Which track to take?

[tshielad]

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I just finished up my B.A in Psychology. My ultimate goal is to get a PhD in Counseling, I would like to work with victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault and/or multicultural counseling.
With my goals in mind I am trying to figure out whether it would be better to get a general counseling M.A, community counseling M.A or mental health M.A before going into a PhD program. Any insight would been helpful!!

Thanks

 

[jdawgg]

As far as I'm aware there is not a significant distinction among those choices. Just make sure the program you're looking at is CACREP accredited. Some programs (like mine) have a heavy concentration in multicultural counseling... I'd inquire with current students and examine the vitas of faculty to get an impression of their research interests.

You say that a PhD in counseling is your ultimate goal... do you hope to teach? If you are only interested in direct practice it's important to note that a PhD in this field does not lead to licensure as a psychologist. You'd still be practicing under a master's level license as an LPC (or LMHC/LCPC/LPCC, depending on your state) so it may not make much financial sense.

 

[tshielad]

As far as I'm aware there is not a significant distinction among those choices. Just make sure the program you're looking at is CACREP accredited. Some programs (like mine) have a heavy concentration in multicultural counseling... I'd inquire with current students and examine the vitas of faculty to get an impression of their research interests.

You say that a PhD in counseling is your ultimate goal... do you hope to teach? If you are only interested in direct practice it's important to note that a PhD in this field does not lead to licensure as a psychologist. You'd still be practicing under a master's level license as an LPC (or LMHC/LCPC/LPCC, depending on your state) so it may not make much financial sense.

I meant to say I want a PhD in Counseling Psychology which would lead to licensure as a Psychologist

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

If you plan on getting a masters first (with the intent on going for a Ph.D.), then I would strongly recommend pursuing a masters with an emphasis on research, not one that is meant for licensure as a clinician. The former is far more preferred than the latter when applying to doctoral programs.

 

[PsychOut84]

I am trying to figure out if I should jump straight into a Psy D. program or get my masters first....What are the benefits of getting a Masters first? Will it cut down the number of years needed to complete a doctoral program?

 

[erg923]

no

 

[jdawgg]

I am trying to figure out if I should jump straight into a Psy D. program or get my masters first....What are the benefits of getting a Masters first? Will it cut down the number of years needed to complete a doctoral program?

I would not get an MA if you intend to get a PsyD unless you need to improve your GPA. I'd carefully look at the costs/benefits of a PsyD before you take the plunge, if the program is not funded it is almost certainly not worth it.