Insights on LMHC & LMFT programs?

[thirddegree]

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I am looking for some feedback on what direction I should take in pursuing a Master's degree in counseling. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I've already searched through some older threads and have really learned alot.

Just for background, I am 44 (living in NY) and am looking to prepare for a new career after staying home to raise my children for over a decade. I completed a Masters in an unrelated discipline years ago. I am very interested in doing individual and/or family counseling and treating adolescents is something I'd like to do. I've looked through the coursework for several MHC and MFT programs and they interest me a great deal. I've read about the flexibility of MSW degrees, however the coursework is not as appealing to me.

So locally I am looking at 3 different possibilities: an MA in MHC, an MS in MHC (CACREP accreditted), or an MA in MFT. Some questions I have are:

- Is there a career advantage to an MS vs an MA in MHC?
- Is there a career advantage to completing a CACREP approved program?
- Regarding supervised hours for licensure, is one (MHC vs MFT) more challenging to accrue than another?
- My goal would be at some point having a private practice...would one or the other (MHC vs MFT) hold better prospects for the future?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/opinions.

 

[jdawgg]

- Is there a career advantage to an MS vs an MA in MHC? No
- Is there a career advantage to completing a CACREP approved program? Yes. Some employers such as the VA will only hire people who graduated from an accredited program. It also makes getting licensed much easier.
- Regarding supervised hours for licensure, is one (MHC vs MFT) more challenging to accrue than another? Yes. Accruing MFT hours is more challenging because there are fewer couples and families seeking treatment than individuals.
- My goal would be at some point having a private practice...would one or the other (MHC vs MFT) hold better prospects for the future? No. You can counsel couples and families with a MHC degree... Most clients don't understand all the nuances among the various programs and only care if you can help them.

 

[thirddegree]

- - Is there a career advantage to completing a CACREP approved program? Yes. Some employers such as the VA will only hire people who graduated from an accredited program. It also makes getting licensed much easier.

Thanks so much for your feedback! I've looked on the NY State website regarding professional licenses and it doesn't require that a program be CACREP approved, can you detail a bit more how a CACREP program makes getting licensed much easier? I'm thinking perhaps other states do require accredited programs and so if I were to move it may make getting licensed in another state easier?

 

[Vasa Lisa]

Graduating from a CACREP program will make it easier for you to get a license in some states. In other states it will not matter. In my state - Virginia - CACREP grads don't have to verify their 60 credits - but non CACREP grads have to document (syllabi etc.) that they have met the 13 core content areas required for licensure.

As mentioned above - if you want to work for the VA and you are an LPC/LMHC you won't stand a chance without a degree from a CACREP program.

In my experience - the MFT is powerful in CA - but not so visible or understood in other states. CA was the LAST state to license counselors.

I totally agree with you on the coursework for SW vs MHC - I drooled over the grad catalog for my program and loved almost every one of my courses. I had next to no interest in the SW curriculum - just didn't resonate with me and how I work.

Being older and having children of your own will give you credibility in your practicum and internship experiences in grad school. Meaning - your clients are more likely to feel you "get them" because of your age and life history. I am now in my fifties, but started grad school in my forties. No regrets!

Best of luck on your journey,

Vasa Lisa

 

[Padinn]

CACREP programs make licensure much easier in many states. Usually you are required to do less post-graduate practice to earn the license. Graduating from a CACREP program also makes it easier to take the National Counseling Examination to earn your National Certified Counselor credential, which is often the first step towards full licensure as an LMHC.

Aside from that, CACREP also lets employers know that you've graduated from an accredited national program, which helps them understand the knowledge base you possess.

If you are considering a federal/state position or moving out of state, I would highly recommend a CACREP program.

You can find some information here:
http://counseling.org/Counselors/LicensureAndCert.aspx

 

[thirddegree]

Thanks VL and Padinn for your replies. I guess I'm going to have to dig around and compare my local programs. Only one is CACREP accredited and the others aren't. The one that is, is not as conveniently located, and given that the other programs are still approved for licensure in NY, I'll have to weigh the pros and cons.

VL - nice to hear a story from another mid-lifer! I definitely know that I would have a lot to offer at my stage in the game and with my life experience. I feel that will definitely come through when working with clients.

 

[Mdlyfechrysalis]

I just graduated with my M.A.C., "dual track" so that I can take both the LPC and LMFT exams. I am in Texas, and was in my early 40's when I started.

I knew my life experience and skills were oriented towards counseling, but I didn't know anything about CACREP, etc. By the time I found out, I was so deep into my program that switching institutions didn't make sense.

I am in Texas where an LPC can offer MFT services. I chose to also pursue MFT for resume, and marketing potential. I had to take a couple of additional classes and participate in an additional practicum (it extended my school by at least a semester).

If test taking is an issue for you, know that the MFT exam is said to be much more difficult than the LPC (National Counseling Exam) test.

I am female, started when my kids were all 10+, (heaven help me, I now have 3 teenagers), and worked at least one full time job, often with additional jobs (my life situation is a mess 😉). It was hard. But, honestly? The class time and work was respite for me. I like learning, discussion, and the material. I'm a natural student, and that helped.

I didn't sleep much in the past 3 years, and my institution is not CACREP accredited (though they will be trying). All in all, though, it was exactly where I needed to be and what I needed to be doing.

The practicum experiences (I had 3 of them) were awesome; humbling, but awesome. I will need to work until I die, so it was important to me to develop something that was rich, and engaging for me.

 

[MassB]

Encouraging thread for this early 40s father considering applying for a Masters program!