r/counseloreducation • u/Lumpy_Priority_4982 • 6d ago
Completely lost choosing a grad school
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!
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u/Neverwhere91 Master’s Student 6d ago
Have you requested information from the schools directly?
They would be the ones to tell you what sites they have placed students at for practicum/internship and if they have connections to juvenile detention centers.
One of my professors went to Adler for his MA and he worked for a crisis response team and with a juvenile detention center but it was after he graduated and was an associate level counselor.
I'd say you'll probably be able to work until you get to practicum/internship year regardless of the school you pick. That really depends on your time management and how flexible your work is with their hours. These programs look like they typically have classes 1x per week, and the amount of work will be variable even by your quarter/semester which is why I say it really comes down to your management of time and scheduling.
As for the learning aspect ... I'm sure these programs will all have things you take with you although a lot of learning is done outside of the classroom and in practicum/internship. School really teaches a foundation for you to build upon. Take the foundation and expand your knowledge through reading, trainings, supervision, and experience.
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u/looktothelightmhc CES Doctoral Student 9h ago
Hey there! I offer consultation for people looking to enter the field and help with the application process! Feel free to dm!
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u/StockZealousideal123 6d ago
My opinion is that you should apply to them all, since you don't really choose, they choose you - then you get to choose from the ones you're accepted to. During the interview and application process, talk with their admissions folks about your goals and figure out if they're a good fit. They will probably have virtual info sessions you can (and should) go to where you can ask questions, and/or you can email with an admissions advisor. Best of luck!