Questions about Licensing and Post Master's Certifications

[kim0mook]

Hello all

I had a couple of topics that I am very confused about.

First, I recently received my master's and I am now trying to become licensed in the state of Minnesota to practice as a Licensed Counselor. I was wondering if the name value of your institution that you were licensed through mattered or not? (I went to a professional school, and I am regretting it a bit. This was due to my laziness I wouldn't have to take the GRE). 

Second: I see these post master's counseling certification programs offered by many schools. I was wondering if these programs were worth it, and if the name value of the school would help you when you are looking for jobs? I am considering this, because of the name value of my Master's institution. Also hopefully, if I were to complete a couple of certification classes, I was considering the possibility of applying to a PsyD or PhD program in the future. 

Any advice would be helpful.

Thank you

[dancedementia]

On 11/1/2015, 8:30:06, kim0mook said:

First, I recently received my master's and I am now trying to become licensed in the state of Minnesota to practice as a Licensed Counselor. I was wondering if the name value of your institution that you were licensed through mattered or not? (I went to a professional school, and I am regretting it a bit. This was due to my laziness I wouldn't have to take the GRE). 

Second: I see these post master's counseling certification programs offered by many schools. I was wondering if these programs were worth it, and if the name value of the school would help you when you are looking for jobs? I am considering this, because of the name value of my Master's institution. Also hopefully, if I were to complete a couple of certification classes, I was considering the possibility of applying to a PsyD or PhD program in the future. 

1. You don't get "licensed through" an institution. You get licensed by the state. The state couldn't care less whether you went to a small public school or a fancy Ivy League school so long as you meet all of the education requirements. Additionally, most people who will be coming to see you as a therapist could give two shits about which school you went to as long as you're licensed. I've seen therapists who have graduated anywhere from Columbia University to Arkansas State University, and they've all been great. Your school does not matter in terms of licensure.

2. No. Why are you getting certified when you already have a masters degree in counseling.....? Those post-masters counseling certification programs are most likely for people who are switching fields within psychology and counseling (i.e. trying to go from school to clinical, or from I/O to counseling, etc.) It will not help you to get into a PsyD/PhD program. If you want the PhD program, go find a good school with research opportunities and do some research.