r/counseloreducation

Hey everyone. I’ve recently graduated from university with a bachelors in psychology and minor in anthropology. I’m now looking to apply to grad school but i’m having trouble finding a program that feels like the best fit for me. I’m looking for an in person program that has a licensure track in psychology or clinical mental health. I’m interested in multiculturalism and trauma. As a person of color I’d like a program that is diverse. If anyone has any recommendations or resources to help me please let me know.

I’m asking because I see so much info on the amount of work therapists provide and the lack of value they receive from their labor. (Fighting insurance companies, predatory company’s that treat LCMHC-A’s and LCSW-A’s like client factory farms etc). The success stories I hear are private practices that stabilize and end up with around $70-90k salaries after all of the overhead expenses, insurance, taxes, and retirement saving.

From a pure cost-benefit standpoint am I a moron? The reason I’m considering it is because the complete lack of value and meaning I get from my current career. Therapy in my personal life has been life changing to a degree I can’t even explain. The thought of being trained myself and doing the work immediately feels like my soul sighs in relief. Like I’m paying the universe back or something. I just can’t get over the mental hurdle of going back to grad school, taking on loans, and grinding away to reach the same financial spot I’m already in.

I’ve been researching mental health grad programs for like 5 years now and haven’t committed for a combination of reasons. I don’t feel like I want to delay any longer so I am looking at starting within the next year.

I found Adler Graduate School and am intrigued by the Alderian psychology perspective so it’s suddenly at the top of places I’m likely to apply.

Cost of studying per credit hour just about everywhere is offensive to me, but alas. It’s like $150 difference between the absolute cheapest program that’s interested me and studying at Adler Graduate School.

Should I prioritize this sort of philosophical alignment in getting a master’s or should I disregard that and try to get in where it’s cheap?

I work at a community mental health organization and it would be very easy for me to get paid practicum and internship placements given our benefits.

I cannot do in person, preferably asynchronous for the most part.