Mental Health Careers--Master's Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Can I pursue a career with a Master's degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology after earning my Psychology degree?
The answer to this question is a definite "yes"! You have to decide, however, what direction you want to go as far as treating clients. Going the Clinical route is best suited for those with an interest in psychopathological populations and behavioral health--typically involves doing therapy. If you decide on Counseling, you can still do therapy, but the focus of your training will be on vocational and career processes, human diversity, and professional training. Your Master's Degree can lead to a job at a school, at a clinic, with a non-profit organization, or with the state or local government. You might even decide to go into private practice.
The time it will take you to earn a Master's degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology is typically only 2 years--you will complete a master's thesis (research or other type of writing project). However, during your time in graduate school you will likely have to pay tuition. In addition, opportunities to earn money as a graduate student are limited (e.g., being paid to be a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant). Your Master's degree should offer you greater job opportunities and greater salary than a Bachelor’s degree, and also gives you the opportunity to be licensed by a state to do certain activities (e.g., testing, therapy). Finally, you can always decide to use your Master's degree as a springboard to a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). Just for clarity, if you have a Master's in Counseling Psychology, certain states will give you the opportunity to be licensed as a "Professional Licensed Counselor".
Salary Information
A Master's degree in Clinical Psychology will pay less than the amount apa.org lists for the average yearly income for a PhD of $80,000. In addition, a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology will pay less than the amount apa.org lists for the average yearly income for a PhD of $85,000.
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Click here to read more about what a Master's Degree in Psychology offers.
Click here to read about important steps for Mental Health Careers with a Graduate Degree.
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Click on the links below to read about other Mental Health careers that only require a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology:
Mental Health Careers--Mental Health Technician
Mental Health Careers--Social Work Assistant
Mental Health Careers-Foster Care Case Manager
Click on the links below to read about other Mental Health careers that require a Master's Degree:
Mental Health Careers--Genetic Counselor
Mental Health Careers--Licensed Professional Counselor
Mental Health Careers--Marriage and Family Therapist
Mental Health Careers--Art Therapy
Mental Health Careers--Master of Social Work
Mental Health Careers--Pastoral Counseling
Mental Health Careers--School Counseling
Mental Health Careers--Substance Abuse Counselor
Mental Health Careers--Master's in Forensic Psychology
Mental Health Careers--Applied Behavior Analyst
Click on the links below to read about other Mental Health careers that require a Doctoral or Professional Degree: