MA Counseling Psychology

[Quickkicks]

Hi everyone,

Just joined the forum. I'm looking to attend a MA in counseling psychology program. I've been accepted into 3 programs in Massachusetts. They're all a bit different from each other in terms of philosophy, courses, and cost. I'm interested in working with children and adolescents specifically. I was wondering what people thought may be the best choice in terms of earning an MA in counseling psychology and become licensed as a LMHC. One of my chief concerns is paying a lot for education into a profession that does not get paid a lot of money.

BU - MA in mental health and behavioral medicine, somewhat of a medical focus (health psych., neuroscience), experienced faculty and very clinical orientation. It is very costly, about $35,000 a year.

Massachusetts School of Professional Psych.- MA in counseling psych., also for LMHC. Also very much a clinical education that is closely supervised. Small student population so students get closely monitored by faculty. Has concentrations, one of which is child/adolescent. Also a bit expensive, about $24,000 a year.

UMASS Boston - MS in counseling psych and licensure as an LMHC. Two concentrations, forensic and school adjustment. A lot cheaper than the other two, about $15,000 a year. Good faculty and seems to have a good reputation. Probably not as prestigous as BU or even MSPP but not sure if it really matters for counseling programs.

Anybody's comments would really help. Kind of struggling with the decision. Thanks for your help.

Quickkicks

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[lakewood]

I wish I could offer more advice but I don't know enough about these programs. However, I have looked into the BU program before. I will be interested to hear what decision you make and how you make it, so please keep us up to date on whatever you decide to do.

As a side note, have you found that these programs will qualify you for licensure outside of Massachusetts? That is one question I had after reading a bit about the LMHC.

 

[pingouin]

lakewood, that's a fantastic question. reciprocity (or lack thereof) is a big issue for people who are considering moving. best bet is to call the licensing board for the state you want to move to and ask about the protocol for transferring a license from a different state. websites can provide a lot of information, too, but it might be nice to have the name of someone who gave you info in the event there are any glitches down the line.

a few contiguous states may have reciprocity agreements, but there is no national reciprocity that I know of.

 

[Quickkicks]

Hi guys,

Thanks for your feedback. You do make a good point with licensure in other states. I believe one can take a national mental health examination once finished with school and this would allow you to be licensed in other states.

At the moment, I think I'm leaning towards UMass Boston because it is the most affordable. I've heard that it doesn't really matter where you go to school for mental health counseling, the education is similar for most programs. I would likely go into school adjustment track.

Would you guys happen to know much about school adjustment counseling? If not, not a big deal.

Thanks.