Choosing a career path can be an overwhelming task, but for those who know exactly what they want to do, the right path forward is often very clear. For many caring, motivated individuals, pursuing a career in mental health is the right choice for long-term career happiness.
Earning a master’s degree in counseling and community psychology can be an important first step toward a stable and fulfilling career. One key benefit of a master’s in counseling includes the opportunity to pursue rewarding work that has a direct, positive impact on clients and their friends, family, and loved ones.
Why Pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling?
The most common reason to pursue a master’s degree in counseling is to fulfill an educational requirement to work as a mental health counselor. People who choose to seek advanced education in mental health counseling may (or may not) have an undergraduate degree focused on a related field, such as psychology. Particularly for those who studied something besides psychology as an undergraduate, earning a master’s degree can be an effective way to pivot into a career in the mental health field.
Many graduate students in mental health counseling go on to become licensed mental health counselors who work directly with patients, either in private practice or as part of a community or government organization. Licensed mental health counselors provide evaluation, assessment, treatment, and consultation services for adults and children as well as families.
The Benefits of a Master’s in Mental Health
A fulfilling career is certainly the top benefit of earning a master’s degree in counseling and community psychology, but various other benefits are worth considering as well, such as:
- Job Security: Mental health professionals are in demand, and the need for mental health services continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for mental health counselors is expected to increase by 18% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all professions. This degree can provide job security and stable employment prospects.
- Helping Others: A career in mental health counseling is deeply rewarding, as it allows counselors to help individuals and families cope with and overcome their emotional and psychological challenges, ultimately improving their own quality of life.
- Personal Growth: Pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling often involves your own personal growth and improved self-awareness.
- Autonomy: Depending on the work environment, mental health counselors often have the autonomy to set their own schedules and choose the populations they want to work with, such as children, adolescents, adults, or people with specific mental health issues like addiction or trauma.
- High Earning Potential: While salaries can vary based on location and specialization, mental health counselors can earn competitive salaries, especially after they acquire experience and additional certifications.
- Versatility: The skills and knowledge gained in a master’s program in mental health counseling are transferable to various settings, including private practice, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations.
- Potential for Specialization: With a master’s in mental health counseling, graduates can often pursue specialized certifications or training in areas like trauma counseling, forensic mental health, addiction counseling, and family therapy.
The Journey: From Enrolling to Graduating
Each master’s in mental health counseling program will have different requirements, but most will expect candidates to have the following:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Completed program application (may include an application fee)
Once a completed application is submitted, applicants may have to wait to find out if they have been accepted to the program of their choice.
Completing a Master’s in Counseling Degree
The master’s in mental health counseling degree is a career-focused track, which means that after graduation, degree-holders will be ready to go to work. This also means that many students who pursue this kind of degree are already working as professionals in a related field. As such, many schools offer part-time and evening courses to provide maximum flexibility.
While completing a master’s degree in counseling and community psychology, students will likely be expected to attend lecture courses, complete supervised research, and work as interns in the mental health field to gain hands-on experience.
Graduates of an accredited mental health counseling program will generally be eligible to become licensed mental health counselors, depending on state requirements.
Russell Sage College: Shaping the Future of Mental Health Counseling
The Sage master’s in counseling and community psychology degree program is an excellent choice for students in the Northeast who want to begin or grow a career in the mental health field. The master’s degree program classes are offered in the evening, on weekends, and in an online/in-person hybrid format that is specifically designed for working professionals.
Most students can complete their master’s degree within three to four years while working full-time. No GRE is required to apply to this master’s program, and accepted students may begin their studies in either the spring or fall semester. Program students complete supervised internships with Capital District Psychiatric Center, Albany Medical Center Behavioral Pediatrics, and the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center, among other organizations.
The focus of the Sage master’s in counseling and community psychology program is to prepare students to work as licensed mental health counselors. Graduates are eligible to take the exam required to practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York State.
Conclusion
Schedule a visit to learn more about the Sage College master’s in counseling and community psychology program to decide if it’s the right fit for you and your career goals.
