If your end goal is a PhD in Counseling Psychology, always remember that a PhD is a research degree. Your chances of being accepted into a credible PhD program without research experience are minimal. A masters degree in clinical mental counseling is AMAZING, if all you want to do is clinical work. But getting the masters in counseling just because you want a fall back plan...? It won't help you get into a PhD program. I can give this advice because I have been there-- I have the masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. I had to leave the field and focus on research before even thinking about applying to PhD psychology programs. (I got in, am in my 3rd year.) But I guarantee you I would have not gotten in with only a counseling degree. The field is way too competitive, and you are up against people with a lot of research experience. If you want the PhD, I would recommend that experimental masters degree.