r/counseloreducation

That's my situation right now and I'm trying to make sure that I choose the right programs to apply to... I know this will make things probably more dificult for me for a bunch of reasons but I am hoping I will be able to make it work! Anyone else have this experience?

Also, if you completed your Masters online, can you share if your program was helpful with finding internship/practicum locations for you? (that's a question for anyone who studied online!) I feel like that may be a BIG issue for me...

I’m really struggling with a decision between two graduate programs and would really appreciate some perspective from people who are already in psychology/mental health counseling or have gone through a similar decision.

I’m deciding between John Jay College’s Forensic Mental Health Counseling program and Yeshiva University/Ferkauf’s Mental Health Counseling program. The biggest issue is the cost difference. One option would leave me with significantly more debt than the other, so naturally, I’ve had a lot of people tell me that I should choose the cheaper school and avoid taking on unnecessary debt.

The problem is that the more expensive program is also the one that offers the classes/training that I’m actually most interested in. I’m particularly interested in eventually working with things like anxiety, depression, OCD, etc., and potentially having my own private practice in the future. The program that costs more feels like a better fit for what I actually want to study and eventually do.

I’ve talked to several people about this, and even when I explain that the more expensive program has courses and opportunities that are more aligned with my interests, they still tell me to choose the cheaper option. Their reasoning is basically that I’m going into a mental health profession, so I probably won’t make enough money after graduation to justify taking on significantly more debt.

That’s where I’m conflicted. I’ve actually done a lot of research into salaries and career opportunities in my state, and I live in a relatively high-cost/high-income state where mental health professionals can have more earning opportunities than they might in other parts of the country. From what I’ve found, there are ways to eventually earn a pretty good income in this field, especially with licensure, specialization, private practice, insurance/self-pay, etc. Obviously, I know that doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed to make a high salary, especially right after graduation.

So I’m trying to figure out whether I’m being unrealistic by considering the more expensive school, or whether people are being too quick to assume that taking on more debt automatically makes it the wrong choice.

I’m also not trying to justify spending more money simply because I like one school better. I’m genuinely trying to figure out how much the actual program/curriculum and career opportunities should factor into the decision versus minimizing debt.

If you were in my position, would you choose the cheaper program even if the more expensive one was a better academic/career fit? And for anyone who works as an LMHC/LPC or has gone into private practice, how realistic is it to eventually earn a comfortable income in this field?

I’d especially appreciate advice from people who have actually been through graduate school and had to make a similar cost-vs.-fit decision.

P.S - just to mention the more expensive program is online, 4 days a week, 2 hours per day at night whereas the cheaper one is from 11AM - 8PM in the city 2 days a week.

Has anyone fallen short on counseling internship hours?

I work full-time and am a high school coach while also in the process of completing my internship hours, and based on my current schedule I’m worried I will end up roughly 75 hours short of my 600-hour internship requirement.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Were you allowed to extend your internship or complete the remaining hours later? Or will I just get dropped from the program if I can’t attain all my hours?

Would love to hear what actually happened for anyone who had a similar situation. Thanks!

Hi, I am on track to graduate this December and I am trying to find a grad school that best suits me. I am pretty interested in moving to Chicago and doing grad school there. My major is psychology with a minor in criminal justice, and my goal is to become a juvenile detention counselor. The M.A. clinical mental health counseling programs that I have found so far that are CACREP accredited are: Adler, Concordia, NEIU, and Eastern Illinois University.

I am completely lost on which one to choose because I want one that actually teaches me stuff that I will take with me, has internship sites in locations that are similar to what I want to do, and is not insanely expensive. I also want one where I am able to do the program and work.

Just wanting to get some advice and I am also planning to go to grad school in Fall 2027!

Hey everyone! I'm 28 years old living in Orange County, CA and I recently got let go from my job as a Client Solutions Manager at a corporate staffing firm.

My background is in Communications and International Relations (UC Davis) and over the past 8 years I've worked across real estate project management, sales, and talent acquisition. Earlier in my life I also worked as a tutor and camp counselor for kids, which sparked my passion for working with young people and is a big part of why I'm now seriously considering a career pivot into school counseling. Looking for something more meaningful, stable, rewarding and better work life balance.

I'm planning to pursue a Masters in School Counseling with a PPS credential — and ideally a program that also includes LPCC eligibility for clinical licensure flexibility down the road. I'm still deciding between a pure school counseling program vs MSW (leaning towards more school counseling), so any insight on that would also be really helpful.

Programs I'm considering for Fall 2027:

• Cal State LA (SBFC program — PPS + LMFT + LPCC)

• Cal State Long Beach

• Chapman University

• LMU

• USC Rossier (reach)

A few things I'd love insight on:

1. Is the school counseling job market in Orange County and LA County actually as strong as I'm reading?

2. Does anyone have experience with any of these programs specifically?

3. For those who made a career change into school counseling — what do you wish you knew before starting?

4. Any advice on making my application stand out? My experience with kids has been more informal — tutoring and camp counseling rather than formal education roles.

5. School doesn't start until Fall of 2027. What jobs should I apply to in the meantime and where do I even begin to look?

6. School counseling vs MSW — for anyone who has been through both paths, which do you wish you had chosen and why?

Any insights from current school counselors, social workers, or anyone who made a similar pivot would mean a lot. Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone! I just finished my bachelor's and am currently in a gap year before I apply to a CMHC program. Here are my stats; please let me know, based on them, how competitive I would be for this program.

