Joshua Peterson ⋅ Rio Rancho , NM U.S. Navy Reserve, Lieutenant Junior Grade ⋅ 4 years served

There are numerous options for helping people in trauma recovery.

To license or not to license? Licensure makes it possible to bill. Agencies need you to be licensed in order to bill. Licensure limits your involvement with people (family too) that you will care for. If you are a spiritual person (spirituality speeds up the recovery process) then you may find yourself violating ethics requirements for licensing. If you work in a rural area (like New Mex) your humanity will require you to violate ethics. You frequently find yourself caught between a bureaucratic system and a hard moral place. My Marine buddies say “use your moral compass.” Caring for trauma victims is a two way street. People who think otherwise are insulated from the caring or don’t discern the constant risk/benefit to both parties of transference. Take your ethics courses first and read licensure guidelines for your state, then decide. Some of my friends gave up their licenses (LISW, LP, LMFT) in order to better care for trauma victims and their natural or adoptive families. Licensed or unlicensed, to perform at your best, you will need peer supervision at the very least bi-weekly, don't go into this battle field alone even caring for friends and family.

Psychology is more cerebral-philosophical and individualistic-family minded, this results in more training for therapeutic work. Sociology is more systematic and community centered training, this results in more grant and clerical work. It is unlikely that a psychologist end up in social work (except admin work) and common for sociologist to perform therapeutic work. Because sociologist are skilled bureaucratic writers they have created a volume of legislation that opened up a variety of job options via grants and licensing. A MSW, is ticket to just about every area to caring for humanity and gaining employment. A MS in psychology is more likely to help you understand mind and neurobiology of the individual and family system. I know many fine therapeutic professionals in both arenas, who keep up their CEU’s, read books and pay their own way for special therapeutic training. Review the course descriptions for both areas to consider what your intellect prefers. Then evaluate job descriptions and opportunities. You can always make up for what area you lack in after employment through peer networking, OJT, CEU’s and didactic studies. If you want create a body of work and write book, go for the Ph. D. just be ready to take a vow of poverty - its like being an E-1 for 7 years!

Due to the fundamental shift in government funding as a result of our socialist-marxist healthcare (40 yrs in the making, see Nixon and Congress), there will be new academic degrees and job descriptions with government grant/funding created requirements. One of the new degrees is Behavioral Health. Due to the limited effectiveness of talk therapy and the growing mandate for “evidenced based practices” originating from prevention programs, I think employment of licensed therapist will narrow. Consider what has happened to psychiatrist, they are either writing prescriptions or doing research or running psych wards, very few are performing therapeutic work and often at reduced incomes if they do. Whatever you decided, we live in a new federalized health care economy where people in the helping professions will make less money relative to inflation than in the past. Skilled tradesmen and commercial drivers will make more than us.

Do what you love. Do what your skills and aptitudes will keep you safe from personal, family, professional and bodily injury. Full disclosure: I am an unlicensed Adlerian psychologist and attachment disorder specialist, working toward a LADAC licensure.

Charles McGrue ⋅ U.S. Army Reserve, Captain ⋅ 21 years served

I agree with everyone who said Social Worker. You can do counseling as a Social Worker, and you will have more opportunities as well.

You can also get a job with an MSW with a government entity, if you choose, and possibly be able to buy back you active duty time to apply toward retirement.

Also, my wife is an MFT, and I have had brief conversations on the difference between the two. LMFTs are definitely needed, but MSWs seem to have more options available to them.

Either way you'll need to build up hours, and there are plenty of ways to do that.

Brad Wilder ⋅ Lexington , KY Intech Contracting ⋅ 8 years experience

This is coming from someone whose wife is a social worker (MSW, CSW). She currently works at a university in the college of social work and has A LOT of students who are in a similar career path to what you are considering. I think social work is a good option. As others have said, it is broader and would keep a lot of opportunities open for you. You also would have the option to pursue a counseling career path without the time and money expense of extra years of education for the PhD. Good luck!

Tyra Bedford-Anderson RN MSN MBA ⋅ Wilmington , DE Maxim Healthcare Services ⋅ 8 years experience

Seek an advanced degree in an industry that has longevity or job security. Healthcare related fields are always seeking clinically competent, ethical professionals.

