Credible Master's In Counseling Programs (CACREP)

[Nougat]

Greetings Everyone,

 

After taking some time to think and soul search on what I truly want to do I feel very confident in counseling individuals on well-being, health, diet, stress management, anxiety, and illness management. I currently hold a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Nutrition (Dietetics). I've been advised that a Master's in Counseling Psychology with a focus on health psychology would align with my goals. I have also been interested in finding a Mental Health Counseling (non-clinical) while interning somewhere that aligns with my interests. 

 

The issue I am currently facing is there does not seem to be any Master's Counseling Psychology with a focus on Health that is CACREP accredited. It's been suggested on finding a broad Master's in Counseling Psychology and interning at places that resonate with my interests. Here are a couple of dream examples of schools that sound great on paper:

 

Bastyr (Washington): http://www.bastyr.ed...Program-Summary

 

TheChicagoSchool (Chicago: http://www.thechicag...y_Concentration

 

Is a CACREP a must to have when going into a counseling program? I am a bit skeptical and want to avoid diploma mills like the plague. I had posted this a long time ago, but the CACREP issue wasn't really addressed and I wanted to see if there were in fresh opinions. Any input appreciated!

[4everastudent]

Hey! So attending a CACREP/not CACREP program is all dependent on your future goals. 

 

If you plan on being a faculty member at a graduate counseling program, you are going to want to attend a CACREP program. 

If you are solely interested in clinical experience, it does not have an impact on your ability to be licensed. Make sure your program is license eligible (preparing you to become an LPC)

 

CACREP is focused on having counselors teach students how to be counselors. Non CACREP accredited programs have Counselors and Psychologists teaching students how to be counselors. Therefore, it is up to you! Are you interested in a solely counseling perspective? Or are you interested to have a Psychology background as well?