MS in Psychology/Counseling is not enough

I hope this is the right forum. I'm interested in going into psychology...and I'm aiming at being a clinical psychologist but I don't know. It seems that every field I have an interest in is a disappointment in job forums. I want to help people and make "decent" money. I don't have to be rich, I just don't want to work from paycheck to paycheck like I do now, after all that schooling. I researched the field "heavily" and it just seems so overwhelming. It seems like with the Psy.D., APA certification AND state lisence, you might as well have went to medical school. I just turned 36 and I feel like I am too old to do the school thing "again". But they say the 3rd times a charm....they better be right.

Hi there,

I'm almost a licensed Marriage, and family Therapist (Masters degree in clinical/counseling Psychology with 3000 clinical hours of training). My colleague and dear friend has been a licensed Clinical Psychologist for about 13 years. You can make decent money - but you won’t be making more than 70.000-80.000 a year. This seems awfully low after consuming heavy student loans. If I were to do it again - I would go into a traditional medical field, such as being a specialized nurse (psych nurse), medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner. They make much more money and better job security. Additionally, they tend to receive more respect when working at hospitals, than do Psychologists, LCSW's, or MFT's. These programs of study are unfortunately more difficult to get into - but you will be making more money and have better job security.

Good luck and it seems like a smart idea to investigate…

Best,

Dahlia

MBA and MFT is a waste of time and money. Go for the MSW with LCSW. It has the best pay at $90,000 a year in state and federal government. MBA is the most overrated degree. LCSW is where the money is at!

Erin in Exeter, New Hampshire said: Hi Mary
I think you should give a call to he psychology licensing board. They'd be able to tell you what you would need to do for them to license you and there may be some kind of counselor license that is easier get. In NH there's a professional counselor license that is easier qualify for than the psychologist license. Otherwise, the work you'd be eligible do is more of a case management nature than counseling. Or you could work as a tech in a psych hospital or residential facility. But those tend to be very low paying jobs. Not that you'll get rich counseling either...

I have recently gone back to school to pursue my master's degree in counseling. I have chosen to do so online, so according to NH licensing laws, I cannot get a license through online classes. However, I was told that I could still have a counseling career without a license. I am concerned though. I would hate to go through all of this time and money for online courses just to be told "sorry" b/c I don't have a license.

dahlia in San Francisco, California said: Get your MBA if you are looking for job security and for human resource jobs. I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology and I am almost licensed as a marriage and family therapist. It is very difficult to get a job that pays well in this profession and I need to make money and help other people to feel happy. I might go for an RN in psychiatric nursing instead. If you like business jobs or human resources an investment and time toward an MBA seems wiser.

Dahlia- Hi, I am a RN and I want to go back to school to be a therapist. If I went back to school to get my Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing could I be a therapist? Or would I be handing out psych meds in a Psychiatric Hospital? What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Lisa

FrustratedCounselor in Charlotte, North Carolina said: You are absolutely right, Lisa. I have both a nursing license and a MA in counseling. Since moving to GA and not being licensed here in counseling, I have worked as a nurse and I am so unhappy with it although the money is excellent. I cannot wait to go back to NC where I am licensed as a counselor and can work in that field. Nothing makes me happier than sitting next to someone and asking, "How can I help you today?" I think you have to look beyond a regular job to make money in counseling. If you have the proper license (LPC), you can get your NPI number and become a provider for various insurance companies (Cigna, BCBS, Aetna,etc) and also become a Medicaid/Medicare provider by submitting an application with your state. Once you save some money, you can look into retaining a marketing agent and a PR person. It may also help to offer coaching. To do all of this requires that you establish a niche, so decide what areas of counseling you want to do and learn all you can about that or those area(s). For instance, I am interested in working with women in the areas of grief and forgiveness. I also I plan to coach women who are experiencing blocks in their growth to having a more joyous life.