Social Work is a broader role which allows you to be more marketable. Whereas, counseling is a more focused role which possibly translates into less income potential unless you're into working for the pure joy of working????.

Homecare is the next frontier. With Obama Care in full stride more ill people will be cared for at home instead of acute care facilities. This significant change broadens the market for a credible social worker to subcontract, as well as, get hired within acute care settings.

Finally, think outside the box....don't set limits but don't be to eager and overwhelm yourself. You will do great in any role you choose because you're alreAdy taking advantage of staying informed prior to a major decision.

Wishing you the very best in all your future endeavors☺️

Alisa DeJoseph ⋅ Durham , NC Measurement Incorporated ⋅ 15 years experience

I agree with Linda! Obtaining a degree with social work will allow for more job opportunities. You can look within state agencies, private agencies and even in education if you'd like. Good luck!!

Linda Silver ⋅ Bradenton , FL Federal reserve bank of Boston ⋅ 35 years experience

Hi, if you are only going for a masters degree I recommend Social work. There are many great programs. I am a licensed psychologist but I have anPhD which takes you 4 years full time plus an internship. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk further. Most psychologists job require you to get a PhD. A masters in psychology won't do much for you career wise. Meet regards, Linda.

Alyson Iuchs ⋅ Edwards , CA Photogenic, Inc ⋅ 5 years experience

After serving time in the military, soldiers often experience mental and emotional issues as they try to readjust to life at home. To help with this adjustment, social workers assist veterans and their families with problems that arise. Currently, there are 19.3 million veterans in the U.S. and they are considered to be the most at risk population for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and suicide. A 2014 study by the Army, found that major depression is five times higher among soldiers than the general population and PTSD is nearly 15 times as high. Highlighted below are three ways social workers help military families.

To learn more about suicide in the military check out: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2014/suicide-in-the-military-army-nih-funded-study-points-to-risk-and-protective-factors.shtml

1. Coping with physical injury
Not only do veterans deal with mental health issues, but many have also endured serious and life changes injuries including loss of limb and brain trauma. Social workers are a part of the professional team throughout the treatment process. They provide individual, couple and group counseling, case management and ongoing services as the veterans adjust to their new circumstances. The task of adjusting to these losses can create difficulties going back to civilian life.

For information about chronic pain and patient education look at: http://onlinenursing.regiscollege.edu/resources/msn/infographics/patient-education-and-chronic-pain/

2. Acclimating to civilian life
The realities of returning home such as finding a job can be difficult for a returning veteran. Social workers can help connect veterans to the appropriate resources while providing support during the readjustment process. For married veterans, the transition requires support and involvement of the family members. While the soldier was deployed, the family adjusted to a new way of life making the reentry of the veteran difficult. The social worker helps the family adapt and address the emotional and physical changes of the returning veteran to prevent negative outcomes such as domestic abuse.

3. Reduce risk of substance abuse
These life changes veterans are experiencing can lead to an increased risk of substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, veteran use of prescription drugs, alcohol and cigarettes has risen steadily in the past decade and is higher than civilian use. Social workers can provide the necessary services to prevent the need for substance use as well as refer and treat the veterans suffering from consequences of substance abuse.

For more statistics on mental health issues in veterans check out: https://nvf.org/veteran-mental-health-facts-statistics/

Social work can be difficult because often times veterans are afraid of asking for or receiving help. But social work can also be a rewarding experience by helping veterans and their families cope with physical injuries and mental health issues.

To learn more about the roles of social workers read this:
http://socialwork.unr.edu/resources/infographics/the-role-of-it-in-helping-social-workers-serve-rural-communities/

Edward Vasquez ⋅ Orlando , FL ⋅ 4 years experience

Completely Agree with the above suggestions, there are numerous options to help people I would like to share one. As my friend is a volunteer so I have basic information about voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a charity experience where you can offer your support to those who are not so fortunate, which is basically a combination of travel and volunteering. If you are still in dilemma visit http://www.mission-humanitaire-afrique.org/ for its advantages that will simplify things for you.

Markee Cuevas ⋅ Escalon , CA ⋅ 1 years experience

My best advice would be to pursue counseling, there are a lot of recent jobs opening up in the government sectors calling for counselors at the moment. I watch daily on a private feed.

