is a phd in mental health worth it

Is a Ph.D. in Psychology Worth it – (Pros VS. Cons)

There’s no doubt that getting a Ph.D. in Psychology can be a valuable investment. Studying psychology that can lead to many interesting and fulfilling careers. But is a Ph.D. in psychology worth it? This article will cover what you need to know before making your decision. We will talk about 25 reasons why a Ph.D. in psychology is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. This article is not meant to dictate what you should do, but to provide you with the information to make an informed choice.

What is a Ph.D. in Psychology Degree?

How long does a ph.d. in psychology degree take, how much does a ph.d. in psychology degree cost, what are the admission requirements for a ph.d. in psychology degree.

• A master’s degree, not necessarily in psychology. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree is also acceptable. • A GPA of at least 3.0 • Letters of recommendation • A letter of intent • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) • A Resume

Is a Ph.D. in Psychology Worth It? – the Pros

Reason #1: a ph.d. in psychology can provide you with the opportunity to teach at the college level., reason #2: a ph.d. in psychology can give you a greater understanding of human behavior and mental processes., reason #3: a ph.d. in psychology can help lead to careers in research., reason #4: a ph.d. in psychology can give you the chance to work with different ethnic and racial groups, reason #5: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in public health., reason #6: a ph.d. in psychology can help you start your own business., reason #7: a ph.d. in psychology can help you become a voice for social and political change., reason #8: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to opportunities to take leadership positions in prominent psychology organizations., reason #9: a ph.d. in psychology can make you less vulnerable to job loss during economic downturns., reason #10: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career working with children., reason #11: a ph.d. in psychology may lead to opportunities to meet and collaborate with thought leaders in the field of psychology through networking events., reason #12: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a corporate career as an industrial-organizational psychologist., reason #13: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in forensics., reason #14: a ph.d. in psychology can allow you to help people with drug addiction., reason #15: a ph.d. in psychology can help you develop stellar communication skills., reason #16: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in sports psychology., reason #17: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a lucrative marketing career., reason #18: a ph.d. in psychology can help you become an administrator at colleges and universities., reason #19: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career in the military., reason #20: a ph.d. in psychology can prepare you for a career in social work., reason #21: a ph.d. in psychology can help you become an environmental psychologist., reason #22: a ph.d. in psychology can make you a credible writer on psychology-related topics., reason #23: a ph.d. in psychology can lead to a career as a neuropsychologist., reason #24: a ph.d. in psychology can give you the skills to help people discover their dream careers., reason #25: a ph.d. in psychology allows you to work in correctional settings., why a ph.d. in psychology may not be worth it for you – the cons, reason #1: it takes a long time to complete a ph.d. in psychology., reason #2: a ph.d. in psychology can be an expensive degree to pursue., reason #3: it’s possible to lose income while pursuing your ph.d. in psychology., reason #4: you may lose time with family and friends., reason #5: finding an internship or residency can be difficult., reason #6: you may have to publish in psychology journals often., reason #7: if your goal is to be a psychology professor, you may find a lot of competition., what are the 3 main reasons behind the demand for ph.d. in psychology degree holders, 1. many industries perceive people with a ph.d. in psychology as top experts., 2. there is increased accessibility to healthcare services, including services from psychologists., 3. the mental health needs of people have accelerated due to the pandemic and other recent events in today’s world., what is the average salary for ph.d. in psychology degree holders.

What are the 3 Best Jobs You Can Get With a Ph.D. in Psychology Degree?

1. professor:, 2. research psychologist:, 3. psychologist in private practice:, bonus 3 tips to make more money with a ph.d. in psychology degree, 1. specialize in a high-demand area:, 2. get experience in the private sector:, 3. start your own business:, is a ph.d. in psychology worth it for you – my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered, 1. what is the best age to do a ph.d. in psychology degree, 2. how hard is it to get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program, 3. is the gre required for those wishing to pursue a ph.d. in psychology degree, 4. do i need work experience to get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program, 5. what is the minimum gpa to get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program, 6. can i get into a ph.d. in psychology degree program with a low gpa, 7. are online ph.d. in psychology degree programs worth it, 8. are scholarships and grants available for ph.d. in psychology degree programs, 9. can ph.d. in psychology, students have a life, 10. can i work part-time and successfully complete the ph.d. in psychology degree program, 11. can i work full-time and successfully complete the ph.d. in psychology degree program, 12. do students fail in ph.d. in psychology degree programs, 13. will i ever regret getting a ph.d. in psychology degree, 14. how much does a ph.d. in psychology graduate make per hour.

16. Will Ph.D. In Psychology Graduates Be Paid Less In The Future?

17. are all ph.d. in psychology graduates successful in their careers, 18. are ph.d. in psychology graduates happy with their jobs, 19. can ph.d. in psychology degree holders become rich, 20. what are some ph.d. in psychology degree alternatives, 21. can i get a ph.d. in psychology without a masters in psychology, 22. what is the difference between a ph.d. in psychology and a psyd.

Should You Pursue a Psychology Doctorate?

Questions to help you decide, and how to make the most of a psy.d. or ph.d..

Posted January 23, 2021 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Especially in a weak job market, it’s tempting to go back to school, including all the way to a doctorate. That may be especially so in clinical psychology specialties, in which an oversupply of job candidates allows employers to ratchet-up hiring requirements. If only because a doctorate is a quite unassailable hiring criterion, it’s often used.

If your aim is private practice, a doctorate may be less helpful in getting clients. While some prospective clients will be swayed by those letters next to your name, being referred by friends, your competence displayed in an initial phone call and sessions, and, alas, marketing may be more central.

Increased employability is, of course, but one factor to consider before committing the time and money to a doctorate.

Should you do it?

Yes, most people should consider the extent to which your employability would improve. If you’re currently employed, would a doctorate get you a significant promotion and raise? How much do you care about those? If you’re unemployed, a doctorate will improve your employability but also important will be whether you’ve made the most of the program. (See this article's final section.)

It’s not all about utility. Do you think you’d enjoy the doctoral education experience, even if the first year or so will be partly or completely virtual? It’s a mistake to decide based on your past college experience, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been in school.