Hi, RN/Counselor from North Carolina, I'm interested in your blog because I've been a RN for 13 years and I'm done with the profession. I have been researching going back to get my Masters degree in some type of Counseling field or a Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing. What are your thoughts? What about getting a Masters in Social Work or School Psychologist? What is your advice. Oh also, I'm 51 years old living in Atlanta, Ga.
Thanks,
Lisa

Hi Lisa. If money is an issue, you should probably go for a MA in psy.nursing. I do not know of all the opportunities available to a psych nurse, so, you might want to research that. In the past, School Psychologists earn good money but with the down turn of the economy it may be hard to find openings. Counselors and psychologists are the first to go when their is a financial crisis in schools. If I knew 8 years ago what I know now, I would have gone for social work. They have the market cornered with Medicaid programs, jobs (private and community), and they can have a private counseling practice once they are licensed. They also use SWs in schools. By the way, I am a LPN (since 1974). I went back to school for counseling because I knew I did not want to go deeper into nursing, but I wanted an advanced degree. Based on several career and personality tests, I found I was best suited for counseling, the ministry, or a chef. I chose counseling b/c I wanted something I could do during my retirement years, which is fast approaching! I am also in Atlanta, but I did not want to invest the time they required to get my licensed when I had just gone through that in NC. I am going back to Charlotte this summer and set up a private practice. I will be 57 this month, so, hopefully, I will be able to do this for the next 15 or 20 years, which makes it worthwhile.

I should learn to proof read---it is "when there is a financial..." and "...to get my license...."

Hi Lisa,

I'm not sure what state you are receding within, and the possibilities to get counseling jobs would largely depend on this. California is saturated with many different types of counselors. I'm almost a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (just passed the first board exam toward licensure). This is equivalent to an LPC in other states. (Although it might be a bit more comprehensive because we have to do 3000 clinical hours of training and can call ourselves psychotherapists). I live in the Bay Area where there are a lot of therapists. This makes it more difficult to find jobs and also there have been a lot of cuts in the non-profit sector. My long-term goal is to get my RN and work as a Psych nurse 3 days a week. I really enjoy counseling individuals outside the non-profit environment. Therefore I'm going to open a private practice as a psychotherapist 2-3 nights a week. But I also need to make a good living and that's why I thought it would make sense to combine psychiatric nursing with my MFT background and make most of my income in a hospital setting as an RN. I'm not sure what makes you feel fulfilled and what your competition for private practice looks like in your area... I do have a friend who became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and she works with great autonomy at the VA in San Francisco. She does a lot of intakes and Mental Status Exams etc. She almost functions like a social worker - but gets paid much better. This option could perhaps also work for you...

Best of luck to you,

Dahlia

Miss Dahlia-Hi
Can I get your personal e-mail address and discuss this topic in further detail? I would love to get the opportunity to talk with your Psychiatric RN Practioner friend who works @ VA in San Francisco. I don't know whether to go back to school and get a Masters degree as a licensed Social Worker or a Masters degree in Psych Nursing. My personal e-mail address is: lweave2@hotmail.com and my name is Lisa Weaver from Atlanta Georgia. Thanks for all your help!!!!!!
Lisa W.

FrustratedCounselor in Charlotte, North Carolina said: Hi Lisa. If money is an issue, you should probably go for a MA in psy.nursing. I do not know of all the opportunities available to a psych nurse, so, you might want to research that. In the past, School Psychologists earn good money but with the down turn of the economy it may be hard to find openings. Counselors and psychologists are the first to go when their is a financial crisis in schools. If I knew 8 years ago what I know now, I would have gone for social work. They have the market cornered with Medicaid programs, jobs (private and community), and they can have a private counseling practice once they are licensed. They also use SWs in schools. By the way, I am a LPN (since 1974). I went back to school for counseling because I knew I did not want to go deeper into nursing, but I wanted an advanced degree. Based on several career and personality tests, I found I was best suited for counseling, the ministry, or a chef. I chose counseling b/c I wanted something I could do during my retirement years, which is fast approaching! I am also in Atlanta, but I did not want to invest the time they required to get my licensed when I had just gone through that in NC. I am going back to Charlotte this summer and set up a private practice. I will be 57 this month, so, hopefully, I will be able to do this for the next 15 or 20 years, which makes it worthwhile.

