Very confused! Please help.

[LM04]

Hello , I'm new to this forum so bare with me lol. I'm currently in my last 2 years of my bachelor's degree in psychology . I first considered getting my Phd or Psy D in counseling but I decided it wasn't for me since I have no interest in research and it's too long. So I considering maybe becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor but after so many people told me that LMHC have problems with jobs and don't really earn much ( at least in NY) I started doubting it. That's when i came across social work , It's something very interesting to me that I would like to go into. My question is to everyone that is a social worker or did their masters in social work , Is it a good career? Is it that hard to find jobs? How's the salary ? What is the average salary , I saw on a website it was 50-60k starting in NY , Is that true for any new yorkers here ? I'm not trying to get rich off the job , I just want to do something I like but that allows me to live comfortable.

P.S. I'm sorry my post is so long . I'm sure so many of you probably think im getting ahead of myself but I want to start researching Social Work MA programs now and try to gain some experience through volunteering & try my best to meet the requirements to be accepted in a MA in Social Work. I would GREATLY appreciate any help.

[esgalerin]

I don't think you're getting ahead of yourself at all! In fact, I wish I had had that kind of foresight.

But sorry, I can't answer any of your questions. Hopefully someone in the field will come along and help you out.

[htotheizza]

Definitely go with the MSW over the MA in counseling. Its a more recognizable and flexible degree. Salary stinks, but there are always jobs. I don't think you'd make 50-60 starting, unless you did administration. Figure 30s to 40s for clinical social work in NYC.