On the upside, you’re likely more mature and have had more life experience onto which to hang academic learning. On the downside, many older students, even if just in their 30s, find it harder to learn and retain, in part just because they may have family, job, and other activities that take time away from studying.

So, rather than look backward, project forward into the years you’d be in graduate school. What’s your guess as to how much benefit and pleasure you’d derive from the process?

Consider the opportunity cost. If you didn’t spend the time and money on graduate school, what would be a wise use of those years and funds: self-study, apprenticing, doing your current job well, and networking to increase the chances of a more interesting career ?

Choosing where to apply

First, decide whether to go for a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. The Ph.D. of course is better known if only because it’s been around longer. That also contributes to the Ph.D. being seen by the public as more prestigious. In fact, the key differentiator between Ph.D. and Psy.D. is that the Ph.D. focuses on preparing researchers while the Psy.D. prepares practitioners. Of course, many people with Ph.D.s also practice but if your goal is to be a practitioner, all factors equal, consider trading the sizzle of the Ph.D. for the steak of the Psy.D.

Of course, all Ph.D. programs nor Psy.D. programs are alike. For example, each has a primary orientation, perhaps psychodynamic, behavioral, or physiological. Individual professors may be expert in anything from autism to zoophilia.

It’s usually wise to pick a tentative specialty before or during the process of investigating where to apply. Of course, that will ensure that you apply to schools with strength in your prospective specialization. But it will also enhance your admissibility. Most programs get many more applicants than they admit, and a key selection criterion is the extent of fit between the program's strengths and the student's desires. So if you can articulate your being a particularly good fit, your admissibility will improve.

Tip: In reviewing prospective programs, if you find a professor with a specialty of interest, read one of his or her not-technical articles, and if you continue to be intrigued by the specialty, the professor, and the overall program, write an email to the professor explaining that. Ask if you might chat during office hours to discuss the program.

At such a discussion, if it goes well, you might even say that if admitted, you'd welcome becoming that professor’s advisee or even research assistant. Many professors crave acolytes, if only because they provide free or cheap labor on their research projects. That could result in the professor recommending you be admitted.

Which school?

Among programs that admitted you, how well-suited is it to you, ideologically and geographically. Most graduates end up getting a job in that locale, so you may be there longer than just your school years. How good is the financial aid offer? What do external reviews say about the program? GraduatePrograms.com seems to have the most student ratings.

And then there's the prestige factor. Alas, we live in a designer-label society. So "Harvard" will open more career doors than No-Name State even if the latter's program is excellent and better-suited.

Making the most of the program

Your advisor is key. Perhaps as important as the professor's specialization is his or her desire and ability to mentor you and to open career doors for you. If you're not happy with your advisor, change — usually the earlier the better so there's less resentment and more time to bond with your new advisor. Try to establish a relationship with one or more other faculty members: During office hours and via email, ask thoughtful academic and career questions.

Adapt the assigned papers and projects to suit your career goal and personal interests. Usually, the professor will grant your request if it is well reasoned. And select topics for your oral and written exams and dissertation with the same care.

Fieldwork is key if you're aiming toward a clinical rather than research career. If you don't like the placement or supervisor, request a new one. Sometimes, you can even search out and propose a great fit placement that you've unearthed.

The takeaway

In a crowded field like psychology, success typically requires differentiation from the crowd. A doctorate in which you've made career-building choices can be that differentiator.

I read this aloud on YouTube.

The other articles in this series on making major life decisions can be found here.

Marty Nemko, Ph.D ., is a career and personal coach based in Oakland, California, and the author of 10 books.

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Get Your Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

What’s in this guide, at a glance, what do you cover in a phd in counseling psychology, why get a phd in counseling psychology, how much does a phd in counseling psychology cost, what jobs can you do with a phd in counseling psychology, how much can you earn with a phd in counseling psychology, what to look for in a phd program.

By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

A PhD in Counseling Psychology is frequently the final educational step for students on the path to becoming a licensed  Counseling Psychologist  and helping individuals overcome emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges through counseling and psychotherapy. But this qualification opens up a wealth of career opportunities across psychotherapy, education, sports, academia and Government.

A PhD in Counseling Psychology is a  doctoral-level degree  program that typically takes 4-6 years to complete.

During the program, students will take a variety of courses in areas such as counseling theories, research methods, human development, social and cultural diversity, and ethical and legal issues in counseling. They will also receive extensive training in counseling techniques, including individual, group, and family counseling, as well as assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders.

A Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is a rigorous program that prepares students to become competent and ethical counseling psychologists. Here are some of the topics likely to be covered:

• Counseling Theory and Practice:  different counseling approaches, such as humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic, and how to apply them in practice.
• Research Methods:  learn about research design, data analysis, and how to conduct research in counseling psychology.
• Assessment and Diagnosis:  learn how to assess and diagnose mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, using different assessment tools and techniques.
• Human Development:  learn how individuals develop physically, cognitively, and socially over the lifespan, and how developmental factors influence mental health.
• Multicultural Counseling:  learn how culture, ethnicity, and other diversity factors impact counseling and the importance of cultural competence in working with diverse populations.
• Ethics and Professional Issues:  learn about ethical and legal issues in counseling, including confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries.
• Supervised Clinical Practice:  gain hands-on experience in counseling by providing therapy to clients under the supervision of licensed professionals.
• Dissertation:  Students are required to conduct original research in counseling psychology and write a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to contribute to the field.

Here is a sample curriculum:

• Introduction to Counseling Psychology
• Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Multicultural Counseling

Second Year

• Human Development and Counseling
• Advanced Counseling Theories and Techniques
• Group Counseling and Group Dynamics
• Ethics and Professional Issues
• Supervised Practicum
• Psychological Testing and Assessment
• Advanced Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
• Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Family Counseling

Fourth Year

• Career Counseling
• Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches in Counseling
• Addictions Counseling
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• Advanced Topics in Counseling Psychology
• Dissertation Research and Writing
• Internship in Counseling Psychology
• Teaching Assistantship
• Professional Development

Career Opportunities

Pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology opens up a wide range of career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is projected to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030. Moreover, a PhD in Counseling Psychology allows for a variety of career paths, including clinical practice, teaching, research, consulting, and administration.

