How would I go about becoming a social worker or counselor?

Question

I would like to become a social worker in a highshool, or a accademic counsler in a college, or work as a private social worker. What is the path from here? I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. How much more education would it take? Are their certifications (outside of getting another degree) that I would need? Please offer some knowledge on this subject. Thank you,

Answer 1

It sounds like you may be looking at two slightly different career paths, social work versus academic counseling. Social work requires either a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) certification or at least a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), and both require added clinical experience post-degree, so that you may receive your clinical license to practice. This takes about 3 years post B.A. degree. The great thing about these degrees is that practice can occur across a variety of settings from private practice to hospitals, schools, clinics, social service agencies, government agencies and more.

Your "academic counselor" at your college needs to help you determine what your vocational interests are. Even if you have graduated, it would be helpful to go back as an alumnae and speak with an academic counselor, who typically can help students and graduates determine not only coursework and degree interests while in school but also vocational interests. Such individuals often specialize in vocational and aptitude/interest testing that can help guide career choices. Your academic counselor would be best at telling you what led them to that career and what added coursework might be needed. Academic counselors also often are found in the community colleges, so if you go back to school for post-degree coursework you may get assistance from them at that time. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 2

You have to have at least a Masters level degree for the jobs you mention. Usually, people start out studying and obtaining undergrad degrees in Human Services or Social Work, or even Psychology. The Masters degree should be in the field you wish to practice in.
If you already have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, then you should be obtaining a Masters from a University. There is no such thing as a 'certification' in Social Work.

Answer 3

.To be a social worker you will need a MSW (Masters in Social Work) Your psychology bachelors will be an asset in getting accepted to a program. To be a school counselor, I can remember some things from a few friends that pursued that path. I think they had to have a BA in Education and then also pursue masters work. To counsel people you need further education and internships to get certified. This is pretty general. I'd go on-line to find colleges with these emphasizes and there you can get details.

Answer 4

To be a school counselor, you in a lot of circumstances want to earn a draw close's degree in counseling psychology (M. Ed. -- Masters degree in training with an emphasis in counseling) and many faculties and universities provide any such degree. in a lot of circumstances, the degree will be provided by technique of the college of training extremely than by technique of the psychology branch. i do not imagine a draw close's degree in social artwork ought to do it for you because you does no longer have the mandatory heritage in psycho-metrics (finding out). element of what college counselors do is administer psychological checks which incorporates standardized I.Q. checks, checks for gaining awareness of disabilities, flair checks, etc., so a heritage in psycho-metrics is important for you to get approved as a counselor. notwithstanding, notwithstanding, i do not see any reason your undergraduate important couldn't be social artwork if that's what pursuits you.

Answer 5

i think you would need a minimum of a master's degree to work in a high school or college and probably a phd. im told that anyone can hang a shingle as a counselor or psychotherapist and not even have a degree...

Answer 6

You need to get your Masters in Social Work then you need to get your LISW to do counseling. It is a license you have to have your LISW and two years of supervision by another LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker)