MS in clinical and mental health

[drapoli]

I live in California and would like to get an MS degree in clinical and mental health counseling. I have a full-time job and a career outside of the counseling profession, so my only option is to attend an online program. There are only a few choices in California, and most seem overpriced. There are plenty of CACREP-accredited online programs from out-of-state Universities, which are generally more affordable. I am trying to figure out if I could get a degree from a reputable program outside of California while trying to satisfy my practicum requirements in Los Angeles (where I live) in a way that eventually will lead to licensure in California (loaded question, I know). Thanks in advance for any suggestions/reccomentations you may have.

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[R. Matey]

A part-time in person program at a reputable institution would be my recommendation, if you're going to do it. The problem with online programs is that they tend to be (1) low-quality and (2) expensive (as you have observed) even at "name brand" institutions. You might also consider an MFT or MSW program if you're planning on CA. MFTs have been around a lot longer than LPCCs in that state, which may mean more jobs and opportunities. MSW degrees have the greatest degree flexibility of all though it will be important to ask any prospective program about what specific psychotherapy training you will receive.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Local programs will have practicum sites available whereas online will necessitate finding your own and that can be challenging in a competitive market like California. Also, a California program would likely be more helpful with making sure that you cross the t’s and dot the I’s for California licensure which is typically more complex and with additional requirements compared to most states. At least I know that is the way it is for psychologists.

 

[summerbabe]

while trying to satisfy my practicum requirements in Los Angeles

Without getting into the merits of in person vs online education, you will likely run into struggles in this area with an online program.

1) Your program will have zero ties to your community. This is important because local programs often establish strong relationships with the best training sites because those sites know that these programs will send them professional, well-educated students and if there are issues, communication can happen directly with the program to find solutions.

2) If you've ever been on Reddit's r/therapists, there are new stories everyday about exploitative prac/internship and jobs. Local programs often know about places to avoid (eg you will get minimal training and way too much work, some of which is way beyond your scope of practice as a trainee). But when you're responsible for securing your own placements, you're chances exponentially increase of landing into such a spot.

3) If I was running a training program, I would not accept any non-local students mainly because I have zero idea of the quality of your training and if your program has done a good job readying you to see patients and that's not a risk that I want to take with my license/program. So programs that take trainees from online programs might play things kinda fast and loose, which can lead to poor or even unethical situations for trainees.

 

[drapoli]

Thank you! This is excellent feedback! For reference, I have a PhD in Environmental Science (a completely different field, of course) and very solid academic credentials.....yet I applied for an in-person MS counseling program at a local state university, and I did not even get an interview. Now I am in the process of completing a few pre-requisite courses before I submit my next application. Ultimately, my goal is to open a private practice when I retire.....in about 10-15 years...so, I have time. Thanks again!