PhD in Counseling Psychology vs an MA in Counseling/LPC

[psychgrad15]

Sorry if I am repeating at topic/thread!

I have applied to a couple PhD programs in Counseling Psychology and a Masters program in Counseling. I have some direction in terms of what I want to do, I do not want to stray too far from psychology as that is what I have studied for the past four years but I am also really interested in therapy. I have considered university counseling center's, teaching at the university level, research... I want to know more about what the benefits are for going for a PhD rather than settling for an LPC and teaching and doing therapy with an LPC. 

 

Thank you!

 

[KB0808]

I currently have MA in Counseling Psych and LPC and there is a lot you can do with it. A lot of my cohort have private practices, some work in community centers, at risk schools, or university centers. Some work in research and do therapy with more clinical populations - including myself. One is even a psych consultant for a business college. I am applying to Clin Psych PhD programs because I want to be a professor in CO. There are not many universities in CO so it is very competitive to get teaching positions here - however have a friend in Chicago that has LCSW from U Mich and teaches at DePaul. It is not impossible to teach or do research with LPC so it comes down to time, money (loans), and creativity to get yourself in the job you want! Good luck!!

[psychgrad15]

Thank you very much, it's good to hear about both sides. I've applied to masters and PhD programs, so it could go either way at this point. 

[shrinkgirl]

Good luck! I struggled with the same choice and ultimately decided to go the CACREP route (LPC) as opposed to the APA route. For me, as someone with a husband with a successful corporate job, it came down to practicalities. There were no APA-accredited programs anywhere near me, and relocating made no sense for us. In addition, I'm far more interested in clinical practice as opposed to research, so that was the impetus for the decision. I start my Masters program this month, and plan to go on to earn a PhD in counselor education (to work as a supervisor/clinical director and have the option to teach if I want to) after that. Good luck to you!