See also:  what is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?

Professional Recognition

Earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology can lead to professional recognition and respect within the mental health field. Graduates of PhD programs are recognized as experts in their field, and this recognition can open up opportunities for leadership positions, speaking engagements, and consulting work. Moreover, a PhD in Counseling Psychology can provide a competitive advantage when seeking employment or pursuing advanced certification or licensure.

Contribution to the Field

Pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology offers the opportunity to contribute to the field of mental health and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Through research, students can advance the knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and improve treatment approaches. They can also develop and implement innovative interventions that address the unique needs of diverse populations.

According to data from the National Science Foundation, the average cost of tuition and fees for doctoral programs in Psychology (including Counseling Psychology) is approximately $18,100 per year for in-state students at public institutions, and $34,600 per year for out-of-state students at public institutions. At private institutions, the average cost is approximately $33,800 per year.

A PhD in Counseling Psychology opens the doors to a wide range of opportunities in and out of the mental health field including:

• Counseling Psychologist  (or any other licensed psychologist – see some examples below) : After meeting  state-specific licensure requirements , you can provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, or groups in private practice or group practices.  Find counseling psychologist jobs.
• Licensed professional counselor : A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a certified mental health professional trained to provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and groups for a variety of emotional and psychological challenges.  See available LPC jobs on our board.
• School Counselor or Psychologist :  Work in schools to help students navigate academic and personal challenges, although this may require additional certifications depending on the jurisdiction.  See all our available school psychology jobs .
• Forensic Psychologist : While this might require additional training or specialization, you can work within the criminal justice system, evaluating defendants, making recommendations to courts, or providing therapy to offenders. Perhaps a  Ph.D. in forensic psychology  may be a better fit for you however if you are looking to become a forensic psychologist.  Find forensic psychology jobs .
• Sports Psychologist : While this may require further training in sports psychology, it involves working with athletes and teams to optimize performance and deal with sports-related stress.  See our latest sports psychology jobs .
• Researcher : Conduct research in universities or research institutions on topics related to counseling psychology, mental health, interventions, psychopathology, or other related areas.  Find open research jobs .
• Professor : Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology and related fields at colleges and universities. This role often includes conducting research, publishing articles, mentoring students, and participating in academic service.
• Consultant : Offer expert advice to organizations, schools, or businesses on topics like stress management, conflict resolution, and employee well-being.
• Director of Counseling Services : Oversee the delivery and quality of counseling services at institutions such as universities or community centers.

The earning potential for someone with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology can vary widely based on factors such as geographical location, years of experience, specific role, work setting, and individual expertise.

Here are some of the average salaries for jobs commonly held by those with a PhD in counseling psychology. The links take you to specific salary guides that provide further insights such as what you can expect as a starting salary and how your salary might grow as you gain years of experience or complete additional education.

• Counseling Psychologist – $81,040
• School Counselor or Psychologist – $60,000
• Forensic Psychologist – $101,000
• Sports Psychologist – $72,255
• Professor – $80,370
• Consultant  – $150,000
• Director of Counseling Services  – $120,000

Choosing a Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology is a significant decision, and several key considerations should guide this choice. When assessing any program, it’s a good idea to visit if possible, talk to current students and faculty, and review program websites and literature for up-to-date statistics and information.

Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body, such as the  American Psychological Association (APA) . Accreditation ensures the program meets certain standards and can be crucial for licensure and employment. Historically, graduates from APA-accredited programs have had higher  EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)  pass rates compared to non-accredited programs.

Be sure to review the overall cost of any particular PhD program taking into consideration the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Tuition and fees for counseling psychology PhD programs can vary widely, from $18,000 a year to nearly $34,000 per year.

Cost of living is frequently overlooked when considering programs but this can significantly impact the overall cost. For example, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of living in San Francisco is 62% higher than the national average.

Students should also research available financial aid,  scholarships , and grants, as well as the availability of paid research or teaching assistantships.

Program’s Approach and Curriculum

Some programs may emphasize certain therapeutic modalities, research methods, or populations. Individual preferences vary, but it’s crucial to find a program that aligns with your career goals and theoretical orientation.

Faculty and Research Opportunities

Another important consideration when comparing counseling psychology PhD programs is the faculty and research opportunities available. Students should look for programs that have faculty members who are experts in their areas of interest and who are actively conducting research in those areas. This will provide students with the opportunity to work with and learn from experienced researchers and practitioners in the field. Additionally, students should consider the research opportunities available, such as access to research facilities, grants, and other resources.

Practical Experience and Internship Opportunities

Finally, students should consider the practical experience and internship opportunities offered by any given PhD program.

Students should look for programs that offer ample opportunities for clinical experience, such as supervised  practicums  or internships. Additionally, students should consider the quality of the internship opportunities offered, including the reputation of the sites, the level of supervision, and the diversity of the clients served.

Post-Graduation Job Placement

Investigate where graduates typically work after completing their degrees – in academia, private practice, hospitals, etc. Does this align with your career goals?

The majority of psychology doctorate recipients, around 70% according to the APA, find their first postdoctoral employment in health service provision settings.

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• Kiara Alvarez, PhD
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• Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
• Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
• Virginia McKay, PhD
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• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
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About the PhD in Mental Health Program

The PhD degree is a research-oriented doctoral degree. In the first two years, students take core courses in the Departments of Mental Health, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, in research ethics, and attend weekly department seminars. Students must complete a written comprehensive exam (in January of their second year), a preliminary exam, two presentations and a final dissertation including presentation and defense. Throughout their time in the department, we encourage all doctoral students to participate in at least one research group of the major research programs in the department: Substance Use Epidemiology, Global Mental Health, Mental Health and Aging, Mental Health Services and Policy, Methods, Prevention Research, Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology, Psychiatric Epidemiology, and Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

PhD in Mental Health Program Highlights

One-of-a-kind.

We are the only department of mental health at a school of public health in the U.S.