Hi, frustrated LPN/Counselor- I would love to get the opportunity to discuss the counseling field with you in further detail. I have been very interested in talking to a nurse who is also in the counseling field and you are one of those people. My personal e-mail address: lweave2@hotmail.com Could you please write to me directly and then I can talk with you one-on-one? Thanks for all your help!!!
Lisa

I am a nurse pursuing a master's degree in counseling. Yes, nurses make good money and they are in demand, but I think as individuals, we need to determine what is important to us. Is it money or is it career satisfaction--or both? As a nurse, I work with women who have terminal cancer and at times it is rewarding. However, the politics, nasty physicians and the workload has burned me out. Also, nursing wasn't what I envisioned I would be doing for the rest of my life, but something I would do while being a single mother, trying to make ends meet. I am now ready to seek out what I wanted to do since I was a young adult which is counseling people. I'm not too idealistic to think that I won't encounter problems in counseling, but my message is this: if you really enjoy what you are doing (or even if that is important to you)I say, go after your dream and the rest will work it's way out. Life it too short to be in something you don't enjoy. Good luck to all.

Hi Lisa the nurse from Augusta, Ga,-
I'm curious why you aren't pursuing a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I am a RN too and I've never enjoyed being a nurse. Should I go back and get the Masters degree in Social Work or the Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing? Can you really practise being a Therapist with the Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing? Thats what I am trying to research before I go back to school?
Thanks for sharing all your advice and experiences!!!
Thanks Again,
lisa W.

Hi Lisa, there's not a psych nursing master's program here in Augusta and I have the option of staying in the practice I'm currently working in providing counseling support to our patients and families. Or, go into private practice, which is definitely an option for me. My goals is to intergrate nursing and counseling. I thought about SW, but the closest program is in Columbia, SC and would be hard since I work Mon-Fri 40 hours a week. Another reason I haven't pursued psych nursing is b/c I'm not interested in working in a MH facility, which I was told most psych nurses work.

Lisa in Alpharetta, Georgia said: Hi Lisa the nurse from Augusta, Ga,-
I'm curious why you aren't pursuing a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing. I am a RN too and I've never enjoyed being a nurse. Should I go back and get the Masters degree in Social Work or the Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing? Can you really practise being a Therapist with the Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing? Thats what I am trying to research before I go back to school?
Thanks for sharing all your advice and experiences!!!
Thanks Again,
lisa W.

Lisa, to answer your questions (sorry I didn't earlier)--SW does have the niche when it comes to jobs. If you look on USA jobs (fed job website), they want social workers. Look into the psych nursing--it has been a while since I investigated that route, but when I did, was told that as a master's prepared psych nurse I would work in a MH hospital, which is not what I want to do. There are physician practices which like the idea of a multi-disciplinary practice, which includes counseling--something you may want to investigate. I hope this helps.

As a counseling student (MEd program), it concerns me that Social Workers have the job niche--can anyone tell me what it looks like for counselors? Are we gaining ground to be considered for jobs on the same level as social workers? Thank you.

