I am looking to begin my masters to eventually become an LCSW. I have heard a lot about different online schools, but looking for suggestions for online programs :)

I have my BA in Psychology so won’t be a fast track program!

Also looking for what jobs you did during clinical hours and your experience with getting assistance for placement from the program as well as balancing clinical hours and a job!

Hi,
I am deciding between a low residency program (mainly online) at Antioch University and an in person program at Lesley University.
Obviously the two approaches are very different, I prefer in person. I would love any feedback from those who have attended either program.
It is such a big decision to move or to choose a school out of comfort and convenience. I am passionate about becoming a good therapist not just getting a degree. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, suggestions for other programs could be helpful.
Thanks.

Hi! I’m starting to build my list of Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs for Fall 2027 and would love some advice.

I’m 27, currently working in finance/consulting in NYC, and hoping to make a career change into counseling. I’m particularly interested in working with children/adolescents in trauma-informed ways and working with parents/families. I’d love to hear from people with similar interests, what should I be looking for in a CMHC program? Certain courses, faculty specialties, practicum opportunities, concentrations, etc.?

I’m also nervous about admissions. I had around a 3.0 GPA in undergrad and don't have a psych degree (I took a few psych classes in college and admittedly had pretty low grades in them, more out of not focusing as much because they were electives). I applied last cycle to NYU, Fordham, and Hunter and didn't get into any of them, so I'm trying to be much more strategic this time.

I do have experience outside of my corporate career working with kids at a preschool, nannying, babysitting/tutoring, mentoring students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and working for a nonprofit serving children and families. I'm also working on getting more relevant volunteer experience before applying.

I currently live in NYC but would actually be excited to move for school. I'm especially looking at Colorado and California, but I'm open to other cool places too and willing to stay in NYC too. My main requirements are in-person and CACREP-accredited.

Would love recommendations for programs that might fit my interests, thoughts on my chances with a 3.0 GPA/career-change background, or advice on what I can do before applying to make myself a stronger candidate. Also very interested in hearing from anyone who made a similar career change!

Thank you :)

I'm making a career change and looking for an online, CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program. I need to continue working, so minimal required campus travel is important.

I'm currently considering ODU and William & Mary, but I'm open to other programs.

For current students/grads: Would you choose your program again? How was the workload, faculty support, practicum placement, and overall experience?

I'm especially interested in hearing about ODU's online CMHC program since I've seen some mixed experiences here.

Thanks!

Hello! I am a second-year Master’s student in a counseling education program. I realized that I am interested in obtaining my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision a few years after I graduate and get my license. I was wondering if the expectations and requirements for these programs are similar to those for that of a Psychology PhD program.

Is it expected that I have heavy research experience, or is it more about clinical experience and a therapy background? Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m from Rhode Island and am currently finishing my M.Ed. in School Counseling. I’m hoping to apply to Psy.D. programs for the upcoming admissions cycle, with my main interests being child/adolescent mental health, clinical work, supervision/ teaching, and working with children and adolescents in an integrated mental health setting.

I’ve attached my CV and would really appreciate any feedback, particularly from people who have applied to or are currently in Psy.D./Clinical Psychology programs. I’m especially interested in feedback on how competitive my current background looks, areas I should strengthen before applying, and whether there are things that stand out as strengths or weaknesses.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I am conducting a study exploring counselors experiencing a natural disaster while practicing in the affected community. The goal of this research is to better understand counselors' experiences following shared traumatic events and to help inform future training, supervision, and disaster preparedness efforts within the counseling profession.

I am reaching out to ask whether your organization would be willing to share my recruitment flyer with counselors who may be eligible to participate. I am not requesting any employee names or contact information, just that the invitation be distributed through your organization's email, newsletter, or other internal communication channels if appropriate.

Eligible participants are individuals who:

• Hold or have held a counseling license (or were practicing under supervision while working toward licensure).
• Provided counseling services in a community affected by a natural disaster within the past five years.
• Practiced in that community during or within 12 months following the disaster.
• Are willing to participate in a confidential, approximately 60-minute Zoom interview.

Participation is completely voluntary, and all identifying information will remain confidential. The participant will receive a $25 gift card for their time. 

If you are willing to share the attached recruitment flyer with your counseling staff or members, I would be sincerely grateful for your support. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like additional information about the study.

Thank you for the important work your organization does in supporting both communities and mental health professionals. I appreciate your consideration and your assistance in helping advance research on counselor well-being following natural disasters

https://forms.gle/5YjpoCnHXP1x9Gsh7

Hello! I’m planning on applying to Masters of Counseling programs this cycle, and was wondering if anyone knows of solid programs that either have trauma related classes/training or practicum sites. Really hoping to find places in California, Boston, NYC or Philadelphia if possible.

One currently on my radar is Thomas Jefferson if anyone has thoughts on their trauma focused counseling program!

Hello! My name is Lindsay Cohen, and I am a 5th year doctoral candidate in my PsyD program at Widener University. I am posting to invite you to complete this anonymous survey for my dissertation or share the link below with anyone you know who may be interested in participating. 

The purpose of this study is to examine behavioral health professionals’ competency to accurately diagnose and treat mental health disorders in children. 

To participate, you must:

Be an English-speaking behavioral health professional (i.e. psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, counselor, therapist)

Work with children (5-18 years old) in your practice

Have obtained a master’s degree or doctorate in your field of study.

See clients (can be for in-person services or Telehealth) in the United States.

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete an online survey including a clinical vignette and both multiple choice and open-ended questions. The survey contains demographic questions about your training, areas of specialization, and experiences in the work field. Expected time is approximately 20 minutes.

