Alice Said:

Where can I find the REQUIREMENTS by Minnesota to practice mental health counseling/therapy?

We Answered:

You probably want to earn a master's degree in social work with an emphasis on counseling and be licensed by the state.

See socialwork.state.mn.us and click on licensees at the top of the page for the requirements for the available types of licenses.

Virgil Said:

Careers helping children with special needs?

We Answered:

Why not check out your state's Part Early Intervention Program? You could become a developmental therapist- working with children from birth to 3 who have special needs. State programs pay Developmental Therapists about $60 per hour. They work as independent contractors- so you wouldn't get any benefits, but it is an extremely flexible line of work-- you make your own schedule. Some states call DT's Early Intervention Special Educators. I hope that helps.

Dwight Said:

What to do with this degree?

We Answered:

In many states with a master's degree (MSW) and certification as an LCSW (or similar title in some states) you can open your own therapy office and earn over $100 for a session of about 50 minutes.

Sue Said:

College degrees..sociology ..?

We Answered:

First off, you're looking into the wrong field. Social work is what you're describing, NOT sociology. They are of nothing alike.

So major in social work (BSW) and you will find career opportunities in social work once you graduate. It's recommended, however, to receive your MSW (masters) later, so you can apply for higher positions, including doing clinical counseling. You can do this as a career ladder, meaning just strive for the BSW first, get work experience, then do the MSW.

No, 100k is not realistic unless you branch off and become an executive of a health center or something (which many social workers do). With a BSW, something around 40k starting, tapers off not too much higher, maybe mid 50s. With an MSW your earnings go much higher, into the 50s starting and upwards of 80k with lots of experience. That's really good money though, will certainly give you a comfortable living, plus money isn't everything. You get to actually practice in mental health, which is something you cannot easily do in psychology unless you have a doctoral degree, which quite frankly is an unreachable lofty goal for most. Social work is the hidden secret of the trade.

Joshua Said:

Emerging Leaders Program - Department of Health and Human Services?

We Answered:

Get good references from people already in the field.

Dianne Said:

How do you successfully change careers with little money or time for education and family responsibilities?

We Answered:

Try talking to a career councilor. They will help you see what skills you have that would transition easily into another field.

Irma Said:

Where can I find the REQUIREMENTS by Minnesota for practicing mental health counseling/therapy?

We Answered:

Every mental health profession has a different licensure requirement. Check out the website below. You can change your profession over and over to find out what you need to do. Good luck!

For example, requirements for an LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Master's degree level.
Requirements:
-Age of majority;
-Good moral character as determined by the Board;
-U.S. citizen or lawfully entitled to remain and work in U.S.;
-At least two years supervised post graduate experience in marriage and family therapy satisfactory to the Board (completion of a masters or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from accredited program); and
- examination approved by the Board.

Regarding your education, remember there are many grants, loans and scholarships you could be qualified for! School counselors will help you find the best options considering your current economic and fiscal status. I'm not sure if you're trying to foot the bill alone or if you'd be willing to accept some assistance. One nice option is that if you do get a mental health degree and then work in low-income communities for 2 years, your loans are forgiven. Just a good option for a lot of people.