• 3.8 GPA in psychology and a minor in human development and family studies (deans list and graduated magna cum laude)
• Work as a clinical sim tech and help with mental health unit implementation for nursing students
• Finished a global internship focusing on poverty elimination and a family mentorship program
• Volunteer as a mental health volunteer at a community clinic (reporting, making presentations for immigrant/refugee families, screenings, etc)
• Very involved in the community: social media/marketing for a nonprofit, head of instruction for religious school, mental health/ health board volunteer in the community, and sometimes work with individuals with different abilities.

Please give me honest feedback regarding some ways to improve, or if I just need to chill out and enjoy my gap year lol!

Is there a lot of writing? Or mostly reading and theories and exams?

What was your experience?

Thanks

I am looking to begin my masters to eventually become an LCSW. I have heard a lot about different online schools, but looking for suggestions for online programs :)

I have my BA in Psychology so won’t be a fast track program!

Also looking for what jobs you did during clinical hours and your experience with getting assistance for placement from the program as well as balancing clinical hours and a job!

I'm making a career change and looking for an online, CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program. I need to continue working, so minimal required campus travel is important.

I'm currently considering ODU and William & Mary, but I'm open to other programs.

For current students/grads: Would you choose your program again? How was the workload, faculty support, practicum placement, and overall experience?

I'm especially interested in hearing about ODU's online CMHC program since I've seen some mixed experiences here.

Thanks!

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 :)

Hello! I am a second-year Master’s student in a counseling education program. I realized that I am interested in obtaining my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision a few years after I graduate and get my license. I was wondering if the expectations and requirements for these programs are similar to those for that of a Psychology PhD program.

Is it expected that I have heavy research experience, or is it more about clinical experience and a therapy background? Thanks!

I have a BA in psychology and an MA in forensic psychology, but want to go back to school to become a counselor. I specifically want to become a school counselor, but I also think it would be beneficial to get into a program that can also lead to LPC licensure. I have found a masters of school counseling at UTSA and a masters of clinical mental health counseling at UTSA but don’t know which to do. Because the school counseling masters doesn’t lead to LPC licensure, but the CMHC doesn’t lead to school counseling certification. I have to work full time so the night classes at UTSA are beneficial and I think it would be best in securing an internship, but I’m also willing to do online school. Please help! So confused! 🥲

I’m trying to find other masters and doctorate level students/trainees/interns who were affected by Contra Costa County Behavioral Health’s decision to put the 26/27 internship program on hold. I am one of the 20-25 students who has been affected. I am here to offer resources and hopefully a space to rant about how unfair it is to do this so late in the placement game.

In a series of wild events, I will be teaching in an online MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling program this Fall! While my colleagues are great, I would love any advice for educators and students in online programs. My entire education (undergraduate, master's, PhD) was in person. I took some online classes, but I am feeling overwhelmed. My colleagues have provided me with great LMS templates that comply with CACREP standards and the like, but I would love any advice or guidance!

Hello everyone,
I’m starting 18th grade soon (2nd year of my CHMC program) and wanted to wish everyone a great semester. Below I’m writing down some things I’d like to remember this year, feel free to share yours too!

-presence over performance: being present, listening and taking things in is way more important than being the “best.” Because you get concerned with staying the best and loose some ability to try new things and grow.

-take time for yourself: I love to overachieve but that can tend to lead me to burn out, this year I would like to fuel my own fire, tell myself I’m doing a great job and also tell myself to rest when it’s needed, not when it’s “earned.”

That’s all! Have a great start everyone !

Under 100,00 K online

Hello! I currently am working as a paralegal and did have aspirations of going to law school, but have recently discovered after working in the legal profession for the past 4 years that it is no longer what I desire. I have decided that I want to pivot and pursue a Master’s in Counseling. I have my bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and I would like to provide counseling within the criminal justice system of sorts or people who have been involved in it. I wanted to see if anyone here has gone from Law to Counseling and what your experience was with it? Looking for advice about the transition, or just advice in general for a career pivot! TIA!

Hi all - I know this is a very niche situation, but I’m looking for feedback from folks that have experienced this. At my internship site, my supervisor and I have a dual relationship - I know, not ideal. A few weeks ago, they used personal information about me to force a “therapy” session that left me very upset. (Trying not to give too many details to protect my identity.) It felt violating, like I had therapy forced upon me without my consent. To be clear, there are times that I’ve discussed things with my supervisor and I’ve gotten a little tearful or aware that it brought up strong emotions but this was completely different. They used information that was unrelated to my internship experience to further their own agenda with this topic. Have others experienced this? What is supervision like for you in practicum and internship?

I’m in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and work part-time as a behavioral health tech. I’m getting experience, but I still constantly feel like I don’t know enough to eventually be a competent counselor.

I know I’m supposed to be learning, but the imposter syndrome is hard to shake. For those who’ve been through counseling/clinical programs or other grad programs, what helped you build confidence and stop feeling like you weren’t qualified?

Note: I also posted this in a general grad school subreddit, but think it's a better fit here if anyone has any advice!

I've applied to both Central Michigan and University of the Cumberlands master's in counseling programs. Both are CACREP accredited online programs with synchronous components.

I would say my odds of getting into both programs are high. This is my second master's degree.

I had never heard of UC until I got a Facebook ad for it. At $450/credit (fees and books included), it's almost half the cost of CMU's program.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!