WORLD-CLASS MENTORSHIP

Get research experience and mentorship from renowned public mental health experts

Research Opportunities

Students conduct original research with practical applications

Domestic and international opportunities

Conduct research in the U.S. or abroad

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Mental Health?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Assistant Professor
• Postdoctoral Fellow
• Psychiatric Epidemiologist
• Prevention Scientist
• Social and Behavioral Scientist

Curriculum for the PhD in Mental Health

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue , explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Current students can view the Department of Mental Health's student handbook on the Info for Current Students page .

Research Areas

The Department of Mental Health covers a wide array of topics related to mental health, mental illness and substance abuse. Faculty and students from multiple disciplines work together within and across several major research areas.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are  not required and not reviewed  for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Judith K. Bass

Judith Bass, PhD '04, MPH, MIA, is an implementation science researcher, with a broad background in sociology, economic development studies, and psychiatric epidemiology.

Renee M. Johnson

Renee M. Johnson, PhD, MPH, uses social epidemiology and behavioral science methods to investigate injury/violence, substance use, and overdose prevention.

George W. Rebok

George Rebok, PhD, MA, is a life-span developmental psychologist who develops community-based interventions to prevent age-related cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk.

Heather E. Volk

Heather Volk, PhD, MPH, seeks to identify factors that relate to the risk and progression of neurodevelopment disorders.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms. Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Prospective Student or Applicant Inquiries [email protected]

Compare Programs

• Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Epidemiology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Policy and Management

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Masters vs. PsyD vs. PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology

General resources:.

• The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has a video that explains the differences between a PhD vs PsyD.
• We recommend reading Chapter 2 “Choosing the PhD or PsyD program” in the Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology . This book, written by Michael A. Sayette (a faculty member at Pitt!), and John C. Norcross (University of Scranton) provides much more details than we can go into here. You can buy this book online, and there is also a copy in Pitt’s Psych Dept. advising office, and if you aren’t a student at Pitt, your advising office may have a copy as well. 
• We also recommend watching the videos about psychology careers on drkit.org that explain many different psychology careers. 
• In this video Dr. Julie Quimby explains the differences between PsyD vs. PhDs. 
• Psychologist vs. Therapist: What's the Difference?

Emphasis on Research

PhD programs tend to be fairly focused on research, whereas PsyD programs tend to be less focused on research and more centered on direct clinical service provision. (Masters level programs tend to involve no or minimal research.) However, there is variation and you should look at each program individually to see where it falls on the research spectrum - the book mentioned in the prior paragraph can help.

One exception is that a minority of accredited Psychology PhD programs offer a focus on qualitative rather than quantitative research, and may emphasize clinical skill development and intellectual scholarship grounded in psychological and philosophical literature over the production of original quantitative studies. Graduates of these programs who choose to stay in academia will be good fits for other programs that share a similar emphasis on humanistic psychology. You can learn more about humanistic psychology from APA’s division 32 , and you can learn more about psychoanalysis from APA’s division 39 . You can also learn where a PhD program falls in terms of their focus on research versus practice from the program’s online description.   Programs that are heavily research-focused may describe themselves as “clinical science” programs, whereas those that balance research and practice training may describe themselves as espousing a “scientist-practitioner” model of training.   On the practice end of the continuum, APA-accredited PsyD programs will often refer to themselves as espousing a “practitioner scholar” model of training, which will include some research training and independent dissertation research (often in the qualitative domain) along with a heavy focus on practice.

Our overall advice is that it is very helpful to try to clarify your level of interest in research before applying to and committing to a PhD program. Doing research as an undergrad, and potentially for a few years after college, will help with this. Surely there are many people who get a PhD in clinical psychology who eventually realize that they don’t want to go into a career in research. There are also some people who aren’t sure about how much they like research and find out in a PhD program that they like it more than they expected. However, it is helpful to try to learn about your level of interest in research before making a major life commitment to a graduate program.

If you know you are not interested in research, you should seriously consider whether a PhD program is right for you for the following reasons:

• In the application process most schools will be screening applicants for their promise in doing research. So it will be hard to feign interest.
• During graduate school the majority of your training will be to do research. If you do not like research, a doctoral degree is a long-term commitment to a challenging program, and so doing something you don't enjoy for much of that time will likely feel very taxing.
• At many schools there will be implicit pressure if not explicit pressure to pursue a research-oriented career. (This is not something we condone, but will happen at many places.) If you do not want to go into research, this can feel ostracising and make you feel like you are making the ‘wrong’ choice for your career.

Comparisons of Masters, PsyD, and PhD

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PhD in Counseling Guide

• Author: Janan Dean
• Expert Reviewer: Brittainy Lindsey, LMHC
• Editorial Process

A PhD in counseling is the terminal degree for aspiring counseling researchers, clinical supervisors, and counseling educators. Pursuing a PhD in counseling allows students to develop in-depth knowledge of a particular area of counseling through independent study and research. Doctoral degrees in counseling often include clinical internships or field experiences. When applying to counseling PhD programs, applicants will likely already be licensed or practicing in one of the major counseling areas.

Table of Contents

Why Earn a PhD in Counseling?

Choosing a phd in counseling degree program, licensure with a phd in counseling, types of phd degrees in counseling, on-campus counseling phd degree programs, online counseling phd degree programs, careers with a phd in counseling, frequently asked questions.

Counseling PhDs prepare students for advanced counseling practice or careers requiring significant expertise and work experience. Most PhDs in counseling take four years of full-time study to complete, but students with other obligations such as work or child care may complete a PhD part-time.

In most states, to qualify for a counseling license, you must have at least a master’s degree. However, licensed counselors may pursue a PhD in counseling to develop advanced practice skills beyond what is possible in a master’s degree program. Counseling PhD degree students can develop a practice specialization or conduct scholarly research and contribute to the counseling knowledge base. Many PhD degrees in counseling can be completed part-time to accommodate the needs of working professionals who wish to remain active in practice while studying.

Doctoral degrees also increase job opportunities in clinical supervision, counselor education, or research. These positions typically require training and experience beyond a master’s degree in counseling and completing a PhD can be one way of meeting these requirements. A PhD in counseling qualifies graduates for work in various counseling-related fields, such as policy development and analysis, consulting and advising, and counseling services management. PhD-degree-holders may also command a higher salary due to their advanced knowledge and expertise.