Pat Conway in Cumberland, Maryland said: It is very frustrating to try to find a job now that most of Cumberland's institutions, where counselors are needed, demand a license. I was halfway through my supervision when I and several other counselors and Social Workers got laid off due to Medicaid non-reimbursements. I took a job as a Waiver Service Coordinator, but do not get supervised hours for counseling, obviously. Anyone out there as frustrated as myself, or on a positive wave, are there any suggestions to those who have been able to continue counseling in some way? Thank you for letting me vent.
PC

Hi Pat,
My name is Talisa. I went to school to and graduated in Dec. 2001 with my Master's in School Counseling. In October of that year, my classmates and I found out that we needed to take and pass the Praxis prior to working in the school district. Those who were exempt, were individuals who had a license in another area of study. I took the Praxis more than 10 times (Math), missing failing the test by 2 or 3 points. I am currently studying for the NCC.
I am now working in the mental health field. I am a child therapist and I work with adults who are mentally ill, but my original plan was to work in the schools, have my summers off, and live happily ever after. I worked for the school district as a substitute, until they started closing schools.
My point is, find something that you can do, using the skills you learned in grad school. There is something out there, you just have to search for it. Unfortunately, the job markey is bleak, but if you are in this field, it is to help someone!
Good Luck!

Talisa R. M.Ed.
Child Therapist/Clinician

Planters in Pomona, California said: MBA and MFT is a waste of time and money. Go for the MSW with LCSW. It has the best pay at $90,000 a year in state and federal government. MBA is the most overrated degree. LCSW is where the money is at![/QUOTE

Feds do pay well- but its hard to get in! Maybe Calif does treat LCSW-Cs better, but in most other places the above comment would be considered sarcastic! If this was purely a social work page, it would automatically be considered sarcasm! In MD, with an LCSW-C, you'll be lucky to START around 45-50,000 grand, then, depending on where you are, maybe somewhat upwards. My wife and I are state child welfare sups,LCSW-Cs, been there for 10 years, make in the 60s; school system social workers make a bit more, Feds ALOT more- these slots are FIERCELY COMPETITIVE, hospitals somewhat more, but they are often unflexible and you're lower than nurses (not that nurse should be low- I think that's terrible!!) in the hospital hierarchy; mental health and private agencies usually a pay good deal less. Managed care can pay well for insurance approvals, but my friends that have worked there get timed on their bathroom breaks!!

I will be 47 in three days, lol. I start masters in counseling psychology this fall at Madison, WI. I'm interested in working with high risk youth and veterans. I here to dialogue. Those of you working in the field what are your chosen theory when doing counseling?

thank you

thank you for the job

thank you for the job

thank you for the job

thank you for the job adverised

Hello,

I am thinkng about coming to NY after I finished my clinical doctorate in psychology in UK. Does anyone know if i can get a NY license to prcatice as a psychologists with a UK 3 year clinical doctorate qulaification.

Curt in Madison, Wisconsin said: I will be 47 in three days, lol. I start masters in counseling psychology this fall at Madison, WI. I'm interested in working with high risk youth and veterans. I here to dialogue. Those of you working in the field what are your chosen theory when doing counseling?

Find out min. credentials for VA jobs and your local Juvenile Justice Dept.- MS in Counseling Pysch may not be the right credentials, could be perfect-- it varies alot from state to state!!

DadMike in Maryland said: Find out min. credentials for VA jobs and your local Juvenile Justice Dept.- MS in Counseling Pysch may not be the right credentials, could be perfect-- it varies alot from state to state!!

Oopps- Except for VA- there MAY be some regional variation, but their standards are pretty uniform as they are Feds.

FrustratedCounselor in Charlotte, North Carolina said: Hi Lisa. If money is an issue, you should probably go for a MA in psy.nursing. I do not know of all the opportunities available to a psych nurse, so, you might want to research that. In the past, School Psychologists earn good money but with the down turn of the economy it may be hard to find openings. Counselors and psychologists are the first to go when their is a financial crisis in schools. If I knew 8 years ago what I know now, I would have gone for social work. They have the market cornered with Medicaid programs, jobs (private and community), and they can have a private counseling practice once they are licensed. They also use SWs in schools. By the way, I am a LPN (since 1974). I went back to school for counseling because I knew I did not want to go deeper into nursing, but I wanted an advanced degree. Based on several career and personality tests, I found I was best suited for counseling, the ministry, or a chef. I chose counseling b/c I wanted something I could do during my retirement years, which is fast approaching! I am also in Atlanta, but I did not want to invest the time they required to get my licensed when I had just gone through that in NC. I am going back to Charlotte this summer and set up a private practice. I will be 57 this month, so, hopefully, I will be able to do this for the next 15 or 20 years, which makes it worthwhile.

