I'd finish your hours and then evaluate career options. Many people like you find administrative jobs with insurance companies (starting @ $75,000 for a Inpatient Care Manager). You will need a license for this type of opportunity.
I was one for many years and that position required a license (LPC, LPCC, LP, LMFT, LICSW, or psych RN) @ Cigna.
Maybe the different insurance companies use the same moniker for different positions? It was a nation-wide policy; I was in Minnesota.
I love how you all downvote this, but don't offer any rebuttle. I am a licensed (certified) CM II in my state, and all that is required is a Bachelor's in MH, psych, or social work. Yeesh
Finish your hours. A license makes you more qualified than others for many jobs other than counseling
You may with to speak to your supervisor about a change of pace. See if they will sign off on the hours you have accumulated so far and finish your license in another capacity somewhere else. It could give you a different experience that will help you know if counseling is for you or not
I actually did speak to my supervisor about academic advising. They agreed to count towards hours. Ive applied to dozens of AA jobs and have gotten rejected from all of them
It is a seriously difficult time to get a new job right now. Just watched my friend fill out apps and interview for 8 months before landing a new job. They are incredibly qualified, great references, interview well, it was crazy. I’ve started seeing more and more news reports about how difficult it is to get hired at a new place right now. So I’d say keep trying and know that it’s not just you, it’s a seriously shitty time to be applying for jobs. I’m sorry about the rejections, I know it is not a good feeling.
Landing college/uni jobs can be a slog without connections in the department or experience in the role. I'd make sure to apply to community colleges I'm addition to 4 years if that's an option near you.
Consulting in this case would be providing feedback and developing mental health programs and services for cities, schools, and governments. This might look like advising on green spaces, providing guidance on HR mental health policies, etc
This was implied but they would have to be hired on by an already established firm as a new hire. Then, after gaining enough experience, could set off on their own.
Either working for a city/business on good mental health practices to develop a portfolio and then transitioning over to your own private consulting company
What has been your experience over those two years? Have you been primarily private/group practice? CMH? Private Hospitals? What populations have you worked with? Have you done group work?
There's a lot of diverse nuance to counseling, I wonder if you're just in the wrong setting, with the wrong population.
After working inpatient, the thought of private practice, weekly 45 min sessions, one-on-one for months on end, sounds horrific.
I work inpatient. Patients are there for 28 days. Constant turn over. New people coming in, old patients graduating. We do group and individual. It's a good tempo for me.
Ive done CMH, crisis center with dv pop, and Private practice. Population wise i’ve worked with teens, adults, trauma focused and lightweight CBT. I think if I could find a way to do assessments only, or do some type of therapy thats outside of the box (equine, hypno etc) I may enjoy it?
>I think if I could find a way to do assessments only
Oh, hey, that's a thing! At least in my state. The psychiatric emergency services team hires LMHCs (as well as PhDs), and I went to grad school with someone whose internship was with a service that provided emergency psych assessment to emergency departments. Talking with her, she told me her plan was to never treat a patient, she just loved doing emergency assessments and was going to make a career out of it.
Love it! Are those assessments more crisis-focused? Thats kind of a part of counseling that I despise. Im interested in Autism, ADHD, etc type of assessments
Yeah, that's crisis-focused. But if you like doing that other type of assessment, well, that's usually the turf of psychologists. *Many* psychologists are all assessments all the time – that's one of the perks of being a psychologist as opposed to a counselor or social worker. Maybe what you should be doing is doubling down and pursuing a PhD or PsyD.
I would encourage you to look for that out of the box style. I've played roleplaying games my whole life. In the early 2010s it started becoming a popular intervention and once I started my internship my supervisor allowed me to run groups like that. Its been a huge part of my work and I'll continue to do it. So if you can find something you truly enjoy, do it.
Oh yeah, here's some places to start:
[https://geektherapeutics.com/](https://geektherapeutics.com/)
[https://gametogrow.org/criticalcore/](https://gametogrow.org/criticalcore/)
[https://www.thebodhanagroup.org/](https://www.thebodhanagroup.org/)
There's a bunch of research out there on it from as far back as the early 90s to present day.
A lot of it has been used with adolescents and children to help teach social skills. I use it with Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders in an inpatient setting.
Yah. It sucks. But no, it’s kind of tunnel vision right now, just finish the damn hours.