PhD degrees are available in the five major categories of counseling that are generally recognized from state to state: mental health counseling (also known as professional counseling or clinical counseling), marriage and family therapy, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Some doctoral degrees offer specialization opportunities within these major areas including specific coursework and research opportunities. Applicants are typically required to have a master’s degree in the practice area of the PhD; the program may also require students to be licensed or eligible for licensure as some PhD programs do not meet state licensing requirements.

Choosing the right PhD degree will help students develop skills related to their career goals and contribute research to their area of counseling practice. Aspiring counseling PhD students can also consider the importance of research, supervision, and teaching skills to their career goals as some PhDs may require an independent dissertation or a portfolio of academic publications while others may focus on clinical internships.

Admission Requirements

Application packages for PhD degrees in counseling are thorough due to the competitive nature of the programs. Each institution sets the admission requirements for its own doctorate in counseling, including minimum GPA and testing requirements. Most institutions require applicants to submit college transcripts, standardized test scores such as the GRE, letters of recommendation, and a resume. Programs may also require applicants to prepare a statement of purpose or personal statement outlining their career goals upon graduation.

The career pathways available to graduates of doctoral degree programs in counseling can vary depending on the type of degree completed. Some PhD graduates may continue to work as licensed counselors while others may seek teaching, research, or supervision opportunities in their area of counseling specialization. Similarly to master’s degree graduates, the career options for PhD graduates relate to the main areas of counseling or another area. Counseling licenses that may be available to those with doctoral degrees in counseling include:

• Licensed Clinical Supervisor (LCS)
• Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LDAC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC)
• Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (LSAC)

To find out more about counseling licensure, review our guide to counseling licensure by state or contact your state counseling licensing body.

There are many different types of counseling PhD programs to choose from, with each focusing on a different counseling specialization. The degree title Doctor of Philosophy is often shortened to PhD with the area of specialization indicated afterward. Doctoral degrees in counseling may also focus on specific practitioner skills, such as advanced counseling techniques, supervision, teaching, or research. When applying to the program, students often indicate their area of interest or specialization and are matched with a faculty mentor with similar interests. A PhD in counseling typically takes four years of full-time study to complete or more for part-time students. Fve main categories encompass most counseling subspecialties: marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. Continue reading to learn more about the PhD degrees in each category.

Marriage and Family Therapy

PhD degrees in marriage and family therapy (MFT) typically focus on helping students develop advanced therapeutic and clinical skills to use in practice or scholarly research skills for teaching and research careers. Alongside core MFT coursework, students can choose a research topic in their area of interest. MFT specializations include systems theories, couples counseling, child and youth development, or family therapy.

A master’s or doctoral degree in MFT is required for state licensure; applicants who are not already licensed should ensure the MFT program meets state requirements before applying. Those interested in licensure will likely need to complete a supervised practicum or internship as part of the PhD. Learn more about these degree programs on our MFT degree guide .

Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counselors may be interested in PhD degree programs in mental health counseling that offer advanced learning opportunities in supervision, teaching, and research. Most mental health counseling doctoral degrees are offered as PhDs in counseling or PhDs in counseling education and supervision. These programs may include areas of specialization related tof specific populations or practice topics, such as depression, anxiety, or severe mental health disorders.

PhDs in mental health counseling may meet state requirements for counseling licensure, while PhDs in counseling education and supervision are often designed for applicants who are already licensed or eligible for licensure. Those who do not have counseling licensure should ensure their degree meets state licensing requirements. Licensed applicants should ensure their degree curriculum covers coursework and training aligned with their future career goals. Find out more about counseling degrees in this field in our Mental Health Counseling Degree Guide .

Rehabilitation Counseling

Rehabilitation counseling refers to the field of counseling focused on helping clients improve their day-to-day functioning, set and achieve functional goals, and adapt to physical, developmental, or mental disabilities. A PhD degree in rehabilitation counseling may prepare graduates to work as rehabilitation counselors, educators, supervisors, and researchers in this area of specialization. Students in PhD programs can choose to specialize in a particular demographic, such as children with disabilities, or a particular type of disability, such as acquired brain injury, by completing related coursework and choosing a relevant research topic.

State regulations for licensure as a rehabilitation counselor vary and while a few states license rehabilitation counselors separately, most include rehabilitation counseling in the professional counseling practice area. Many states recognize the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRCE) from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) as a qualifying exam for mental health counseling licensure for those interested in specializing in this area. Prospective applicants are advised to check with the licensing body in the state of practice to ensure the PhD degree meets these requirements, if necessary. To learn more, read our guide to rehabilitation counseling degrees , which provides more information on degrees in this field.

The school counseling profession provides social, emotional, and academic support to children from pre-K through 12th grade through one-on-one guidance and school-wide support programs. The steps to becoming a school counselor vary by state so aspiring school counselors should check with their state licensing body before choosing a degree path. Some states require school counselors to be licensed educators with teaching experience while others accept graduate-level study in guidance and counseling. A doctoral degree in school counseling may be offered as a PhD in Counseling, which has a greater focus on counseling research, or as a Doctor of Education (EdD), which develops counseling skills and prepares students for applied school counseling settings. Typically, a master’s degree in school counseling is required for school counseling licensure, while a PhD or EdD is considered supplementary and aimed more at those interested in school or district administration. Our school counseling degree resource offers more information about the various types of school counseling degrees.

Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors, work with people experiencing substance abuse, addiction, and recovery challenges. PhDs may be offered in addiction counseling, substance abuse studies, substance abuse counseling, and recovery studies. A PhD degree is not necessary to work as a substance abuse counselor but it may lead to more advanced career opportunities, particularly in substance abuse research, clinical supervision, or teaching. Some doctoral degrees in mental health counseling also offer the opportunity to specialize in substance abuse counseling as the co-occurrence of mental health disorders and substance abuse challenges is an area of counseling specialization. Take a look at our Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Guide for more information about degrees in this area of specialization.