Hello, I live in Charlotte NC and I am getting my BA in psychology online, but would like answers to choosing the right school for my masters to practice in NC. I was told that NC frowns on online masters programs and will not certify you. I graduate in December 2010. We have closely related features,in that I am a LPN,CST,x 25 years and starting my dream career to become a child psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior. I would like to have my own practice some day here in NC if possible. Help!Thanks

Dear Frustrated Counselor- Hi

How can we connect over the phone? I would love to brainstorm some ideas with you about me going back to school. I have thought about going back for a Counseling degree. Can we talk in further detail over the phone? You may contact me by my personal email: lweave2@hotmail.com

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Lisa Weaver

I too am an unhappy nurse. I was an LVN for years, now an RN and it's equally as bad. You know the details, so I don't need to explain. But now what? I am an out of work nurse and don't know where to turn. I think maybe private counseling, but when I try to learn my CA scope of practice, it is a bunch of legal jargon. I have a 2 yr certificate in Conflict Resolution and I am a great counselor. Personally, I think this is enough to open my doors. All comments and ideas are welcomed!

Dear Unhappy Nurse- Hi

I don't care what you have to do but now is your time to get out of the Nursing Profession. Nursing is the most toxic working environment I have ever been a part of in my entire life. I am working part-time at Party City for $7.25/hr & doing informational interviews. I am in a self-discovery phase in my life at 51 yeras old. I researched becoming a therapist as a LPC or LCSW & I decided that I'm too burned-out to work around sick people. So, now I'm researching working with students at a University. Most nurses are unhappy & financially trapped in their profession. You have just met Annie Oakly of the South. I'm making the great escape from the nursing profession. You have got to do the same thing. We should talk over the phone. How do I contact you? My email address: lweave2@hotmail.com
Thanks!!!
lisa

Psych undergrad in Charlotte,NC in Cornelius, North Carolina said: Hello, I live in Charlotte NC and I am getting my BA in psychology online, but would like answers to choosing the right school for my masters to practice in NC. I was told that NC frowns on online masters programs and will not certify you. I graduate in December 2010. We have closely related features,in that I am a LPN,CST,x 25 years and starting my dream career to become a child psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior. I would like to have my own practice some day here in NC if possible. Help!Thanks

I have now moved back to Charlotte and was able to immediately find contract work with agencies offering services to at risk children and teens. These clients must have a diagnostic assessment in order to receive services. I do assessments and one on one counseling. Although this is not my dream situation, I am elated to be able to do counseling again. The good thing about the nursing is it provides a steady income while you build a practice. I will always keep my nursing license. Adolescent behavioral health is a booming field. It sounds as if you are headed in the right direction. Good luck.

I envy you. I live in Charlotte, NC and that is my dream job to work with adolescents. I would love to talk to you regarding the masters school and requirements for NC.

You can write me directly at hameednelson@gmail.com. I went to UNC-Charlotte and finished in 2002. They have an excellent program. You can choose between community and school counseling tracks. The supervision during practicum and internship is excellent and it is a CACREP accredited program.

May I ask which track you completed--community or school?

Lisa in Augusta, Georgia said: May I ask which track you completed--community or school?