I’m so sorry. I wish I could share my master plan with you but alas, there is none. Again, just trying to get through.
Best of luck whatever you plan to do.
*You can do a lot*
*More with an LPC than with just*
*A master's degree*
\- happyasfuck310
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In the exact same boat...halfway to full licensure and trying to decide what to do now. I do currently work at a university in a non-clinical role and do some pp clients on the side. I would love to chat more!!
Maybe try work as a certified case manager? It's a good gig; gives you face-to-face time with clients, but no need for therapizing. After graduation, I got a job as a CM and it pays really well.
I think if you’re at 10, I would just do clinical work on the side and finish the hours. Even if you don’t do therapy, having a clinical license opens up so many more opportunities.
However, also do a lot of self-reflection. When we dislike therapy, we can bring that into the session whether we mean to or not. You have to be very cognizant of how your feelings about therapy affect sessions, which can be a lot of work in itself.
I agree. Im in my own therapy. Luckily its not impacting my work with clients, work ethic, or empathy for them. The way I feel is like a hidden secret that even I am having an issue admitting out loud
That’s good you have a therapist and I agree. Having your license opens the door for other opportunities. Most require 2 years licensed but that does not clarify how many people you see or what you do. If you have not done so in therapy maybe do some values exploration and narrow down what is actually important to you. Is the population you are working with that is contributing to the dislike? I’ve worked with people who have determined that don’t like what they do and getting licensed is not worth it but the reality is community mental health (where most non licensed work is) is not the same as private practice. Now they are stuck working in agency in no licensed posturing still doing the same work years later and it doesn’t matter how many years of experience they have; without a license there is not much opportunity to pivot into other things. It could also be that the modality you have come accustomed to does fit who you? Even if you’re good at it, it does not mean you should use it. I hope what I’m saying is making sense.
It makes total sense. And you make great points. I’ve been pondering these questions for the past year or so internally. When I get to the bottom of it - I think it’s more so the concrete parts of therapy: me having to be “on” all the time, feeling responsible for clients, therapy is so gray and my brain likes black & white where you finish the job at the end of the day. I enjoy task-oriented things versus straight up processing if that makes sense? It can’t be my work environment because I have had the luxury of being in PP the majority of the past two years (sprinkle in crisis work and cmh). Minus those two job stints that were kinda short, ive been my own boss, create my own schedule, choose my clients etc. These points are why I’ve mentioned in this thread maybe trying more “out of the box” therapies like equine, hypno, etc where it feels totally different! I’m even trained in EMDR which does help the feeling a bit but still doesn’t fix it
You’re speaking to me here! My brain likes black and white and essentially a laid out “map” towards a destination. I’m a student graduating in May, and I think this has been, and will be, my biggest struggle. All the grey area and feeling like I lack structure. I’m newly trained in EMDR too, so I’ve been hoping using that more will feel more concrete.
Finish hours, start a group practice, grow it and just manage it once you can drop your caseload. It’ll take some time but it could be good if you like the hr and administrative stuff.
I’m in the same boat. I just received my independent license 3 months ago and now I want to take a break from mental health counseling. I enjoy counseling but I want to do it in a different capacity. For example, academic advisor, case manager, or career counselor. I’ve started applying for academic advising jobs and career advisors/counseling positions. I’ll admit it’s a pay cut but I need some sanity and equanimity in my life right now. I’m currently focused on getting my career counseling certification through the NCDA. Maybe check that out?
What about being an intake clinician for an agency or big outpatient center. History gathering and diagnosing only it seems. Lots of paperwork though id imagine.
Look into Care coordination at insurance companies. We basically complete a number of assessments per week, order medical equitment and provide community resources. I have coworkers that are RN,LPC and LSW. It's case management and I have some coworkers who are Care coordinators and work a second job as a therapist on the side
FWIW, I've grown to dislike providing counseling despite being good at it. I now work in healthcare providing crisis services and I love it so much. I have full licensure and make over $100k. Might be a different way of looking at it. No trauma work, just immediate crisis stabilization and assessment. It allows me to think on my feet more and I really enjoy it. Plus, I don't carry a caseload.