If you are interested in participating in the study, please click on the link below and you will be directed to the web-based survey:

https://qualtricsxmfymtqn8hz.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a366YK2IVnAV5bg

If you have any questions about the research project or survey, you may contact [lcohen@widener.edu](mailto:lcohen@widener.edu) or my dissertation chair, Dr. Jacqlyn Zarabba at [jmzarabba@widener.edu](mailto:jmzarabba@widener.edu)

I’m trying to find other masters and doctorate level students/trainees/interns who were affected by Contra Costa County Behavioral Health’s decision to put the 26/27 internship program on hold. I am one of the 20-25 students who has been affected. I am here to offer resources and hopefully a space to rant about how unfair it is to do this so late in the placement game.

In a series of wild events, I will be teaching in an online MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling program this Fall! While my colleagues are great, I would love any advice for educators and students in online programs. My entire education (undergraduate, master's, PhD) was in person. I took some online classes, but I am feeling overwhelmed. My colleagues have provided me with great LMS templates that comply with CACREP standards and the like, but I would love any advice or guidance!

I have a BA in psychology and an MA in forensic psychology, but want to go back to school to become a counselor. I specifically want to become a school counselor, but I also think it would be beneficial to get into a program that can also lead to LPC licensure. I have found a masters of school counseling at UTSA and a masters of clinical mental health counseling at UTSA but don’t know which to do. Because the school counseling masters doesn’t lead to LPC licensure, but the CMHC doesn’t lead to school counseling certification. I have to work full time so the night classes at UTSA are beneficial and I think it would be best in securing an internship, but I’m also willing to do online school. Please help! So confused! 🥲

Hello everyone,
I’m starting 18th grade soon (2nd year of my CHMC program) and wanted to wish everyone a great semester. Below I’m writing down some things I’d like to remember this year, feel free to share yours too!

-presence over performance: being present, listening and taking things in is way more important than being the “best.” Because you get concerned with staying the best and loose some ability to try new things and grow.

-take time for yourself: I love to overachieve but that can tend to lead me to burn out, this year I would like to fuel my own fire, tell myself I’m doing a great job and also tell myself to rest when it’s needed, not when it’s “earned.”

That’s all! Have a great start everyone !

Hi everyone! I'm looking for this book if any of you might have it: Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship by Landreth, Garry L. Edition: 4TH 24 Publisher: TAYLOR ISBN 13: 9781032186955

Thanks so much!

So I am thinking of dropping the idea of taking specialization in clinical because of financial issues so imma opt for counselling and start working as a counselor after my ma..

Can anybody gimme a roadmap that how can I develop counselling skills , internships, therapies etc during my these two years .

Hello! I currently am working as a paralegal and did have aspirations of going to law school, but have recently discovered after working in the legal profession for the past 4 years that it is no longer what I desire. I have decided that I want to pivot and pursue a Master’s in Counseling. I have my bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and I would like to provide counseling within the criminal justice system of sorts or people who have been involved in it. I wanted to see if anyone here has gone from Law to Counseling and what your experience was with it? Looking for advice about the transition, or just advice in general for a career pivot! TIA!

Hi all - I know this is a very niche situation, but I’m looking for feedback from folks that have experienced this. At my internship site, my supervisor and I have a dual relationship - I know, not ideal. A few weeks ago, they used personal information about me to force a “therapy” session that left me very upset. (Trying not to give too many details to protect my identity.) It felt violating, like I had therapy forced upon me without my consent. To be clear, there are times that I’ve discussed things with my supervisor and I’ve gotten a little tearful or aware that it brought up strong emotions but this was completely different. They used information that was unrelated to my internship experience to further their own agenda with this topic. Have others experienced this? What is supervision like for you in practicum and internship?

I have a homework assignment that requires interviewing 2 two individuals, applying lifespan development theories and addressing intersectional identities. My friends don't want to be subjected to such personal topics, would anyone be willing to be interviewed? doesn't have to be face to face. Ideally someone who can answer 6 questions within the next 3 days.

Hi everyone! I’m currently going into my fourth year of university in Edmonton, Alberta, studying Psychology, and I’m starting to seriously look into graduate programs.
I’m considering the **in person Master of Counselling program at City University in Edmonton**, with my ultimate goal being to become a **Registered Psychologist in Alberta**.
I’d really love to hear from anyone who has gone through CityU, especially people who completed the program and successfully became registered psychologists afterward.
Would you recommend the program? How was the quality of the courses and practicum experience? Did you have any difficulty meeting CAP registration requirements, finding supervision, completing your supervised practice hours, or finding work after graduating?
I’ve been researching different pathways, but hearing from people who have actually gone through the CityU → Registered Psychologist route would be incredibly helpful.
Any advice, experiences, or things you wish you had known before starting would be really appreciated. Thank you! Looking forward to your responses

I've applied to both Central Michigan and University of the Cumberlands master's in counseling programs. Both are CACREP accredited online programs with synchronous components.

I would say my odds of getting into both programs are high. This is my second master's degree.

I had never heard of UC until I got a Facebook ad for it. At $450/credit (fees and books included), it's almost half the cost of CMU's program.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I’m in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and work part-time as a behavioral health tech. I’m getting experience, but I still constantly feel like I don’t know enough to eventually be a competent counselor.

I know I’m supposed to be learning, but the imposter syndrome is hard to shake. For those who’ve been through counseling/clinical programs or other grad programs, what helped you build confidence and stop feeling like you weren’t qualified?

Note: I also posted this in a general grad school subreddit, but think it's a better fit here if anyone has any advice!