-reimbursable in your state. I believe that in Texas, counselors and social workers are reimbursable but not MFTs. There might be additional limits and restrictions that I'm not aware of, so check this out before you start applying to programs.

I used to work with developmentally disabled clients, and it was very rewarding, but you're right that you need a graduate degree to do anything other than low-level work.

Nice advice, Qwerk. But when I first read the bolded portion, I read:
"There are plenty of threads in this forum that devolve into M.S.W. vs. counseling vs. MFT"

 

[paramour]

I agree with Qwerk's recommendations here. Do you want to do testing alone? Then, you need a doctorate (although for some reason, I know that "school psychologists" in my state are also allowed to do testing, but then you're restricted by age if this is an issue for you?). Or would you be content with interventions? In which case, you need to determine which degree(s) are acceptable for reimbursement in your state. You might check with agencies in your areas (try browsing career sites, job listings, etc.) for this information for most common degree requirements with this population.

G'luck!

 

[Qwerk]

Nice advice, Qwerk. But when I first read the bolded portion, I read:
"There are plenty of threads in this forum that devolve into M.S.W. vs. counseling vs. MFT"

You fixed that one for me. 😀