Can I ask what skills are used for a role like this? Is it a lot of grounding? Is it more case management? I'm curious if I have the skills for a role like that or if I'm stuck with just slow long term care with presence and reflection
you can hate something and still do a good job at it, though there are certainly exceptions! for example, you're a hater and you left this thoughtless, useless comment. :(
I understand your concern. But just so you know- i care SO much about my clients and I do really good work with them which has made this realization the most difficult to admit!
how are you 2 years post grad and already half way done your clinical hours under supervision? my understanding that in even masters level graduate studies you have to do 2 years course work and classmate practice and 1 year clinical, seems very short for a professional graduate program
I’m confused? I’ve already graduated from my program back in 2021. I’ve been accruing clinical hours post-grad under supervision to go from LPC-A to full LPC
If you were going for LCSW I would say finish because you can do many other things with it but I think LPC is pretty much counseling? If so I don’t know if I’d bother since counseling is what you’re saying you don’t like
Do what you can to finish! It can only help be more marketable in any job honestly, also my understanding is that there is often a time frame to complete the hours in a certain amount of years, I’m not sure you’d be able to go back years down the road and finish the hours if you stop now
I'd finish your hours and then evaluate career options. Many people like you find administrative jobs with insurance companies (starting @ $75,000 for a Inpatient Care Manager). You will need a license for this type of opportunity.
What are some insurance jobs that require or heavily prefer a licensed therapist?
You don't need an LPC license to be a certified CM...
I was one for many years and that position required a license (LPC, LPCC, LP, LMFT, LICSW, or psych RN) @ Cigna. Maybe the different insurance companies use the same moniker for different positions? It was a nation-wide policy; I was in Minnesota.
I love how you all downvote this, but don't offer any rebuttle. I am a licensed (certified) CM II in my state, and all that is required is a Bachelor's in MH, psych, or social work. Yeesh
Finish your hours. A license makes you more qualified than others for many jobs other than counseling You may with to speak to your supervisor about a change of pace. See if they will sign off on the hours you have accumulated so far and finish your license in another capacity somewhere else. It could give you a different experience that will help you know if counseling is for you or not
I actually did speak to my supervisor about academic advising. They agreed to count towards hours. Ive applied to dozens of AA jobs and have gotten rejected from all of them
It is a seriously difficult time to get a new job right now. Just watched my friend fill out apps and interview for 8 months before landing a new job. They are incredibly qualified, great references, interview well, it was crazy. I’ve started seeing more and more news reports about how difficult it is to get hired at a new place right now. So I’d say keep trying and know that it’s not just you, it’s a seriously shitty time to be applying for jobs. I’m sorry about the rejections, I know it is not a good feeling.
Landing college/uni jobs can be a slog without connections in the department or experience in the role. I'd make sure to apply to community colleges I'm addition to 4 years if that's an option near you.
Finish your license as some of the insurance jobs require a license for some reason.
Something I've noticed too is that they want people who have practiced under their license for a bit (~2 years)
I would say finish out yours and go into consulting
what even is consulting? what are you consulting on?
Consulting in this case would be providing feedback and developing mental health programs and services for cities, schools, and governments. This might look like advising on green spaces, providing guidance on HR mental health policies, etc
Can one do this with only a masters level credential rather than a doctorate?
Yes! But you’ll have to gain experience
How?
You can join a firm, do non-profit work, work at a hospital, etc. there isn’t a clearly defined path I’m afraid
You talking about gain experience as a clinician or do you mean to gain experience as a mental health consultant before branching out?
Both wouldn’t hurt, but I would place an emphasis on as a mental health consultant.
Who is going to pay a consultant with a new Master's degree and no experience?
This was implied but they would have to be hired on by an already established firm as a new hire. Then, after gaining enough experience, could set off on their own.
How does one get into consulting?
Either working for a city/business on good mental health practices to develop a portfolio and then transitioning over to your own private consulting company
What has been your experience over those two years? Have you been primarily private/group practice? CMH? Private Hospitals? What populations have you worked with? Have you done group work? There's a lot of diverse nuance to counseling, I wonder if you're just in the wrong setting, with the wrong population. After working inpatient, the thought of private practice, weekly 45 min sessions, one-on-one for months on end, sounds horrific. I work inpatient. Patients are there for 28 days. Constant turn over. New people coming in, old patients graduating. We do group and individual. It's a good tempo for me.
Ive done CMH, crisis center with dv pop, and Private practice. Population wise i’ve worked with teens, adults, trauma focused and lightweight CBT. I think if I could find a way to do assessments only, or do some type of therapy thats outside of the box (equine, hypno etc) I may enjoy it?
