What Can I Do With A MA in Psychology?

[Michgirl68]

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Hi Everyone;

Let me first start of by saying this is my very first post and I have searched out the site to try to find if this has already been asked. I found nothing that really touched on all the aspects of what I needed, so I apologize if you read this and find it has been asked, etc.

I am 42 years old and currently going back to get my bachelors in Psychology. I would like to work in the field of Psychology either doing Clinical/Therapy or Possibly Research.

When I think on this field I don't feel I'm doing this for any monetary reason. I genuinly enjoy the workings of the mind, but I do want to be able to make decent money for all the schooling I'm going for. I'm old enough to know that you certainly have to at least enjoy what you do because no amount of money will matter if you don't.

Basically, what can I do with a Masters in Psychology? What licensing would I need to be able to counsel others if thats the route I wanted to take. How does this compare to Social Work.

Any advise or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'm just looking for a little direction. ~Thanks

 

[erg923]

It varies by state. In some states, if you went to a masters program that offered all the coursework required, you can become licensed as a counselor (there are various names for the title). In some states you can only work under a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Some hospital systems will hire masters level couselors. If you recieve a masters in clinical, and your recieve appopriate training and experience in assessment, you could become a psychometrist and conduct testing under a psychologist/neuropsychologist. I really dont see how one could tolerate doing this as a long-term career though. I did it for two years bfeore getting my ph.d and that was plenty, believe me.

However, I would venture to say that well over half of those who enter master program in clinical/counseling psychology, do so as a stepping- stone to the doctorate.

I am not very familar with the curriculum for masters program in social work, but some do indeed focus on the provision of clinical services (ie., therapy) to those with mental illness, while others do not.

 

[Michgirl68]

Thanks for your reply. 🙂

I am in Michigan and taking a Psych class right now and the instructor has her MA., LLP. She can counsel but just can't test.

Its so very hard to find information on what exactly I can do with a Masters in Psychology. I seriously have been having a hard time finding info on it. I know the PhD or Psy.D are what most will say go for, but JEESH...I'm 42....I'd be 100 before I finished. LOL

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Thanks for your reply. 🙂

I am in Michigan and taking a Psych class right now and the instructor has her MA., LLP. She can counsel but just can't test.

Its so very hard to find information on what exactly I can do with a Masters in Psychology. I seriously have been having a hard time finding info on it. I know the PhD or Psy.D are what most will say go for, but JEESH...I'm 42....I'd be 100 before I finished. LOL

There have been a number of threads posted in this sub-forum and also the Clinical Psychology sub-forum about the difference between Masters-level and Doctoral-level training. There are more shades of grey between Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, MSW, etc.

 

[berlin81]

Thanks for your reply. 🙂

I am in Michigan and taking a Psych class right now and the instructor has her MA., LLP. She can counsel but just can't test.

Its so very hard to find information on what exactly I can do with a Masters in Psychology. I seriously have been having a hard time finding info on it. I know the PhD or Psy.D are what most will say go for, but JEESH...I'm 42....I'd be 100 before I finished. LOL

I'm originally from Michigan and I also got my MA in clinical psychology. I got licensed as an LLP back in 2008. Basically if you attend an MA or MS program in Michigan that meets the state requirements for clinical training (practicum, psych testing, group therapy, professional ethics, etc.) you can apply to become an LLP. I would just make sure that whatever program you go into does meet the state requirements.

Most of the public universities offer an MA or MS in clinical psychology, such as Eastern, Western, Central, and Oakland. There are also several private colleges that have such programs, such as U. of Detroit.

Truthfully, getting a non-clinical oriented MA in psychology would likely give you trouble, especially if you intend to stay in Michigan. Yes, you could become a research assistant or teach at a community college, but those positions are few and far between. If you are or would be able to relocate to another state for a position, that might increase your chances of employment.

If you have more questions let me know since I also have some experience with the mental health job market in Michigan. Just send me a PM.

 

[Michgirl68]

Thank you for your info. It was helpful..

My main goal is to do counseling. (Family/Individual). I greatly enjoy helping others in that way and feel it's a good fit for my personality and have always felt that Psychology was something I was meant to do, (Even though, I'm 42 and just now getting serious about it). LOL.

With that being said, I am at a cross-road and not sure which direction to go. I have done alot of searching on the internet and went to informationals at Wayne State University/Oakland University (I'm in Michigan) with regard to the Social Work program & Psychology Program, but they speak on their programs only. I'm just lost on which route would be best for me considering what I want to do. Therapy/Counseling.

Clinical Psychology (PhD): This is a route that takes what...5+ years AFTER your Masters? Going to get your PhD is a FULL TIME undertaking, correct? Are you able to have your own practice once you complete your PhD?

==>The only thing that makes me not want to go this route, is the TIME as well as it not being able to be achieved Part time.

Clinical Psychology (MA, LLP): I can get my bachelors in Social Work or Psychology. Then go on to get my masters in Clinical Psych. Once I complete my Masters and get the licensure (LLP), I would be able to do family/individual counseing, correct? (But I would have to be supervised, etc) My instructor says she does most everything a PhD Psych does but she isn't able to do testing. ==> This route to me seems to be an option, but limiting. I would never be able to have my own practice. (this is something I think I would eventually want to do)

Social Work (BSW): Social Work, it is more involved in helping others with regard to community, etc, correct? (Forgive my ignorance 😳) If I get my bachelors in Social Work, would I be able to use it? (While working on my Masters in Counseling or Psychology)

Counseling (MA): I have recently thought this was a better route for me. I would get my bachelor in Social Work or Psychology then move on to a MA in Counseling.

 

[2012PhD]

The job market is pretty limited for M.A. as well as many PhD's that want to do therapy as a primary career. This is not a good time to try to be a therapist as salaries are pretty low and insurance reimbursements are pathetic. With a B.A. you won't be able to do much in this field.

PhD/Psyd in clinical Psychology: 5-7 years of graduate school. You won't be able to practice independently right away. You need to accrue 3,000 hours of supervised training, then pass a licensing exam, and other state requirements. It can take up to 2 years to get a client base even after this. Don't go this route if you just want to do therapy. This is the best route for people who want to do teaching, research, assessment, and psychotherapy.

M.A. programs will also require you to accrue 3,000 hours of supervision post-masters before even getting your license to practice independently. They are usually 2 years of graduate training. Median salaries are around 40K.

MSW: probably the most versatile of all the M.A. programs. Many MSW programs focus on advocacy, policy, and case management not psychotherapy. You will need to find one that offers psychotherapy training. After the MSW, you still need to accrue 3,000 hours (2 years) of work experience before taking a licensing exam. Starting salaries are around 30K.

Another program to look into: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: 2-3 years of graduate training. Median salaries are 85K plus. Demand and job stability is good in this area. Some NP's do therapy with additional training.