Best career advice for aspiring mental health post-grad?
Hi everyone,
I'm about to graduate from the University of Washington with my B.A. In Psychology. I've always known I wanted to study psychology and have really enjoyed my major. But now that I'm graduating, for the first time in my life, it feels like I've run out of my "plan," and now I don't really know what path to choose for graduate school. Currently, I'm divided between a cmhc degree, master of social work degree, or getting a PsyD. I could see myself doing social work as I care deeply about social justice and reform but I can personally see it being much more draining for me than standard therapy. I plan on taking a gap year to try different experiences in volunteer work such as a crisis line and CASA volunteer, to try to figure it out. If people have more recommendations, please let me know.
Unfortunately, money is a very important factor in my decision. I grew up feeling financially unstable, and I crave a stable career with stable hours and good pay for my sanity. I understand that's asking for a lot in this economy. I would love it if therapy paid more, I would choose it in a heartbeat. But I know that therapists are severely underpaid, unless they somehow get into private pay or private practice. I'm hoping therapists at different stages in their career can weigh in on this post, if they feel like their journey has been worth it. PsyD is probably the best long-term for financial stability but I've heard other Redditors claim that it is not the best return on investment for going into 200k student debt. Do other people have this same experience?
Another factor if it helps is that I live in Washington State, Seattle specifically, and I plan on working here and living here for the rest of my life (if I can afford it).
Thanks,
Aspiring mental health care worker (of some kind).