I'm 27 and interested in psychology, how many years of school do you need to council people with adhd as a career? how many years do you have to go to school?
2007-05-06 13:32:11 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Counseling psych generally requires a Ph.D., and clinical psych Ph.D.s take 4-5 years. Master's work in psychology is often NOT a terminal degree, so you wouldn't be able to have clients of your own until you have your doctorate or are studying to get it.
Social Workers can do therapy and related counseling type of work (and these are often the ones who do most of the counseling... psychologists are more about research generally). You need an MSW if you take that direction, which is a 2-year program.
The mental health concentration of social work is extremely psychology-oriented. If I do my Ph.D., part of the program will be to actually teach a psych undergrad class (and I don't even have a psych degree, if that tells you anything).
2007-05-06 13:39:33 · answer #1 · answered by Buying is Voting 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started my journey to become a psychologist at 27, then I decided to be a psychiatrist, so I have med school to finish now too! It is never too late. The answer to your question, however depends on a few things. Can you dedicate full tiem to school, even going in summers. You can get your undergrad online by taking 8 week classes which will help expedite things at Thomas Edison University, and there may be other state funded colleges that offer this option. You can take 8 week classes at your community college. If you can dedicate your time fully to school and blow through it, and get exceptions to some of hte credits per year/semester limitations you can finish undergrad in as little as 2 years. Rule of thum however is 4. To work with ADHD children you will have to take special classes such as Educational Psycholgy and Exceptional Children, just use those as your psych electives. Make sure the school you go to offers classes geared towrds that. I am in Texas and going to the University of Texas t Dallas and they offer these classes.
Post undergrad you have to go on for your graduate studies and earn your PhD, this can be done in anywhere from as little as 2 to as much as 8 years. Hope this helps. And good for you, its never too late to start your journey!
PS - you don't need your masters to get your doctorate, and most people prefer a PhD to a masters when looking for someone to help with their issues, especially children.
2007-05-06 13:41:28 · answer #2 · answered by SheSpawn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A certified licensed counselor needs a masters with internship. A psychologist is a PhD with license after internship and board exams, so from 5 to 7 years plus.
2007-05-06 13:41:53 · answer #3 · answered by lestermount 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your best bet is to get a master's degree (about 6 years - or shorter if you find the right program) - or a bachelor's with a certification - check your state's requirements - most places you need at least a master's to "hang your own shingle"...if you want your own practice/office
2007-05-06 13:39:40 · answer #4 · answered by dmcg1012 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