I am looking to go to grad school and most of the ones i am interested in have a masters program in clinical psychology and a masters program in mental health counseling. What is the difference?
2007-12-26 01:02:19 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
In terms of the cousework you take, the license/credential(s) for which you were later be eligible, the internship experiences in which you will participate, and the clients you may later serve...next to nothing.
The major difference is that the mental health counseling programs are typically designed as a "terminal masters" (you don't then go on in the same program for a Ph.D.). With a clinical psychology master's program, the typical plan IS to go on (at some point) to get a Ph.D. (some in the same program, but most in other programs).
Both can see both inpatients and outpatients. Both (when a few additional requirements are met) can practice independently. In many cases, both will sit side by side in the exact same classes.
Best of luck to you in your future educational endeavors,
~M~
p.s. If you plan to complete your Ph.D. at any point, I'd go with the clinical psychology master's.
p.p.s. If you do NOT plan to move forward with a Ph.D., it is VERY IMPORTANT that which ever program you choose (i.e., mental health counseling or clinical psych) is CACREP accredited (see: http://www.cacrep.org/ ). If it is not (and many are not, or are in "provisional" status), licensure later is going to present some very real hassles.
2007-12-26 01:26:21 · answer #1 · answered by michele 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the major issue is testing. Clincal Psychologists, once they get either their Ph.D or Psy.D, can conduct behavioral and cognitive testing. Clinical counselors can only do testing as permitted in schools. Rorschach, WAIS, the NEPSY, all can only be done by Psy.D psychologists. I thought I could do a Mental Health Counseling program and then go to a Psy.D program when I was ready. However, counseling programs are totally different than psychology programs (well being approach vs. medical/diagnosis approach) so most Psy.D programs will think you re not qualified for their program because your training will have been different than theirs. There is a huge divide occurring between psychologists and counselors. Choose wisely !
2015-11-06 05:53:21 · answer #2 · answered by Poonam 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're both basically the same. A therapist or a psychologist listen to people with their problems. But neither of them are licensed to prescribe any kind of medications. You have to see a psychiatrist for that. A psychologist, I think, just has a little bit more schooling is all, but a therapist has a masters degree and is certified in counseling.
2007-12-26 11:23:52 · answer #3 · answered by 520doglover 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
clinical psychology is working with in patients
mental health counselling is working with out patients
2007-12-26 01:10:05 · answer #4 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
clinical is when they give you meds, and counseling is when they try to give you advice and no meds. like mind over body
2016-05-26 07:00:44 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