Goodluck

Ruben Gonzalez ⋅ Brownsville , TX Social Security Administration ⋅ 34 years experience

Social Work License Map > Guest Blog > Social Work vs Counseling: Which Degree is Right for You?
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Social Work Vs Counseling: Which Degree Is Right For You?
April 24, 2012 | bchilds

Photo by BC Gov Photos

Students interested in a career providing therapy and counseling might be confused by the differences between a Master in Counseling and a Master of Social Work degree. The answer about which degree is right for you largely depends on your individual career goals and interests. Both degrees have a lot of offer, but here are some things to consider as you explore a career in mental health care.

A Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares students for a leadership role in the care and advocacy of clients that may include individuals, families, organizations and communities. An MSW degree provides the skills needed to perform clinical assessments, advocate for entitlements, provide education and resources, offer clinical counseling and manage a large caseload of complex cases. MSW graduates understand the requirements of a supervisory role, direct clinical programs and serve on community committees and develop social welfare policies.

The Master of Social Work offers coursework in clinical practice, social administration, public policy, research and ethics. An MSW degree can lead to many different career paths in the public health and the medical field, nonprofit organizations or government programs that address public needs. Social workers are also taught the skills and theories to challenge social injustice and change systems of care.

A Master in Counseling will prepare you for a variety of counseling options including marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, vocational counseling, mental health counseling and substance abuse counseling. Students in Master in Counseling degree programs study counseling theories and techniques, psychological testing, ethics, research, cultural perspectives and psychological development.

There is an overlap between the Master in Counseling and Master of Social Work degrees. Both degrees require state licensure and will give you the skills to provide one-on-one counseling to people in need. These degree programs also require a minimum number of hours of supervised field instruction in an area of primary interest. One of the main differences between the two disciplines is that counselors focus on helping individuals and families who have a specific set of problems or need treatment for a mental health disorder, while social workers are involved in providing a wider range of services within larger social service systems.

As an example of the difference between the roles of a counselor and social worker, consider the case of a family that is dealing with the terminal illness of a family member. A counselor will focus on helping the family members accept and deal with their feelings about the situation. A social worker may provide therapy and also refer the family to hospice care, work with a caregiver's employer to arrange time away from work and help the family with financial issues. Social workers have a broader understanding of the many systems and community factors that influence the needs and conditions of their clients.

The number of jobs in both social work and counseling are expected to grow over the next decade. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that the demand for social workers will grow by 25 percent through 2020, faster than average for all occupations. Job growth will be fueled by an increased demand for health care and social services. The handbook also forecasts an increasing demand for education and vocational counselors, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors and mental health counselors.

So which ever degree program you choose, knowing the differences between the two degrees and a clear idea of your career goals will help you make the right choice for your future.

Brian McDuffie ⋅ Bellaire , MI Meadowbrook MCF ⋅ 10 years experience

If your interested in helping people directly, then an MSW is the way to go. A degree in social work is just what it says, it's social. You have many more opportunities to interact in the community for your client, and establish ties than you would if you had a PhD in Psychology, an MD in Psychiatry, or even an LPC in Counseling. You're right about the job possibilities in Social Work. Employers do prefer to hire an MSW. I've done research and they always hire them over your graduate Psychology degrees. They are more administrative, but they also are more technical and delve deeply into the creation of diagnostic and statistical variables. Also, if you wish to prescribe medication, then a medical degree is the way to go!

Eric Martin ⋅ Blackshear , GA KBR, Inc. ⋅ 25 years experience

Cara,

Pursue your passion, if you do, you'll never really 'work' a single day of your life! I would recommend to you the programs available at Northcentral University, it's a regionally accredited school, and you can do your entire degree online, unless of course, you're seeking to attend in person to obtain the generous BHA for 9/11 scholars.

I hope you find the path that makes you the happiest!