So Lisa, you really ahte Nursing that much??? I myself, feel as if I am in a corner and can't get out. Diff. is I have a BS in Psych. and I can't seem to find anything relating to my degree (job wise). So, I felt as if Nursing would be the way to go, I wanted to enroll in that Masters of Clinical Nursing Program at MCG...But, wasn't sure if that would qualify me as an RN, from speaking with counselors there, they say yes, I will be able to take the NCLEX, and become an RN, Charge Nurse, etc. What is your take on it, other than the feeling of being burnt out? What is it exactly that causes all the nurses to feel burnt out, is it lack of nurses, the Doctor's attitudes, work hours/loads?? Can you just enlightened me a little bit. If you don't mind. I truly would like to know, and thanks in advance any and all assistance you are able to provide.

aorry for the typos, ahte=hate

sorry for the typos, ahte=hate

The thing that has me down on nursing is the authority figures and bureaucracy. They have so many bells and whistles and hoops to jump thru all the time, there is no time for your own judgment and actions. Everything has to be by the book. For instance, a boss says "from now on,(which means one more thing to do and I am already overloaded)if your pt has CHF, you need to make sure that the echo report is faxed to the PCP." or "from now on, if your pt is Medicare prime, you need to fill out this form and have the doctor sign it"...put the form on the front of the chart rt? then the MD doesn't see/sign it and you have to chase him down when you are supposed to be doing all the details of your regular job. Then they keep adding more and more stuff! One hosp has the nurses checking their emails every hour! AND they are assigned an area to clean (kitchen, nurses station, stock areas etc.)When do we have time to do all the other things? and if you don't...there's hell to pay. They used to care what I charted, now they just want me to chart what they want to hear. It is automaton nursing.

My Conclusion is that NONE OF IT IS WORTH IT!!!!

I"M DONE!!!!!!

Lisa Weaver

As far as counseling is concerned.... I tried to view my scope of practice on the California RN website but it is just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. I think in many states an RN license allows you to be a sole proprietor and open up your own business as a counselor, but I may be way off base and / or living in the dark ages.

I am thinking about going to Capella Universiy and getting my MS in Psy. The Advisor was talking me out of the program to get my license . After reading all your comments it seems hard to get a job w/out a license. It is 21.000 for the degree. I really don't know what to do. 35,0000 to move forward with the degree with the license. Is it worth going and folling my passion. I am 44 years old and would have to take out loans. Is the job market worth it. Any words of wisdom out there??

If it is your passion, go for it.... as far as the job market, it depends on where you are geographically. In Florida, it is difficult to get a good salary without the license. With a license, you have so much more options in terms of doing contract work, etc.....

Hi Dahlia,

Thank you for your insights. I am very grateful to have come across this forum.

I am a new college graduate and I would love to inquire with you regarding your career path.

I have recently received a BA in psychology and I have been working in the field of behavioral psych for the last 5yrs. My current job title is a Field Trainer: training in-home tutors in the application/basic processes of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). However fulfilling the job, this is not my career of interest.

I am very much interested in crossing over to the mental health industry.

In the near future, I plan to go back to school and enroll in a counseling program, and eventually be licensed as an MFT - essentially the exact same career path you have chosen.

I am in the process of obtaining a mental health position that will provide/equip me with the knowledge and experience needed to better prime myself for my future.

I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to my next action step in career/personal development?

Also, after researching mental health positions at the BA level, some positions of interest are working with children/the youth diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance - this seems to be the perfect crossover position for me since I have the in-home experience of working with children and their families.

What are your thoughts on this?

Do you happen to have company names/personal contacts that would be of interest to me? Also, what could I be doing on my personal downtime to better prime myself for my future? What is the "lesson plan" of an MFT? What do MFT's study/read?

Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
April

I agree with rmiller in Hernando, Florida. I also live in Florida, and have completed my MS in Counselor Education. I can not find a job that pays well enough to support myself, and I owe a small fortune in student loans. Most jobs in this state require licensure. It is best to do a lot of research before you begin a program -- what kind of jobs are available in your state, what are the requirements, how long will it take you to get licensed after graduation, what hoops do you have to jump through, what do these jobs pay? I loved the counseling program I was in, and do not regret it, but I have not been able to make the transition to the counseling field. It's been almost a year since I graduated...

