Career change to be a therapist

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp, what specialization were you looking for that wasnt available? Also therapists, what specializations would you recommend to niche in? I was thiking about Financial Therapy ( due to my financebckground) and Couple counseling

We were looking for sex therapist, porn addiction. I could see you building a great niche with couples counseling focusing on financial issues-- isn't that one of the top reasons for divorce?? Keep in mind the rates for therapy in lower cost of living areas like Florida wouldn't be $200/hr. You can check out typical rates and market in Florida (or any state) here: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/state/Florida.html

i actually want to build the niche around financial therapy and sex therapy as I think both conplement couples counseling well, but you're right that rates will be market dependent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking about a Master in Social Work and get a LCSW designation

You'd be starting out at $35K, maybe $40K if you're lucky...

It's definitely a calling.

I disagree, 50 to 65k entry level LICSW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, I am not tied to the area, im actually open to moving to the NY/NJ area or Florida. I guess my mindset going into it would be to just do rivare psy, no insurance, sublease a dpace and have a case load of 10-20 clients/week at $150-200/h which translates into a livable wage. Working in business, and banking for over 10 years, i think the business side of it doesnt really scare me, but getting experience in counseling and being a good counselor is probably going to be the steep curve for me

Sure, but you can't do that right out of graduate school. Also keep in mind that you then limit yourself to people who can pay that amount, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but can have implications for how you feel about your work and the meaning you derive from it.

As for location, NY/NJ is just as saturated as the DC market, Florida less so (though I imagine that varies depending on where you go). Also, keep in mind that where you train can influence your ability to network in any given location, i.e., it's often easier to train where you want to practice. You'll have a network of alumni and people familiar with that program's graduates.

I am an MSW in NY. To be a licensed therapist, you have to a) get a NY state or reciprocal-state license, and b) have 3 years of supervised clinical hours in NY state. Are you going to do that?

[Anonymous]

No money. Run!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking about a Master in Social Work and get a LCSW designation

You'd be starting out at $35K, maybe $40K if you're lucky...

It's definitely a calling.

I disagree, 50 to 65k entry level LICSW.

That may be true, but 2-3 years of school doesn't get you the LICSW. You have to do a couple years supervised before that, and those jobs pay less.

[Anonymous]

PhD psychologist here.....this is a tough field and burnout is real. It's tough watching people make the same dumb mistakes, taking on their emotional stress, dealing with boring or difficult clients, I'm one of the lucky ones making 105k after 14 years in a stable govt job. If I had to do it all over again I would have chosen a different field....I would keep your stable banking job and do something like volunteer at a shelter. I used to volunteer at a children's shelter and spent hours holding babies born addicted to drugs....Very rewarding but not all encompassing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was thinking about a Master in Social Work and get a LCSW designation

You'd be starting out at $35K, maybe $40K if you're lucky...

It's definitely a calling.

I disagree, 50 to 65k entry level LICSW.

That may be true, but 2-3 years of school doesn't get you the LICSW. You have to do a couple years supervised before that, and those jobs pay less.

PP is right. I graduated with my MSW in 2015, making $50k working for the government. I'll get my license next year and I hope to make the jump to at least $60k somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for sharing. Do you think it's possible to make that amount with just a master's and not going the PhD route?

Yes, it's possible. However most masters level therapists will accept insurance, at least for a while, to build their caseloads. Insurance won't pay for therapists charging the higher hourly rates, so this limits income to the therapist. I don't accept insurance, but I have a Phd and can attract private pay clients more easily with this degree. A good friend of mine with an LCSW out earns me, but she has a specialty and an established 15-20 year practice.

[Anonymous]

Also, the hours can be pretty rough. To get the good clients that pay and are busy professionals, you often have to work when they are available--which is nights, weekends, etc.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone, sent out my school applications, wish me luck !

[Anonymous]

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck!!

Thank you, i will update once i hear back

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good luck!!

Thank you, i will update once i hear back

What kinds of programs did you apply for? LMFT? MSW?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good luck!!

Thank you, i will update once i hear back

What kinds of programs did you apply for? LMFT? MSW?

I applied to the MSW, it requires 16h of practicum a week, which means i have to quit my job. If anyone has any tips on what kind of jobs i could get part-time to support me while in school ( background finance, banking) , im open to ideas

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good luck!!

Thank you, i will update once i hear back

What kinds of programs did you apply for? LMFT? MSW?

I applied to the MSW, it requires 16h of practicum a week, which means i have to quit my job. If anyone has any tips on what kind of jobs i could get part-time to support me while in school ( background finance, banking) , im open to ideas

I'm about to finish a MSW program, and I have not had to quit my job. I did one of my internship days on Saturday and the other on a weekday and went to an 80% schedule at work. Is that possible for you?