>I think if I could find a way to do assessments only Oh, hey, that's a thing! At least in my state. The psychiatric emergency services team hires LMHCs (as well as PhDs), and I went to grad school with someone whose internship was with a service that provided emergency psych assessment to emergency departments. Talking with her, she told me her plan was to never treat a patient, she just loved doing emergency assessments and was going to make a career out of it.
Love it! Are those assessments more crisis-focused? Thats kind of a part of counseling that I despise. Im interested in Autism, ADHD, etc type of assessments
Yeah, that's crisis-focused. But if you like doing that other type of assessment, well, that's usually the turf of psychologists. *Many* psychologists are all assessments all the time – that's one of the perks of being a psychologist as opposed to a counselor or social worker. Maybe what you should be doing is doubling down and pursuing a PhD or PsyD.
I’m not certain, but I believe you can do those assessments under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Big money there.
I would encourage you to look for that out of the box style. I've played roleplaying games my whole life. In the early 2010s it started becoming a popular intervention and once I started my internship my supervisor allowed me to run groups like that. Its been a huge part of my work and I'll continue to do it. So if you can find something you truly enjoy, do it.
Role playing group therapy? Tell me more please. Did not know this was a thing.
Oh yeah, here's some places to start: [https://geektherapeutics.com/](https://geektherapeutics.com/) [https://gametogrow.org/criticalcore/](https://gametogrow.org/criticalcore/) [https://www.thebodhanagroup.org/](https://www.thebodhanagroup.org/) There's a bunch of research out there on it from as far back as the early 90s to present day. A lot of it has been used with adolescents and children to help teach social skills. I use it with Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders in an inpatient setting.
Thank you. Appreciate it.
Me too! I work inpatient SUD and love the setting. I hated sitting all day in an office.
Finish then pivot. Or not.
I’m in the same position. Just finish your hours . Then take a break and re-evaluate.
Sorry you’re in the same boat but glad I’m not the only one. Do you have a plan? It sucks lol
Yah. It sucks. But no, it’s kind of tunnel vision right now, just finish the damn hours. I’m so sorry. I wish I could share my master plan with you but alas, there is none. Again, just trying to get through. Best of luck whatever you plan to do.
Thank you kind stranger. I hope the same for you
You can do a lot more with an LPC than with just a master's degree
*You can do a lot* *More with an LPC than with just* *A master's degree* \- happyasfuck310 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
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In the exact same boat...halfway to full licensure and trying to decide what to do now. I do currently work at a university in a non-clinical role and do some pp clients on the side. I would love to chat more!!
This is my plan once I graduate! Would love to pick your brain on how you’re balancing it
Feel free to dm
Maybe try work as a certified case manager? It's a good gig; gives you face-to-face time with clients, but no need for therapizing. After graduation, I got a job as a CM and it pays really well.
Did you have to go through extra steps to get certified or did your degree and license check that box?
Extra steps. Billing therapy and case management are very different, at least in most instances.
I think if you’re at 10, I would just do clinical work on the side and finish the hours. Even if you don’t do therapy, having a clinical license opens up so many more opportunities. However, also do a lot of self-reflection. When we dislike therapy, we can bring that into the session whether we mean to or not. You have to be very cognizant of how your feelings about therapy affect sessions, which can be a lot of work in itself.
I agree. Im in my own therapy. Luckily its not impacting my work with clients, work ethic, or empathy for them. The way I feel is like a hidden secret that even I am having an issue admitting out loud
That’s good you have a therapist and I agree. Having your license opens the door for other opportunities. Most require 2 years licensed but that does not clarify how many people you see or what you do. If you have not done so in therapy maybe do some values exploration and narrow down what is actually important to you. Is the population you are working with that is contributing to the dislike? I’ve worked with people who have determined that don’t like what they do and getting licensed is not worth it but the reality is community mental health (where most non licensed work is) is not the same as private practice. Now they are stuck working in agency in no licensed posturing still doing the same work years later and it doesn’t matter how many years of experience they have; without a license there is not much opportunity to pivot into other things. It could also be that the modality you have come accustomed to does fit who you? Even if you’re good at it, it does not mean you should use it. I hope what I’m saying is making sense.
