Hi there,
I've been following the forum for a while, but I haven't found the information I'm looking for. If this should be in another thread, I'm so sorry! I'm trying to figure out a career trajectory and I could really use some input. My goal is to have a private practice and to write or create some kind of course materials as well. Specifically I would like to work in online therapy, figuring out how to utilize technology in mental healthcare. My dream scenario is to practice online therapy part-time and to create a web-based program anyone can use as a supplement to therapy.
I live in CA and have plans to acquire MFT and LPCC licenses (either or both) after completing an M.S. program. I had originally planned on going for a Ph.D. so that I could focus more on research in the realm of online therapy or psychology+technology, but I am not a desirable candidate at this point (I have a B.A. in English and no research experience whatsoever). In CA I can practice privately without a doctorate, so I figured that would be a good place to start. I would like to leave my options open so that I can go back to get my doctorate down the line if I need or desire to.
I would like to enroll in a program in the fall of 2017 that has been evaluated and approved by the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences for both the LPCC and MFT licenses so that I can obtain one or both of the licenses as quickly as possible. I have also been looking at CACREP accredited programs. Unfortunately, the only programs I've found that meet all three of those criteria (CACREP, MFT, and LPCC) so far are degrees in counseling rather than psychology.
Any input would be appreciated, but I do have a few specific questions.
1) I know that a research-oriented M.S. would be best for admittance into a Ph.D. program, but it is not best for getting licensed or starting practice as a therapist. Will an M.S. in Counseling help my chances of getting into a Ph.D. program at all? I am open to volunteering as a research assistant while there. Will it make a difference if I choose a program with a thesis option? Will it being CACREP accredited help, hurt, or have no impact?
2) Does the career description I have given sound like something that can be accomplished with an M.S., or will I need a Ph.D.?
I am 27 years old, and I would like to start working as soon as possible. That's primarily why I'm trying to figure out the quickest/most efficient way to get the necessary education and credentials.
Thanks so much for your help!
I've been following the forum for a while, but I haven't found the information I'm looking for. If this should be in another thread, I'm so sorry! I'm trying to figure out a career trajectory and I could really use some input. My goal is to have a private practice and to write or create some kind of course materials as well. Specifically I would like to work in online therapy, figuring out how to utilize technology in mental healthcare. My dream scenario is to practice online therapy part-time and to create a web-based program anyone can use as a supplement to therapy.
I live in CA and have plans to acquire MFT and LPCC licenses (either or both) after completing an M.S. program. I had originally planned on going for a Ph.D. so that I could focus more on research in the realm of online therapy or psychology+technology, but I am not a desirable candidate at this point (I have a B.A. in English and no research experience whatsoever). In CA I can practice privately without a doctorate, so I figured that would be a good place to start. I would like to leave my options open so that I can go back to get my doctorate down the line if I need or desire to.
I would like to enroll in a program in the fall of 2017 that has been evaluated and approved by the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences for both the LPCC and MFT licenses so that I can obtain one or both of the licenses as quickly as possible. I have also been looking at CACREP accredited programs. Unfortunately, the only programs I've found that meet all three of those criteria (CACREP, MFT, and LPCC) so far are degrees in counseling rather than psychology.
Any input would be appreciated, but I do have a few specific questions.
1) I know that a research-oriented M.S. would be best for admittance into a Ph.D. program, but it is not best for getting licensed or starting practice as a therapist. Will an M.S. in Counseling help my chances of getting into a Ph.D. program at all? I am open to volunteering as a research assistant while there. Will it make a difference if I choose a program with a thesis option? Will it being CACREP accredited help, hurt, or have no impact?
2) Does the career description I have given sound like something that can be accomplished with an M.S., or will I need a Ph.D.?
I am 27 years old, and I would like to start working as soon as possible. That's primarily why I'm trying to figure out the quickest/most efficient way to get the necessary education and credentials.
Thanks so much for your help!