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego , CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

Many good answers here and probably about all you need so I will just add some echo thoughts. The keys I believe are which degree and what follows in which credentials. The degree will give you the professional options. The credentials will guide the job ops and those will be different from state to state. So all in all it is like a maze and will help if you know where you most likely want to live and work because it is easiest to do the degree and credentials at the same time although not impossible to add depending on where you end up securing your career job. Choosing between social work and counseling is kind of a toss up but in my opinion the former will produce more job ops. One adviser mentioned Rehabilitation Counseling which is my field. It is a good degree; very versatile but becoming squeezed by credentialing/licensing requirements beyond its own CRC requirements and in some states does not pay as well as social workers. Yet if disability is in your target, it is your best option I believe. Finally, you did not ask but I would stay away from K-12 school teaching and related education work (also my field) which has become more and more burdened by credentialing and politicians and other opportunists. Good luck which is what might work best for you than trying to sort it all out. An so it goes.

Stephen Sheahan ⋅ Roswell , GA IBM ⋅ 35 years experience

My brother who has been a successful Social Worker in NYC for many years sent me this response. "I would advise Cara to investigate the licensing regulations in the state where she lives. Generally, an MSW offers more possibilities for employment, both because it is a more broadly based discipline than psychology or counseling and because it is a more established credential then Mental Health Counselor.
I love Social Work because there is no human problem it does not help to address."

Alphonse (a.k.a, Al) Telese ⋅ Frisco , TX U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 32 years served

As I think about your question and the direction that you are pondering... I think you might want to rethink your path and go for the gusto.

I think that having a degree and the credentials as a psychiatrist (an MD, PhD) would be "Much" better served. As a psychiatrist you would be able to provide all-around/total medical care and services for a potential patient. You'd be able to discuss the mental health issues; provide medication management which is critical; even direct sleep study programs as well as many, many other aspects in dealing with mental health issues.

Not to say that as a social worker and or a psychologist work is not important for it is and they do work and help many. But... as a social worker and or a psychologist you are limited as you might already know by experience(s).

And as for working at VA... I reserve my opinion as to their quality of care and/or services. Some are good and in fact great. Unfortunately there is a larger group of them that have no business for being there other than it's a pay-check for them. I guess it's the "Burn-out" factor.

Hope this was helpful? Good luck in whatever you decide and your future endeavors.

Al

Joe Floyd ⋅ Norfolk , VA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

Either I am sure would be marketable. Veterans need all the assistance they can get especially with mental issues for themselves as well as for their families. Also Social Work is a demanding profession, but rewarding. I am sure you can do it. There are a lot of veterans out there especially female that need assistance. Unless you want to treat the psyche, Social work would be the one I recommend as the opportunities are much better and the Stress Level LOWER.

Good Luck and thanks for your service.

Joe Floyd
USAF
Vietnam

james bayonne ⋅ Fort Lauderdale , FL U.S. Navy, Seaman Recruit ⋅ 3 years served

Thank you for your service.
Be sure whatever degree education & training program you commit to is properly accredited and acceptable by VA (& ALL federal agencies); the job announcements found in USAJOBS will typically highlight the proper accreditation. Federal workforce 'counselors' or mental health providers & their proper accrediting bodies include:
- licensed professional counselors, cacrep
- marriage/family counselors, coamfte
- licensed social worker, cswe
- psychologist, apa
- psychiatrist, ama
- dnp/arnp, ANCC or AANP; CCNE or NLNAC

above all, check with OPM.gov and ask them about credentials and accreditation requirements for your field of interest.....continued success to you and be well...

james

barbara hawes ⋅ Brielle , NJ Aflac ⋅ 28 years experience

Great answers here! I am a PhD psychologist who has worked in the trauma field, including the Vet Centers and hospitals. You are right... my observations from the VA had substantially more PhD psychologists than social workers in the mental health department. In the private sector, you will probably find more licensed social workers and licensed therapists. Education for psychology, depending on what school and branch you go into, can be more test and research oriented. I went through a Counseling Psychology program which still required a year of statistics -- compared to our social work counterparts that were done with stats after one semester with us. Counseling Psych is more therapy oriented generally as its roots lie in rehab services--originally helping WW I soldiers find suitable careers after their service. MSWs by far appear to have the easier experience and in several states on the east coast at least, benefit from faster licensing (one test after graduation gets you an associate license, ready for entry level jobs, two years later and another test gets you the full license). Master's in Psychology in many states can get you a licensed therapist after two years. Both LCSW-clinical therapists and Licensed Professional Counselors share similar jobs and salaries. On the east coast where I am however, counselors in general are finding their jobs often being dropped from salary to per-appointment payments. Brief strategic therapy and other short term therapies are becoming the model for insurance companies. Do look around in your area to see what the arrangement is most common to see how viable your future perhaps outside the VA system may look. Check with your licensing board regarding details about specific degrees needed for licensure.. as stated above, if you get a masters, you might still need 12 or more credits to meet what could be a 60 credit requirement, including mandatory core courses to apply for a license as a therapist.

