LMHC or LMSW

[Studentteach]

Hello,

I really need input on a decision I'm struggling to make. I am currently finishing up a PhD in General Psychology and wanted to get my license in order to become a therapist. Some individuals have told me to go the route of LMHC and LMSW. At this point, I am still unsure which route to go on. Has anyone gone the route of either along with their PhD? Any advice/opinion would be greatly be appreciated.

Thanks.

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[HomeworkHelper]

You could consider the respecialization programs for clinical psychology (like Suffolk's program). That's another option.

 

[Goobernut]

LMSW and LMHC are not comparable licenses. The LMSW is for casework and generalist practice, while the LCSW is the clinical licensure for social work. It's the LCSW that would be comparable to LMHC.

MY standard advice is to review what license has more "weight" in your state due to local licensing laws and go with that one. Yes, they are wholly different theoretical orientations, but sometimes the laws in your state can make it nearly difficult to practice as one or the other. I'd suggest starting there for your research.

 

[olayak]

You should get respecialization instead. I have a MSW. Since you already have the PhD in Psychology, you can respecialize into clinical. You have to do it through a university that offers this. But, basically, you take a bunch of clinical psych courses and do the 1 yr internship and then, presto! change-o!, you're a clinical psychologist. It would be shorter than getting a LCSW or LMHC or LMFT. And you could then make about $200,000 or more annually if you're a clinical psychologist than if you're a clinical social worker (approx $80,000). Hey, nobody goes into social work for the money....

 

[WisNeuro]

I don't know a whole lot of clinical psychologists outside of those doing primarily forensic work who are making close to 200k.

 

[wesleysmith]

or a lot of social workers who make $80,000.00 who make, 'we don't do it for the money' jokes.. I'd be pleased as punch with that salary.

 

[smalltownpsych]

You should get respecialization instead. I have a MSW. Since you already have the PhD in Psychology, you can respecialize into clinical. You have to do it through a university that offers this. But, basically, you take a bunch of clinical psych courses and do the 1 yr internship and then, presto! change-o!, you're a clinical psychologist. It would be shorter than getting a LCSW or LMHC or LMFT. And you could then make about $200,000 or more annually if you're a clinical psychologist than if you're a clinical social worker (approx $80,000). Hey, nobody goes into social work for the money....

200k or more? That would be a psychiatrist. For a psychologist anything over 100k is doing pretty good and that is what a licensed psychologist with a few years experience should shoot for IMO.

 

[mkberry85]

I would agree with the majority of posters, do a respecialization program. If this is not possible, I would advise towards the mental health counseling route. Another option is to see if your school offers (or can offer) a "minor" in counseling or something similar while you finish up your degree.. But, check with your state to see if you will be prepared for licensing.