I also did a masters in counseling before applying for PhD programs. I think that having a masters made me a more competitive candidate; I was offered admission to a couple doctoral programs. I also feel much more prepared to go into a counseling psych doctoral program with a masters under my belt. If you can afford it, I would definitely suggest getting a masters!
Hey, I have heard back from U Miami. I have not heard back from UT Austin so I am assuming I didn't receive an interview. Good luck and congrats on 4 interviews so far, that is awesome!