options as an LMHC in NYC

[dr.ruth2.0]

Hi. I am currently enrolled in a NYC masters program for
MHC. My dream was always to work in an inpatient facility, in a hospital, with pateints who need acute care. I am slowly finding out that in NYC, there are no job openings of that nature for MHC clinicians. The hospitals here tend to hire LCSWs and doctoral level clinicians. is it true? and what path do I have to be able to get the job that I want? It is not possible for me to relocate. on that note, what would be a good option for me if I wanted to continue on to a doctoral level , but with emphathis on severe psychopathology, rather than a private practice? I can not see an option for a clinical psychology program, because i am in my 50s already and can not see myself going through that. A 2 year continuing education to obtain a docrorate seems more attainable.

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[R. Matey]

I would focus on honing my practicum experiences for the population with which I wanted to work and then apply for pre-licensed positions in community mental health and other acute settings. Doctorates aren't really just two year continuing education programs. Those that offer part-time options are typically expensive and return little in terms of tangible benefits.

 

[dr.ruth2.0]

Thank you so much for your input.

 

[R. Matey]

Thank you so much for your input.

Np. Hospital systems do favor LCSWs and psychologists over LMHCs/LPCs historically, but this is slowly changing given that counselors can now bill Medicare. There is probably internal resistance to hiring LPCs in such settings, but the need for clinicians is also great.

 

[summerbabe]

My dream was always to work in an inpatient facility, in a hospital, with pateints who need acute care. I am slowly finding out that in NYC, there are no job openings of that nature for MHC clinicians.

In addition to the good other advice in this thread, when we want to achieve a specific goal, we'll need to be persistent. Keep an eye on postings as things can change. You can also reach out to HR/hiring managers and see if there is any flexibility/consideration for other degrees (probably unlikely but it never hurts to network a bit and at least plant the seed).

And we may not immediately achieve our goals for this career, which hopefully isn't the end. Factors outside of our control (such as how much turnover is happening at local inpatient facilities) will also be ever-changing, which can be good or bad for your circumstances.

Lastly, inpatient work can be burnout inducing (or really any setting) and many people won't stay their entire career in any one setting exclusively. And there are other ways to do acute care, such as working in an emergency room, working on a crises response team, etc in the mean time.

Even some college counseling centers are doing waaaaaaay more acute/crisis work these days. And with more relevant experience, you'll likely be more competitive in the future, if you can't secure something right after graduation. Good luck!