Career changer looking at CMHC programs (interested in children, trauma & family work)
Hi! I’m starting to build my list of Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs for Fall 2027 and would love some advice.
I’m 27, currently working in finance/consulting in NYC, and hoping to make a career change into counseling. I’m particularly interested in working with children/adolescents in trauma-informed ways and working with parents/families. I’d love to hear from people with similar interests, what should I be looking for in a CMHC program? Certain courses, faculty specialties, practicum opportunities, concentrations, etc.?
I’m also nervous about admissions. I had around a 3.0 GPA in undergrad and don't have a psych degree (I took a few psych classes in college and admittedly had pretty low grades in them, more out of not focusing as much because they were electives). I applied last cycle to NYU, Fordham, and Hunter and didn't get into any of them, so I'm trying to be much more strategic this time.
I do have experience outside of my corporate career working with kids at a preschool, nannying, babysitting/tutoring, mentoring students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and working for a nonprofit serving children and families. I'm also working on getting more relevant volunteer experience before applying.
I currently live in NYC but would actually be excited to move for school. I'm especially looking at Colorado and California, but I'm open to other cool places too and willing to stay in NYC too. My main requirements are in-person and CACREP-accredited.
Would love recommendations for programs that might fit my interests, thoughts on my chances with a 3.0 GPA/career-change background, or advice on what I can do before applying to make myself a stronger candidate. Also very interested in hearing from anyone who made a similar career change!
Thank you :)