Which track should I take for counseling in University setting?

[crdubb17]

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Hi guys,

I've decided that I want to be a counselor/therapist, and I particularly want to work in a University Counseling center. I know that's extremely limiting, but it's what I'm most passionate about.

Anyway, I'm graduating in May and plan to attend grad school next fall. My questions are:

1) Is a master's degree sufficient? I'm not extremely interested about doing a Phd program, as I am in the process of completing my own research and I honestly cannot see myself doing this for the next 5 years in a Phd program. A PsyD is something I'm considering as well, but I don't know if I want to be in school for that long.

2) If a Master's is sufficient, is there any particular type of program that will prepare me specificly for a University center job? I've seen some programs in Psych and I've seen others in Education, and I'm not sure which would be best for me.

Of course, I'm interested in programs that provide some sort of funding (I've heard that funding is scarce). Does anyone know of any good programs (Psyd included) to apply to, or any resources on where to find some/where to look? I've seen "Top 50" list of Counseling programs, but they're for Phd programs. Any feedback would be highly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[AcronymAllergy]

In general, a Psy.D. is going to take you just as long as a Ph.D., especially if it's from a reputable program (e.g., requires a dissertation). I actually believe the average time to completion for Psy.D. degrees nationwide is higher than Ph.D. degrees, though I could be wrong on that.

As for a master's, from what I've seen/heard in my limited knowledge of jobs in the setting, counseling center positions can be fairly limited and thus tough to come by. I personally didn't know any master's-level providers in either the psych department-based clinic I worked in or the university's student health center, but that's not to say they aren't around at all. If you do decide to go with a master's, I'd imagine one in counseling would probably be your best bet, but again, I could be wrong.

 

[psyunknown]

As a PsyD student going into University counseling, I can say that it is very difficult to get your foot in the door even with a doctorate. There are MA level positions, but they are even harder to get and the pay is even worse. If this is really what you want to do, I would say you should look at PhD in counseling psychology.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Counseling Psych Ph.D. > Clinical Ph.D. > Clinical Psy.D. > Masters.

Counseling programs in the midwest often prefer counseling Ph.Ds, and/or Ph.Ds in general. A clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. will require counseling center experience. A Masters....some counseling centers have mid-levels, some do not. They prefer Ph.Ds because the Director of the Counseling center can be a doctoral level person, supervise, AND do psych assessments.

 

[deleted176373]

Counseling Psych Ph.D. > Clinical Ph.D. > Clinical Psy.D. > Masters.

Counseling programs in the midwest often prefer counseling Ph.Ds, and/or Ph.Ds in general. A clinical Ph.D. or Psy.D. will require counseling center experience. A Masters....some counseling centers have mid-levels, some do not. They prefer Ph.Ds because the Director of the Counseling center can be a doctoral level person, supervise, AND do psych assessments.

You forgot Counseling Psy.D, yes, at least one exists. 🙂 I believe there are 3 APA accredited Counseling Psy.D.'s

Our Lady of the Lake, San Antonio, TX
Carlow University, Pittsburg, PA
University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN

 

[KillerDiller]

I have noticed a recent trend in University Counseling centers towards the more clinical end of the spectrum. Because more and more people with mental illness are making it into college, these centers are seeing a large spike in pathology. Regardless of the type of degree you have, you should really have some experience working with severe populations and also have solid diagnostic assessment skills.

 

[G Costanza]

You forgot Counseling Psy.D, yes, at least one exists. 🙂 I believe there are 3 APA accredited Counseling Psy.D.'s

Our Lady of the Lake, San Antonio, TX
Carlow University, Pittsburg, PA
University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN

Isn't a PsyD aready assumed to be a "counseling" track? What seperates a PsyD from a counseling PsyD?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Isn't a PsyD aready assumed to be a "counseling" track? What seperates a PsyD from a counseling PsyD?

The Psy.D. monicker reflects the overall training goals and philosophy of the program, not necessarily the specific subject matter. The vast majority of Psy.D. programs are in clinical psychology.

 

[crdubb17]

Thank you all for your insight. I am a little unnerved now, but if that's the reality then it's better to learn sooner than later. I was looking at my own university's counseling staff, and you guys are right: it seems there are a few LPCs, but the ratio of those to psychologists are pretty low (1:4).

 

[psyunknown]

Also, in the centers I have worked in the LPC/LCPC/LCSW, either are their to do case management work only or see a very specific population, which they specialized in (such as sexual abuse). They could not do testing/assessment work and really would low in the hierarchy in the center. Additionally, you can not supervise doctoral practicum students with a MA/MSW (you can supervise masters, but in my area most take only doctoral students for practicum/internship). Really look at your career goals because deciding. What draws you the college counseling centers? You said your passion it about it, but can you be more specific?

 

[psychgal]

I am on internship and work at a APA accredited and competitive college counseling center. I am getting my PsyD and had no problem getting interviews and matching to a UCC. I do think it is harder with a master's degree but having said that we have several counselors with master's who are highly respected, have advanced positions in the center, conduct training, supervise pre-master's students and see all types of clients. I really think it varies from state to state. Do some investigation in the state you would like to be licensed in- that will probably give you a more accurate picture.

 

[crdubb17]

Also, in the centers I have worked in the LPC/LCPC/LCSW, either are their to do case management work only or see a very specific population, which they specialized in (such as sexual abuse). They could not do testing/assessment work and really would low in the hierarchy in the center. Additionally, you can not supervise doctoral practicum students with a MA/MSW (you can supervise masters, but in my area most take only doctoral students for practicum/internship). Really look at your career goals because deciding. What draws you the college counseling centers? You said your passion it about it, but can you be more specific?

I really want to work with students on issues such as GLBT/race and their problems adjusting/dealing with the ostracism. I don't really care about making the highest salary or having administrative responsibilities (at least not right now, that could very well change once I've been in the field for awhile), I just want to help people.

@psychgal, thanks for sharing, that is encouraging. I'm definitely going to look into some Psyd pograms as well now. I live in Texas, and I'm think I'm ready for something new. That's kind of one my issues, I really have absolutely no idea where I want to be, I just have to get out of College Station! I took the approach of "I'll relocate to wherever I get accepted"which is why I had earlier requested some specific programs to whittle down my options.