Columbia University

Columbia University offers a PhD in Counseling Psychology with a focus on multicultural and social justice approaches to counseling. Entry to the program is competitive, so applicants are expected to have above-average verbal and quantitative skills as demonstrated by transcripts, references, and GRE scores. The program has a mentorship format that pairs students with faculty supervisors. Students indicate their preferred faculty supervisor in their application, although not all supervisors may accept new PhD students each year. While the degree focuses on practical counseling skills and a dissertation, students can pursue additional research opportunities as part of the degree plan. Course topics include statistics, research design, human behavior, and professional ethics. Applications are accepted once per year for a fall term start. The degree is also available with a Bilingual Latinx Mental Health concentration that trains students to offer culturally appropriate counseling services in Spanish to Latinx populations. Applicants must meet this specialization’s Spanish language competency requirement and complete an internship in a Spanish language agency.

Pace University

At Pace University’s Westchester Campus in New York, students can earn a PhD in Mental Health Counseling with specializations in grief counseling, substance abuse counseling, or positive psychotherapy and counseling. This CACREP-accredited program trains students to work in applied settings providing mental health counseling services, clinical supervision, or conducting scholarly research. A master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field with a cumulative 3.6 GPA is required for admission; applicants must also be licensed or eligible for professional counseling licensure in New York. Students take 46 credits of research methods, statistics, and counselor education classes during the fall, spring, and summer terms in the first two years of study and have a maximum of six additional years to complete the dissertation requirements.

Michigan State University

Those interested in rehabilitation counseling careers can consider the PhD in Rehabilitation Counselor Education offered at Michigan State University in East Lansing. This CACREP-accredited degree prepares graduates in five key areas: counseling, supervision, teaching, research and scholarship, and leadership and advocacy in the field of rehabilitation counseling. During the program, students can take advantage of exchange opportunities at partner universities in Ireland and across the United States. Applicants must have a master’s degree with at least a 3.3 GPA and submit transcripts and letters of recommendation as part of the application package. GRE scores can be submitted to demonstrate academic merit, but are no longer an admission requirement. The university offers financial support through teaching and research assistantships, conference support, scholarships, and fellowships. Applications are due December 1 and new students are admitted to start the program in the fall semester.

Virginia Tech

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy at Virginia Tech is a CACREP-accredited degree that prepares students for advanced learning and applied careers in the marriage and family therapy field. The program includes coursework, mentorship from a supervisor, and clinical and research experiences. Courses focus on human development through the lifespan, human sexuality, and systems theories. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a mental health field with at least 36 credits in marriage and family therapy or related subjects. It is also expected that applicants will have extensive experience providing marriage and family therapy. Applications are due in January for a fall term start date. Virginia Tech also offers combined master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling.

Adams State University

Adams State University, in Alamosa, Colorado, has a CACREP-accredited PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a hybrid format that requires students to attend four, week-long summer residencies during the program. The degree prepares graduates for careers as clinical supervisors, counseling researchers, or academic scholars. Students must take 66 credits with courses in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and counselor education. Students must complete at least 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship in counseling. Applicants must have a master’s degree that meets CACREP coursework requirements with at least a 3.0 GPA and either licensure in their state of residence or one year of counseling work experience. An in-person interview is also required for acceptance and enrollment. The program only admits new students in the fall term with applications due the preceding December.

Hampton University

Hampton University is a historically Black institution based in Hampton, Virginia. The university offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with optional specializations in School Counseling and Community Mental Health Counseling. Students complete 64 credits of research, clinical, and supervision training in courses such as Counseling Leadership and Advocacy, Theories and Practice of Counseling Supervision, and Research and Program Evaluation. The degree includes a practicum, two internships, and a research dissertation. It takes approximately three-and-a-half years to complete the degree full-time or longer for part-time students. Applicants must submit transcripts, GRE scores from within the past five years (unless waived), a writing sample, and a personal statement. Coursework in abnormal psychology and ethics are prerequisites for entry and must be identifiable on student transcripts. Financial aid may be available for qualified applicants.

Regent University

Regent University offers a fully-online PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Addictions Counseling with a Christian worldview. The program is suited for students who already have counseling licensure or do not wish to seek licensure as the curriculum is research-focused. Students complete 51 credit hours of coursework covering topics such as qualitative methods, statistics, psychometrics, and advanced counseling skills. The program follows a cohort model with new students admitted in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a mental health field with a minimum 3.5 GPA, preferably with coursework in research methods, statistics, counseling, and ethics. Work experience in a counseling-related field is also highly desirable. Selected applicants will be invited to attend a mandatory online interview before they are officially accepted into the program. Regent University also offers numerous online master’s degrees in counseling, including addiction counseling and marriage and family therapy.

University of Louisiana at Monroe

For those interested in a nonclinical, theoretical, or interdisciplinary PhD in counseling, the University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies designed to help marriage and family therapy professionals extend their knowledge of family and systems theories. The program has a cohort structure that requires full-time study with courses during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students must complete at least 69 credit hours, including a doctoral practicum, internship, and dissertation in addition to the core curriculum. Examples of required courses include Family Systems I and II, Qualitative and Ethnographic Research, and Couple and Marital Therapy. The majority of the coursework is completed during the first two years of study, while the third and fourth years comprise a continuation of the doctoral internship and dissertation. Applicants must send completed application packages to the university by the February deadline, including the application form, transcripts, GRE scores, and references.

Our counseling career guides provide more information about the degree requirements, licensure processes, average salaries, and job outlooks for licensed counselors including:

• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Mental Health Counselors
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• School Counselors
• Substance Abuse Counselors

What is CACREP accreditation for doctoral degrees in counseling?

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the country’s leading accreditation organization for counseling education standards. CACREP sets standards for master’s and doctoral degrees based on areas of core competency. To earn accreditation, a doctoral degree must consist of at least 48 credits and meet coursework requirements, including a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. The course content must cover five key areas: counseling, supervision, teaching, research and scholarship, and leadership and advocacy. A directory of accredited programs is available online .

What is the difference between a doctoral dissertation and a research project?

PhD degrees in counseling often require students to complete a dissertation or a research project as part of degree requirements. A traditional dissertation is an independent piece of research completed by the student under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty member. This requirement is more common in research-focused doctoral degree programs; in some instances, a portfolio of published academic articles may also be accepted in lieu of a dissertation. Clinical or applied doctoral degrees may require students to complete a research project instead of a dissertation. The research project may be smaller in scale than a dissertation or consist of only a portion of a research project, such as a literature review or secondary data analysis.