Trauma recovery is a specialty all its own. Some schools have such a specialty, such as Rutgers, Arcadia, Antioch, Loyola and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Associations abound focused on the impact and treatment of trauma, and have wonderful conferences. Know that some people who suffer from PTSD have had other traumatic experiences or mental health issues prior to the event they may identify, so being well rounded in the field becomes of critical importance when attempting to treat veterans with PTSD.

Hope that helps, and good luck in your search!

Allon Wright ⋅ Jacksonville , FL CSX ⋅ 10 years experience

It all depends on your planned time frames. Most MSW programs are 60 credit hours (including an full-time practicum/internship) and give you a well rounded systems perspective. An MA in Rehabilitation Counseling would require 48 credit hours (CACREP). You could also pursue the CRC (Certified Rehab Counselor) credential or other specialty credentials, or possibly Licensure as a Professional Counselor. The MA makes you viable for employment as a Voc Rehab Counselor (VBA) or Voc Rehab Specialist (VHA)---GS-9 through GS-12. You may also want to consider EAP for Military OneSource (I believe there is program in Olympia).

Good Luck

Allon

Ellsworth Williams ⋅ Tampa , FL U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 24 years served

The answers on this board are excellent! When deciding on a new career field, always use backward planning starting with your objective (Endstate). Getting a advance degree is just part of the journey but is not the destination. I spent 24 years of active duty service (8 enlisted and 16 commissioned) = Translation " When I retired I had no clue what I wanted to do, because I was used to someone telling me what to do, my rank was my identity, and I was used to following orders. I knew I wanted to continue to serve our service members and their family. I chose a specific profession called "Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor. The fact that were so many titles should have raised "red flags. The graduate program title "Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Counseling and Psychology " didn't help either because the degree didn't match up with the titles in USAJOBs. In hindsight, I should have chosen Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I didn't chose SW because it didn't match up with my B.A in Business Administration and I would had to start over by getting a B.A in social work. Same thing for a degree in Teaching. If you want to work in the VA or DoD, I definitely recommend Social Work.

Rona Gooden ⋅ Fayetteville , NC ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi there. I am getting my MS in Professional Counseling. So far, all the jobs I have seen ask for either a counselor or a social worker. It seems that to the job market, they are one in the same. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Social workers and counselors can both do continuing education, become licensed, and certified. Any area of specialization will require a certificate or license, whether you are a MSW or counselor.

I heard that if you want to work at the VA hospital, you must have graduated from a school that is CACREP accredited. Check your state licensing board for requirements. Best of luck to you!

Judith Kahn ⋅ Saint Petersburg , FL Judith S. Kahn, Attorney at Law ⋅ 15 years experience

I was in the field for years & heartily agree that an MSW is the way to go. More work. More interesting work. More varied areas in which to work. Easily transferable between states & jobs. If you decide you want the extra $ & admin. duties, get a DSW rather than a Ph.D. It is less common & should be much more marketable. To give you an idea of the types of possibilities, one MSW friend travels to the homes of those too ill to come in & provides both counseling & life-coaching. Another works at a Hospice. A third works with Doctors Without Borders & helps patients & families who are dealing with debilitating injuries that require plastic surgery.

GNA Garcia ⋅ Des Plaines , IL Oakton Community College ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Cara,

Lots of good advice here. One more piece: spend a few hours searching for what you would consider your ideal job. Check out the VA, usajobs, etc. Find the job(s) that appeal most to you and see what credentials they seek. Go for those!

Good luck.

GNA Garcia

Cara Myhre ⋅ Olympia , WA U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 10 years served

Thank you to all who have given feedback! I'll follow some leads as advised here and continue my explorations. It's great to have this wonderful resource as I think through my decision. Thanks again!