School Psych and MFT

[matters]

Hi all. This is my first post. I'm interesting in applying for school psychology graduate programs. I've done some research on which are NASP certified. I'm not really interested in research and more so in practice. I have already graduated with an MA in counseling psychology, MFT, and I'm already working towards licensure for my MFT license. I have about 1300 hours left. After working in a non-public school for 2 years (1 through traineeship and 1 year as an MFT Intern), I've decided that working in a school, public or private is something that I really want to pursue and that a private practice is not really something I'd pursue in the near future. Working with children and families are my primary interest. School psychology is something that I believe I would be interested in, especially consultations, assessment, working more closely with teachers and administrators, along with continuing to be able to work with children and their families. I guess my question is whether or not going back to school for school psychology would be worth the time and effort since I'm already on track for my MFT license. I'm aware that I will not be able to test or assess with an MFT license and would not be able to work in most, if not all, public schools in the capacity that I would want to as I would with school psychology. Second, because I'm not especially interested in research, would getting a masters rather than a doctorate suit my interest more? Thirdly, briefly, I do know that I would have to take extra steps to obtain national certification if I do not go to an NASP certified school. Is there any detriment to graduating from a program that is not certified, even if I plan to stay in the state in which I practice? Any information and/or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time in reading.

Matt

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

Hi Matt,

It definitely seems like the Specialist degree (Ed.S) would be more in line with your goals than a Ph.D. The specialist degree is much less research focused than a Ph.D. The programs are typically two years of course work, with some work in the schools, followed by a one year internship. Most school psychologist working in the schools have the Ed.S. degree. Ph.Ds in school psych are spread across schools, private practice and universities.

As for attending a program that isn't NASP certified, I would probably advised against it. It's my understanding that while it isn't impossible to become licensed after attending a non-NASP program, it's certainly more difficult. NASP's website has a list of certification requirements by state that you may find useful: http://www.nasponline.org/certification/state_info_list.aspx

I think only you can decide whether or not it would be worth it to switch to school psych, being so close to your MFT licence. School psychologists do a lot of assessment and very little counseling. Of course, this varies by school district, but I think that therapy is typically left up to social workers and counselors. If you're willing to let go of that part of your training, as well as spend three more years in school, then it may be the right move for you.

Hope that helps

[scpy2010]

Hi all. This is my first post. I'm interesting in applying for school psychology graduate programs. I've done some research on which are NASP certified. I'm not really interested in research and more so in practice. I have already graduated with an MA in counseling psychology, MFT, and I'm already working towards licensure for my MFT license. I have about 1300 hours left. After working in a non-public school for 2 years (1 through traineeship and 1 year as an MFT Intern), I've decided that working in a school, public or private is something that I really want to pursue and that a private practice is not really something I'd pursue in the near future. Working with children and families are my primary interest. School psychology is something that I believe I would be interested in, especially consultations, assessment, working more closely with teachers and administrators, along with continuing to be able to work with children and their families. I guess my question is whether or not going back to school for school psychology would be worth the time and effort since I'm already on track for my MFT license. I'm aware that I will not be able to test or assess with an MFT license and would not be able to work in most, if not all, public schools in the capacity that I would want to as I would with school psychology. Second, because I'm not especially interested in research, would getting a masters rather than a doctorate suit my interest more? Thirdly, briefly, I do know that I would have to take extra steps to obtain national certification if I do not go to an NASP certified school. Is there any detriment to graduating from a program that is not certified, even if I plan to stay in the state in which I practice? Any information and/or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time in reading.

Matt

Hey Matt - I am a current graduate student in a MA/CAS School Psychology program and here are my recommendations:

1) Go to a program that is NASP approved. Trust me, it will make certification easier! http://www.nasponline.org/certification/documents/NASP-Approved%20Programs-922010.pdf

2) If you are not really interested in private practice at this time go for the MA/Specialty Programs. You must have a PhD in order to do private practice, but you can always go back and get that later if you so wish.

3) Yes, getting a MA is less focused on research and more on practice. However, some programs (like mine) still require a thesis. Others don't (even NASP approved ones.. they keep the thesis "optional"). So if you're not interested in doing the research/writing a thesis be sure to check for that requirement on the program's website.

4) There are different specialty degrees - CAS, CAGS, and EdS. A CAS is "Certificate of Advanced Study," a CAGS is "Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study," and an EdS is an "education specialist." They are alike in many ways but the EdS focuses more on the educational aspect of School Psychology than the CAS and CAGS. Different programs offer different specialty degrees and the program website will tell you what it offers.

5) The MA/Specialty Degree programs are as follows: 2 years classroom (including practicum during the 2nd year, and possibly a thesis depending on where you go) and a 1 year full-time internship. During the 2 years of classroom you will earn at least 60 credits (many programs, to accomplish this, require summer school as well) which fulfills the requirements for the Masters Degree. The internship fulfills the requirement for the specialty degree.

6) School psychology is NOT all about assessment. Yes, assessment is a part of school psychology. However, the model has shifted from the testing-only model of the late 20th century to a more "early intervention" model. There is counseling involved (remember, school psychologists are simply psychologists who work in a school!) but more so directly with the student than with their families as well.

Hope this helps out a bit.