Do I need to complete a practicum or an internship to earn a PhD in counseling?

PhD programs will vary regarding practicum and internship requirements, but as counseling is an applied field, many programs include a mandatory practicum or internship. Research-focused doctoral degrees in counseling-related fields may not have the same requirements. CACREP-accredited degrees must require at least 100 hours of practicum and at least 600 hours of counseling internship. If you are not already licensed as a counselor in your state, check state regulations to determine whether the practicum and internship components of the doctoral degree meet licensure requirements.

Can I complete a PhD in counseling online?

With the rise in online education, many institutions now offer online programs in counseling. Online programs may refer to fully-online programs or hybrid programs that combine online and on-campus elements. Fully-online courses allow students to take all required coursework online although some course elements, such as internships or practicum, may need to be completed in-person. Hybrid degree programs may require students to attend some on-campus events or courses. Online classes may be offered through synchronous methods that require students to attend classes online at specific times or through asynchronous methods that enable students to study independently.

How long will it take to complete my PhD in counseling education?

Doctoral degrees generally take four years of full-time study but timelines vary depending on the course, practicum, and research requirements. Working professionals or those looking for more flexible arrangements may choose to complete the program on a part-time basis, although many schools impose a maximum time frame to complete the program ranging from seven to 10 years.

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Getting a Ph.D. in Psychology

Verywell / Evan Polenghi

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Job opportunities, earning a degree, specialty areas, alternatives.

Getting a Ph.D. in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. For many careers paths in psychology-related career paths, a doctoral degree is necessary to obtain work and certification. A Ph.D. is one option, but it is not the only educational path that's available to reach some of these goals.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology . If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology . Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. While a master's degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor's, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor's degree.

Recently, a new degree option known as the Psy.D. , or doctor of psychology, has grown in popularity as an alternative to the Ph.D. The type of degree you decide to pursue depends on a variety of factors, including your own interests and your career aspirations.

Before deciding which is right for you, research your options and decide if graduate school in psychology is even the best choice for you. Depending on your career goals, you might need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in psychology in order to practice in your chosen field. In other instances, a degree in a similar subject such as counseling or social work may be more appropriate.

A doctorate in psychology is required if you want to open your own private practice.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology.

In most cases, you will also need a doctorate if you want to teach and conduct research at the college or university level. While there are some opportunities available for people with a master's degree in various specialty fields, such as industrial-organizational psychology and health psychology , those with a doctorate will generally find higher pay, greater job demand, and more opportunity for growth.

In order to earn a Ph.D. in psychology, you need to first begin by earning your bachelor's degree. While earning your undergraduate degree in psychology can be helpful, students with bachelor's degrees in other subjects can also apply their knowledge to psychology Ph.D. programs . Some students in doctorate programs may have a master's degree in psychology , but most doctorate programs do not require it.

After you’ve been admitted to a graduate program, it generally takes at least four years to earn a Ph.D. and another year to complete an internship. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, you can take state and national exams to become licensed to practice psychology in the state where you wish to work.

Once you enter the graduate level of psychology, you will need to choose an area of specialization, such as clinical psychology , counseling psychology, health psychology, or cognitive psychology . The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits graduate programs in three areas: clinical, counseling, and school psychology.   If you are interested in going into one of these specialty areas, it's important to choose a school that has received accreditation through the APA.

For many students, the choice may come down to a clinical psychology program versus a counseling psychology program. There are many similarities between these two Ph.D. options, but there are important distinctions that students should consider. Clinical programs may have more of a research focus while counseling programs tend to focus more on professional practice. The path you choose will depend largely on what you plan to do after you complete your degree.

Of course, the Ph.D. in psychology is not the only graduate degree option. The Psy.D. is a doctorate degree option that you might also want to consider. While there are many similarities between these two degrees, traditional Ph.D. programs tend to be more research-oriented while Psy.D. programs are often more practice-oriented.

The Ph.D. option may be your top choice if you want to mix professional practice with teaching and research, while the Psy.D. option may be preferred if you want to open your own private psychology practice.

In the book "An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology," authors John C. Norcross and Michael A. Sayette suggest that one of the key differences between the two-degree options is that the Ph.D. programs train producers of research while Psy.D. programs train consumers of research. However, professional opportunities for practice are very similar with both degree types.

Research suggests that there are few discernible differences in terms of professional recognition, employment opportunities, or clinical skills between students trained in the Ph.D. or Psy.D. models. One of the few differences is that those with a Ph.D. degree are far more likely to be employed in academic settings and medical schools.

Social work, counseling, education, and the health sciences are other graduate options that you may want to consider if you decide that a doctorate degree is not the best fit for your interests and career goals.

A Word From Verywell

If you are considering a Ph.D. in psychology, spend some time carefully researching your options and thinking about your future goals. A doctoral degree is a major commitment of time, resources, and effort, so it is worth it to take time to consider the right option for your goals. The Ph.D. in psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in being a scientist-practitioner in the field and want to combine doing research with professional practice. It's also great training if you're interested in working at a university where you would teach classes and conduct research on psychological topics.

University of Pennsylvania; School of Arts and Sciences. Information for applicants .

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?

U.S. Department of Labor.  Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Norcross JC, Sayette MA. An Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (2020/2021 ed.) . New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2020.

Davis SF, Giordano PJ, Licht CA. Your Career in Psychology: Putting Your Graduate Degree to Work . John Wiley & Sons; 2012. doi:10.1002/9781444315929

US Department of Education. Bachelor's, master's, and doctor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by sex of student and discipline division: 2016-17 .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amy Bucher, Ph.D.

Applied Behavioral Science for Health and Well-Being

Should I Get a PhD in Psychology?

Before I get started, keep in mind that PhD programs differ quite a bit between disciplines. If you’re thinking of getting a degree in engineering or English, your program might look a lot different from mine, so keep your grain of salt handy.

You might want to get a PhD in psychology if . . .

