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REAL LIFE FEEDBACK: PhD in Counselor Education or PhD in Counseling Psychology?

I am looking to get my PhD in Counselor Psychology. My ultimate career goal is to provide counseling services for everyday people who are dealing with problems, (NOT serious mental disorders) within my own practice, OR provide services for people who are on insurance (i.e. being on a list of providers for insurance companies). My secondary goals (if the primary doesn't play out) are to teach in the university system, and a final goal is to conduct research. All of these goals are ones I HOPE will allow me to make a good amount of money, but also have the balance of doing what I want to do. I am however wondering if getting a PhD in Counselor Education is an attractive choice, or even getting only a Masters in Counselor Education. I was very driven with Counseling Psychology, but I have been hearing from many sources that to go through a strenuous program like that may not be necessary when I can reach my same primary goals going the Counselor Education route. Is there anyone out there who can provide some REAL LIFE pros and cons of each choice? My main concern is being able to carry out my primary goals, but if I can do it with a lesser time and money investment, AND potentially make the same amount of money, it would be more attractive. I hope that the specificity of my question will yield specific answers. I am completing my Psychology undergraduate this December. I have had ample professional experience in the marketing research field (eight years) prior to this career change. Thanks! Its moreso a question about Counseling EDUCATION versus Counseling PSYCHOLOGY degrees.

Public Comments

1. If you're planning on having the option to teach at the university level, you will mostly likely need to get a PhD in either field. The masters won't cut it. If your primarily goal is to provide services, then a Masters will probably suffice. PhD require a lot of time spent conducting research, using statistics, planning studies, along with teaching classes - so if that's not a primary goal of yours (which it sounds like it isn't) then you could get a masters and be well on your way to the career that you desire.