Can I actually practice psychotherapy with just a MASTERS degree, or would I have to get a PHD?

And what are my other choices of careers with a masters degree in psychology aside from social work?--I do not want to go into social work. Im currently an undergrad in my junior year. Also, how hard is grad school in psychology?

Public Comments

  1. Some states will allow you to practice independently with a Masters degree as a psychologist. However, even in states where this is legal (like Texas) the board has yet to write any regulations concerning this even though the law passed over a year ago. You still have to take and pass the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology). However, most states will let you test for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (or both) with a Masters in psychology. Unfortunately then you have to have a certain number of hours of supervision and client contact hours before you can practice on your own. Grad school can be hard depending on where you go, how well you get along with your professors and if your a good fit for the school. The book "The Insiders Guide to Graduate Programs in Clincal and Counseling Psychology" is an excellent resource. I found grad school extremely time consuming but not difficult. Michael John Weaver, M.S.
  2. You can not practice social work with a masters degree in psychology. You need a degree in social work. You can practice psychotherapy with no degree at all. Psychotherapy is not a protected term or class. So anyone can and many do hold out themselves as doing psychotherapy with no degree. However, you can not hold yourself out as a "licensed" professional unless you are. Also you can not bill a third party unless you are licensed. All that said. Yes you can get licensed to do clinical work at a master's level. You need to make sure the degree you are seeking allows you to sit for licensure (not all MA in psych degrees will allow you to do this. Most MSW degree's will allow yo to get licenced, Many counseling and MFT programs will also allow you to do this. DA
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