Masters in psychology for LPC

[Pjj226]

Hey everyone..

I will be graduating with a degree in psychology soon and am looking for master level programs that will help me obtain a LPC license in IL. I have found many counseling programs, but was curious if anyone has been licensed after getting a masters in psychology. Any info is appreciated, Thanks!

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[Psychadelic2012]

Look at Roosevelt and Benedictine. Both have license-focused psych programs. Benedictine is very Rogerian (client-centered).

 

[Pjj226]

Look at Roosevelt and Benedictine. Both have license-focused psych programs. Benedictine is very Rogerian (client-centered).

Ok will do thanks ! Anyone know if any similar online programs?

 

[bcliff]

Ok will do thanks ! Anyone know if any similar online programs?

MSW is the most versatile degree you can get.

 

[Pjj226]

MSW is the most versatile degree you can get.

I was considering getting a MSW. Would those programs satisfy the education requirement for Lpc licensure in Illinois?

 

[bcliff]

I was considering getting a MSW. Would those programs satisfy the education requirement for Lpc licensure in Illinois?

You would earn your MSW, then go through the steps to become an LCSW in IL. LCSW's are MA level practitioners much the same as an LPC. According to the IL chapter of the NASW, someone wanting to become an LCSW must:

successfully complete at least 3,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience after receiving a master's degree in social work from a graduate program approved by the CSWE and apply for licensure to IDFPR in writing on the prescribed form

pass the Clinical examination for the practice of social work as a licensed clinical social worker, and be of good moral character

OR

successfully complete at least 2,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience after receiving a doctor's degree in social work from a graduate program approved by the CSWE, and apply for licensure to IDFPR in writing on the prescribed form

pass the Clinical examination for the practice of social work as a licensed clinical social worker, and be of good moral character

 

[paramour]

Look at Roosevelt and Benedictine. Both have license-focused psych programs. Benedictine is very Rogerian (client-centered).

I've known a number of LPCs from Roosevelt who were excellent therapists. 👍

 

[Pjj226]

I've known a number of LPCs from Roosevelt who were excellent therapists. 👍

Ok thanks I will look into their program more.The only thing that concerns me is the price

 

[PinkPsych]

Ok thanks I will look into their program more.The only thing that concerns me is the price

Have you considered Northwestern University's program in Counseling at the The Family Institute? Their program leads to an LPC. Just to be clear, you will need an LCPC to practice independently in Illinois. You can earn an LCPC after 2 years of supervised practice post-master's degree.

 

[Qwerk]

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's M.S.W. program has an excellent reputation. They have both a full-time campus program and a distance/part-time program: http://www.socialwork.illinois.edu/future_students/MSW_outreach.html

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Why does every psychology thread have to turn in to a "Why not get a MSW?" thread? 😀

 

[Doctor Eliza]

Why does every psychology thread have to turn in to a "Why not get a MSW?" thread? 😀

According to my MSW friends, MSW's look down on LPC's. I thought that was interesting.

I do agree with the poster above that said an MSW is a more versatile degree.

Dr. E

 

[paramour]

According to my MSW friends, MSW's look down on LPC's. I thought that was interesting.

I do agree with the poster above that said an MSW is a more versatile degree.

Dr. E

I worked as a "social worker" in a hospital (although I certainly don't have a MSW) and saw this perception as well. MSW's certainly looked unfavorably on LPC's and their training. However, I also know LPC's who looked down on MSW's ... and PhD's who scoffed at all MSW's ... and the list goes on. I personally wouldn't put a lot of stock in this nonsense, as I suspect any specialty who doesn't have the same training as oneself is more suspect to be ridiculed for one reason or another.

 

[Qwerk]

Why does every psychology thread have to turn in to a "Why not get a MSW?" thread? 😀

Haha, sorry about that. If you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. 😀

Obviously, I don't think that an M.S.W. is the best degree in everyone's case, but I tend to bring up social work disproportionately in the Ph.D./Psy.D. forum because a lot of undergrads don't know that social workers don't have to be mean-ass child-taker-awayers or grumpy caseworkers.

 

[Qwerk]

I worked as a "social worker" in a hospital (although I certainly don't have a MSW) and saw this perception as well. MSW's certainly looked unfavorably on LPC's and their training. However, I also know LPC's who looked down on MSW's ... and PhD's who scoffed at all MSW's ... and the list goes on. I personally wouldn't put a lot of stock in this nonsense, as I suspect any specialty who doesn't have the same training as oneself is more suspect to be ridiculed for one reason or another.

I've also heard plenty of social workers snipe about counselors. Kind of baffling. In my case, it could be a regional thing. New York is a tremendous social work stronghold, and -- possibly because of this -- most of the counseling and MFT programs in the New York aren't particularly well-regarded or selective. High-achieving students just can't be enticed by the job market and salary level available to an LMHC or LMFT in New York.

 

[Goobernut]

I worked as a "social worker" in a hospital (although I certainly don't have a MSW) and saw this perception as well. MSW's certainly looked unfavorably on LPC's and their training. However, I also know LPC's who looked down on MSW's ... and PhD's who scoffed at all MSW's ... and the list goes on. I personally wouldn't put a lot of stock in this nonsense, as I suspect any specialty who doesn't have the same training as oneself is more suspect to be ridiculed for one reason or another.

This is what I have found to be true. Really, the individual makes the counselor. As long as the person is licensed, there is the potential for them to all be equal. However, you are going to have crappy MSW's and crappy LPC's. The secret is, like Qwerk said, look at where you are going to be living and what that locale values for licensure (at least for the master's level).

I know the two types of programs have vast theoretical orientations. The OP will just have to figure out if the more practical degree is palatable, if not, know in advance you will have your work cut out for you to carve your own niche.