Careers in the Helping Professions • UCLA Department of Psychology

Provides psychotherapy and active problem-solving assistance to individuals, families, and children in community mental health agencies, social service agencies, college counseling centers, private practice, hospitals, schools, etc.
Counseling individuals, couples, and families to improve the clients’ quality of life
Lead therapy groups for individuals with specific problems (e.g., substance abuse, eating disorders, depression)
Administering a prevention program for at-risk populations (e.g. teens, children, the aging, the disabled)
Providing crisis and emergency intervention and counseling Education and Licensing
Minimum degree, Master’s of Social Work (MSW)
Coursework and practicum in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems
Does not provide training in psychological testing
Training is generalist and focuses on at-risk populations like, the aging, children, youth and families, physically and mentally disabled, child welfare and schools
To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), must first apply to be an associate clinical social worker, must complete 3200 supervised hours, must pass written and oral exam

National Association of Social Workers – Information on social workers across the country

Help people with personal, family, social, and developmental problems
Work with individuals, couples, and families to resolve emotional conflicts and improve interpersonal functions
Practice psychotherapy and help clients with less severe psychological problems in mental health centers, social service agencies, counseling centers, private practices, etc.

Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), must complete 3,000 supervised hours in no less than 2 years, must pass written and oral exam

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists – National Organization for Marriage and Family Therapists

Primarily work in K-12 school systems with students, their families, and teachers
Major portion of work involves diagnostic assessment of students’ learning aptitudes, special needs, and personality, emotional, social development
Evaluating effectiveness of programs, conducting individual or group counseling with students, making referrals to appropriate services Education and Credentialing
Minimum of a Master’s degree, consisting of 60 semester units with one year fieldwork, Specialist degree is recommended (between MA and PhD)
Requires Pupil Personnel Services credential
School psychologists with PhD can become licensed psychologist

National Association of School Psychologists – National Organization for School Psychologists

Individual and group counseling with students
Administering achievement, aptitude and vocational testing
Crisis intervention, prevention programs
Consulting with parents, faculty, and administrators
Elementary school counselors focus on behavioral problems
Secondary school counselors focus on academic, college, and career advising
Guidance counselors typically work in K-12 grades
Educational and Vocational counselors work in post-secondary institutions (community colleges, private and public universities) Education and Credentials
K-12 – Requires Master’s degree as well as Pupil Personnel Services credential, many programs combine M.Ed. with credential
Community College – Requires Master’s degree in Counseling (e.g., MFT, career, guidance, rehabilitation, student affairs/higher ed.)
4 year colleges and universities – At least Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, education preferred

Accredited Counseling and Education Programs CACREP – Find accredited graduate programs in counseling

Providing individual and group counseling for the disabled and aging in hospitals, community health agencies, schools, college disabled services, government agencies
Assessment and Evaluation of disabled individual’s strengths and limitations
Providing educational and vocational counseling
Planning a client’s rehabilitation program
Outreach programs to educate public regarding disabilities

Accredited Counseling and Education Programs CACREP – Find accredited graduate programs in rehabilitation counseling