Lisa Weaver in Athens, Georgia said: My Conclusion is that NONE OF IT IS WORTH IT!!!!

I"M DONE!!!!!!

Lisa Weaver

WOW,ok thanks for the great info!

Since I left nursing (yea!), I have been working as a hypnotherapist for smoking cessation. There are sessions where I do a fair amount of counseling and I really like that. Different states dictate what a hypnotherapist can do, but behind closed doors, it really is just a conversation. Besides, a good counselor guides and the client gets their own answers, so I am never "counseling" per se. I am also a Reverend. ANYONE can be a reverend online and then "legally" I can "counsel" or so it goes. There are a variety of ways to BE a "counselor" and do what you want to do.
When you are good at what you do, you don't need the degree, people will flock to you! History is full of accomplished people in all areas of life who are self trained etc. I hope this helps.
I've officially left nursing and I am pursuing my career as a metaphysician, spiritual counselor, psychic, hands on or off healer. Ironically, the local hospital has free Reiki training and the cancer clinic is the lab.

mary in Oakland, New Jersey said: I too am frustrated! I am from Vancouver, Canada and I had been "counselling" in several capacities for the last 20 years. I worked for social services for 17 years while having my own private practice in individual and family counselling. I also worked in a high school for the last 3 years in Vancouver as counsellor for at risk teens and their families. The pay ranged from $28 to $100 an hour. In BC it is not mandatory to have a masters. I had a BA in Psychology and a 2 year clinical counselling certificate. I am now here in Oakland, NJ, finding it very difficult to find any related counselling positions without an MA. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Mary I am currently taking my Addictions Skills Certificate at Vancouver Community College, and hope to continue to get my diploma at VCCT. I was wondering if you left Vancouver because of the lack of jobs in Vancouver, or was there another reason?

BevKat in Port Hueneme, California said: Since I left nursing (yea!), I have been working as a hypnotherapist for smoking cessation . There are sessions where I do a fair amount of counseling and I really like that. Different states dictate what a hypnotherapist can do, but behind closed doors, it really is just a conversation. Besides, a good counselor guides and the client gets their own answers, so I am never "counseling" per se. I am also a Reverend. ANYONE can be a reverend online and then "legally" I can "counsel" or so it goes. There are a variety of ways to BE a "counselor" and do what you want to do.
When you are good at what you do, you don't need the degree, people will flock to you! History is full of accomplished people in all areas of life who are self trained etc. I hope this helps.
I've officially left nursing and I am pursuing my career as a metaphysician, spiritual counselor, psychic, hands on or off healer. Ironically, the local hospital has free Reiki training and the cancer clinic is the lab.

Yikes! That works good, until you run into the first flake that SUES YOU...and you don't have insurance, because you weren't credentialed. Hope that does not happen to you, but I had to put it out there since fresh graduates are coming to these posts. Therapists and counselors are sued all the time- must remember you are dealing with people with issues, some quiet serious- that's why the are seeking help to begin with! But does not mean they will always like you, esp. if you're pushing them to confront what's holding them back.

I owe $90,000 for a MA in counseling degree and can't get a job in counseling. I'm broke and desperate-- and I was the best student in my class. On top of that, I had a fantastic internship and I worked very hard. I networked like crazy; I had so much passion for my career.

If you are in the U.S. and are considering an MA to be a counselor, just don't do it. Wait until the market changes. Don't end up like me. I can't get a car or start a family and I have to work whatever jobs I can get. I'm getting older and I had to short-sell my home.

My biggest regret in life is that MA degree. It's worthless and has left me broke and miserable. I know that sounds dramatic-- but at this point it truly is dramatic. The $10 an hour I make now isn't enough--plus the only job I could find won't even hold water on my resume. I don't know what the future brings anymore.