What's the difference?!

[CJMSW]

There seems to be so many different options out there pertaining to counseling. I was initially looking at getting my M.S.W. but the internship hours required during the program just don't match up with my current job. That being said, I started looking into counseling instead. When I started looking at Master degree programs there seemed to be a bunch of different types: M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A. in Psychology, M.S. in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and M.S. in Clinical Psychology.

Are all of them the same in respects to  being about to become a counselor? Are some of the degrees more likely to get hired than others? Are any of them considered a "professional degree" like a MSW is?

 

This is all very new to me so any feedback would be great!

[_kita]

Most of what you're mentioning are professional degrees. M.A./M.S. in Counseling anything is on track to work as a professional counselor. After acquiring the degree, the student is excepted to sit down for the licensing exam and accrue field hours. Afterwards, they're awarded their LPC (licensed professional counselor). M.A. in Marriage and Family counseling is also a profession degree for the LPC. 

 

Clinical Psychology masters is going to focus less on the 'normal' people, and more psychopathology clientele. However, it is also more of a professional degree. You may see more research, and a focus on evidence-based practice. 

 

In general, your masters programs are aimed more for professional careers so you can work at hospitals, in-take clinics, alcohol treatment, family therapy, etc. Most people who work in these settings can do so with either a LSW, LCSW or an LPC. Some places will only hire one over the other, but that's based on which type of insurance they work through. 

 

There are people who acquire a M.A./M.S. in clinical/counseling prior to their PhD. However, usually that angle is more because they're credentials are not good enough yet. And, even then, with the professional focus already, they may aim for a PsyD.