Question

[HoegMT1]

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Okay, I have a sort of complicated question. I have a bachelor's degree in Marketing. Now that I've graduated, I've been talking to some friends who are pursuing their educations in psychology and social work, and I've decided it's something I want to do as well. I know that depending on the program I will have to work on my prerequisites, but I definitely want to get my master's degree in psychology.

I know I want to do some kind of counseling psychology, not research. I want to be some kind of therapist who can work with people hands-on. I also know I do not want to get a PhD to become a doctor. I want to have a legitimate master's degree, so I'm assuming I would need to go to an APA accredited school. I live in Pittsburgh, so I have been looking at some schools around here.

Here's the problem. I was planning on moving to London in the next few years or so. I don't plan on staying there permanently, but I am hoping to stay for a few years. If I were to move to London for school, I know the psychology schools over there are obviously not APA accredited. Is there any way for me to still get some kind of counseling psychology degree in the UK, work in London for awhile, and then somehow be certified to be a Pennsylvania psychologist when I eventually move back to Pittsburgh?

If that's not possible, is it possible for me to do that the other way around? Get my master's here in Pittsburgh, and then move to London to work as a counselor or therapist?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

1. The APA does not acred. Masters programs, only Doctoral programs. You'll want to make sure that the program is acred. by whomever is the major organization...like the American Counseling Association for Counseling programs.
2. You can be a counselor, therapist, or similar with a Masters degree, but the title Psychologist is reserved for someone who is doctorally-trained.
3. Masters degrees in the UK are primarily clinical, so that is good for your situation. You would want to check with the Penn. licensing board to see what classes & supervised training you will need to have to be licensed.
4. Getting a student VISA to the UK can take some time, though schooling may or may not be cheaper than a similar program in the USA.

best of luck!

 

[Vasa Lisa]

CACREP not ACA for Clinical Mental Health Counseling - the MA/MS/MEd/EdS level degree that leads to an LPC.

UK has a rather short academic journey to licensure - but you are required to have supervision for a longer period of time. I imagine it would be very difficult to convince PA that the UK degree is equivalent. PA is one of the more rigorous states for LPCs.

That said - I have a friend in London who did about 18 months of full time training and is fully licensed and seeing clients under supervision.

If you really want to live abroad - go for it! Use your current degree to get a day job and while you are there do some volunteer work in human services, and take some courses in basic psychology - let yourself grow up and mature a bit and when you return to the US - you will be more attractive to grad schools.

Good luck,

Vasa Lisa