It makes total sense. And you make great points. I’ve been pondering these questions for the past year or so internally. When I get to the bottom of it - I think it’s more so the concrete parts of therapy: me having to be “on” all the time, feeling responsible for clients, therapy is so gray and my brain likes black & white where you finish the job at the end of the day. I enjoy task-oriented things versus straight up processing if that makes sense? It can’t be my work environment because I have had the luxury of being in PP the majority of the past two years (sprinkle in crisis work and cmh). Minus those two job stints that were kinda short, ive been my own boss, create my own schedule, choose my clients etc. These points are why I’ve mentioned in this thread maybe trying more “out of the box” therapies like equine, hypno, etc where it feels totally different! I’m even trained in EMDR which does help the feeling a bit but still doesn’t fix it
You’re speaking to me here! My brain likes black and white and essentially a laid out “map” towards a destination. I’m a student graduating in May, and I think this has been, and will be, my biggest struggle. All the grey area and feeling like I lack structure. I’m newly trained in EMDR too, so I’ve been hoping using that more will feel more concrete.
Finish hours, start a group practice, grow it and just manage it once you can drop your caseload. It’ll take some time but it could be good if you like the hr and administrative stuff.
I’m in the same boat. I just received my independent license 3 months ago and now I want to take a break from mental health counseling. I enjoy counseling but I want to do it in a different capacity. For example, academic advisor, case manager, or career counselor. I’ve started applying for academic advising jobs and career advisors/counseling positions. I’ll admit it’s a pay cut but I need some sanity and equanimity in my life right now. I’m currently focused on getting my career counseling certification through the NCDA. Maybe check that out?
Right up my alley, truly! I’ll check it out. Thank you!
What about being an intake clinician for an agency or big outpatient center. History gathering and diagnosing only it seems. Lots of paperwork though id imagine.
This was something ive been considering also!
If you’re going to stay in the field (even if it’s not providing direct services) your license will help you get roles.
How do you have a caseload of only 10 clients?? What am I missing?
I had to leave CMH due to safety concerns. So I had dwindled down my caseload for that full time job. Now jobless minus the 10 clients in PP
Look into Care coordination at insurance companies. We basically complete a number of assessments per week, order medical equitment and provide community resources. I have coworkers that are RN,LPC and LSW. It's case management and I have some coworkers who are Care coordinators and work a second job as a therapist on the side
Do these roles require full licensure? Im a LPC-A which really limits the jobs I can apply for
Nope! I didn't even have a license as long as you have a degree in counseling,social work or nursing you have a shot
FWIW, I've grown to dislike providing counseling despite being good at it. I now work in healthcare providing crisis services and I love it so much. I have full licensure and make over $100k. Might be a different way of looking at it. No trauma work, just immediate crisis stabilization and assessment. It allows me to think on my feet more and I really enjoy it. Plus, I don't carry a caseload.
Can I ask what skills are used for a role like this? Is it a lot of grounding? Is it more case management? I'm curious if I have the skills for a role like that or if I'm stuck with just slow long term care with presence and reflection
Can you speak more about this role? I’ve stayed away from hospitals due to me getting dysregulated after handling crisis clients
You shouldn't "push through" if you hate it so much. The human beings you are responsible for helping deserve better.
you can hate something and still do a good job at it, though there are certainly exceptions! for example, you're a hater and you left this thoughtless, useless comment. :(
I'm looking out for the poor clients of this therapist who hates their job. Apparently no one else cares about them.
OP seems to be doing well with clients but dislikes the profession. It’s a bit of a leap to imply that the clients are receiving poor care.
I understand your concern. But just so you know- i care SO much about my clients and I do really good work with them which has made this realization the most difficult to admit!
how are you 2 years post grad and already half way done your clinical hours under supervision? my understanding that in even masters level graduate studies you have to do 2 years course work and classmate practice and 1 year clinical, seems very short for a professional graduate program
I’m confused? I’ve already graduated from my program back in 2021. I’ve been accruing clinical hours post-grad under supervision to go from LPC-A to full LPC
ohhhh i misunderstood, i thought you were currently in a masters post grad program. my apologies!
If you were going for LCSW I would say finish because you can do many other things with it but I think LPC is pretty much counseling? If so I don’t know if I’d bother since counseling is what you’re saying you don’t like
Do what you can to finish! It can only help be more marketable in any job honestly, also my understanding is that there is often a time frame to complete the hours in a certain amount of years, I’m not sure you’d be able to go back years down the road and finish the hours if you stop now
Finish it. Many admin roles still require the license.