School Psychology in conjunction with MFT help

[pockethero]

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Hello all. First, thanks for reading. I'm turning 27 soon and I'm considering going back to school for a school psychology + cred. I already have a masters in counseling psychology, MFT and I'm halfway through gaining hours (1500/3000) towards licensure. However, as I'm working now, I'm considering whether school psychology is more appropriate for me. I currently work in a non-public school with severely emotionally disturbed children. I have found myself wanting to work in either or both public and private schools by assessing, testing, consulting, etc. However, I'm also concerned that going the school psychology route would take me further away from actually having direct contact with families and possibly providing therapy as I am now. I'm looking for a balance I suppose but am more inclined to work in schools. I know that school psychologists are trained to work with children and their families but actually how much do school psychologists actually work with families and in what capacity?

So, my question is this: is it worth waiting and to continue working to get my MFT license and then go to school for school psych? Or should I just start school asap without getting my MFT license?

Thanks in advance! Hope you all have a good day.

Matt

 

[lookitssara]

1. Search on this board for other posts about school psychology!!!

2. The role of the school psych varies a lot by school, district, and state. Look into where you want to work.

3. IMO, school psychologists in public schools do FAR more testing/assessment than any therapy/intervention.

4. It was extremely useful to me to shadow a few local school psychs to see what their daily activities were.

5. Masters certification in school psych basically only leads to being a school psych (and usually public school). With a doctorate, you could become licensed as a psychologist and have many other options.

 

[progter]

Being that you've finished your master's in MFT and have half the required hours I'd say at least finish that, you are so close.

 

[MurphyDog]

I have almost the exact same dilemma, but I'm a lot older than you, have been licensed and practicing in the field of counseling for many years, and now needing the next level of licensure in my state to move forward or do clnical supervision (I live in a state with a two-tiered system). I've decided I can go back to school for my Ed.S. in School Psychology in the same amount of time it would take to get the hours in counseling practice I need.

After a great deal of research and agonizing over the direction to take, it appears to me that School Psychologists are more employable, make more money, and are just more secure in general as far as the job market nationwide than LPC/LMFTs. AND, I am completely burnt on counseling and want to find a way out. However, being that you are only 27 years old, and you are so close to obtaining the MFT, I would suggest you finish that up, particularly since you sound like you enjoy the therapy aspect. You could then work toward the School Psych. I would think a School Psychologist could set themselves apart if they also have an MFT behind them....so it would enhance your resume rather than being an either/or choice.

 

[pockethero]

Thank you lookitssara, progter, and MurphyDog for your replies. You all have greatly helped.

 

[azndragon02]

I am thinking about becoming a school counselor, but I do not see many job postings for those in California. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. I see a decent number of job postings for MFT and LCSW. Anyone have know of a good site to look for psychology related jobs?