You want a job or career that requires a PhD. This one seems like a no-brainer, but not everyone thinks it through. In general, working as an academic in an R1 institution  (that is, a tenure-track professor role that includes both teaching and research) will require a PhD. It’s possible to get a college teaching job at a community college or liberal arts school with a master’s degree, although my guess is that this is getting increasingly competitive as PhD programs graduate new doctors faster than the academic job market can bear . Likewise, it’s possible to work in academic research (particularly in a lab manager or coordinator role) without a PhD, but these roles are not plentiful in the social sciences.

If you are interested in counseling psychology, it may not be necessary to get a PhD. PhDs in clinical psychology who receive their license (through additional training and internships) are qualified to counsel patients, but so are social workers (LMSWs), psychiatrists (MDs), and many other types of professionals. I’d recommend the PhD for someone who wants to counsel patients but is also interested in conducting and consuming research on mental health and treatment.

You can also use a PhD in psychology in a number of non-academic fields. I work in a blended role where I conduct and apply research on motivation and behavior change to health technology. Other psychologists I know work in market research and consumer insights, human resources data analytics, product development, and strategy consulting. A PhD in psychology typically comes with strong research design and analysis skills that can be creatively applied in a number of fields, although you may need to do some work to help others see that connection.

You are comfortable with intellectual uncertainty.  The more you know, the more you become aware of all you don’t know. A doctoral education is a fast way to figure out all of the many, many gaps in your knowledge. Being successful in graduate school requires getting comfortable with the idea that you will never know everything, that there is rarely an easy black-or-white answer to questions, and that your hardest work may not be in acquiring knowledge, but in sorting through it and organizing it. If you’re the type of person who loves puzzling through huge volumes of sometimes contradictory information, you will enjoy grad school more than someone who prefers just enough information to make a basically correct conclusion.

You love learning and sharing what you’ve learned.   This is a corollary to being comfortable with shades of gray. A colleague of mine once told me he can recognize people who have PhDs by their outlook when presented with a problem. He said, they’re the ones who will dive into researching and reading and figuring out the problem and want to discuss it and think about it.

You have a big but resilient ego.  On the one hand, it’s hard to make it through grad school if you don’t believe in your own intellectual abilities. It’s especially important to have a healthy ego because grad school also consists of being constantly beaten down. That sounds fun, doesn’t it? But in all seriousness, the volume of work required, the depth of feedback given, and the level of competition encountered in grad school all wear down on you over time. Add to that the many rejections and set-backs that everyone encounters during grad school, including paper and conference rejections, grades or exam scores below goal, and funding crises, and it takes a resilient soul to make it through. And it takes a big ego to keep submitting the next paper, exam, or grant application after the last rejection.

This is not to imply that grad school will not also make you more resilient. It will. You will learn a lot of strategies for coping with tough days and nights, and you’ll find enduring friendship in the trenches.

Some cautions . . .

If you want to be rich, a PhD is not a quick win.  You can definitely make a very nice living with a psychology PhD, in several different types of jobs. But grad school is expensive–even if you have a stipend to cover your costs, you will not be earning enough money to save, and you may additionally be acquiring loans. Because grad school living is so lean, I am glad I went right after my undergraduate, while I was still used to having no money (although I have friends who worked between undergrad and grad school and were glad to have some savings).

Many PhD programs include a master’s degree as part of their curriculum. I’ve met people who pursued a master’s degree as a way to test the waters for a PhD program. In general, I recommend against this. Many, if not all, PhD programs in psychology include a master’s degree as the conclusion of the first few years of coursework, and I’ve never heard of a program that lets someone skip those first few years based on a prior master’s. The people I know who tested the PhD waters by getting a master’s are now people with two master’s.

PhD programs take a while.  My grad school program, like many psychology PhD programs, was approximately five years long and included two years of coursework toward the master’s along with ongoing research requirements and at least four semesters of undergraduate teaching. Students pursuing a clinical license also have to do an internship on top of these other requirements.

People will be weird to you if you get a PhD in psychology.  First, if you get any PhD, some people will want to comment on your intelligence level (at least they assume it’s high!), which I find awkward. Second, if your PhD is in psychology, prepare for comments like:

• “Do you know what I’m thinking right now?” (Answer: No, that’s psychic, not psychologist.)
• “Are you psychoanalyzing me right now?” (Answer: No, I’m not that type of psychologist, but even if I were, I wouldn’t be doing my job for fun right now.)
• “So you must know everything that’s wrong with me.” (Response: Well, I know you don’t really know what a psychologist does.)

Joking aside, I think the PhD can intimidate people at times, so be prepared for those reactions and ready to either use them to your advantage or alleviate them with humor and humility.

It’s up to you.

Like I said, I can’t tell anyone whether a PhD in psychology is right for them. The decision has to be one you own. Grad school is hard and long, but also filled with many adventures and pockets of joy. I am so glad that I went and earned my PhD. I wouldn’t have my career and the opportunities it provides if I hadn’t, and I would never have met many of the people who are the most important in my life. If you want to take on this onerous journey, you have to really want it; but if you do, I promise you’ll have some good times on the way.

Related posts:

• How to Describe What I Know: The Appeal (and Frustration) of Psychology
• Careers in Psychology: To Counsel or Not?
• Career Options Outside Academia for Psychology PhDs
• Walking Away from Academia with a PhD in Psychology

4 thoughts on “ Should I Get a PhD in Psychology? ”

I’m in my last year of my undergrad in psych. In 27 and have 2 kids. I want to pursue a degree where I can do what I enjoy, and make money. I’m worried about another 7 years in school for a PhD and was told there isn’t much for me with a masters in clinical psychology. I had looked into LCSW, but was not sure if I would be content selling short my dream/goal. Can I counsel, and still do research with a masters? Or am I better with an LCSW?

Admittedly, clinical practice is not my area of expertise. However, I do know people who have counseled with an MA and I also know several people with LCSWs. Both seem like good options if you’re interested in the clinical piece.

I’m not sure about the research part–I’d imagine that depends on where you end up working as a counselor. In a university or health system setting, it seems to me that should be possible. The PhD does make research more feasible as it sets you up to run a lab (assuming you go into academia or a research-focused company).

I was very influenced by the idea that even if something takes a long time, that time will still pass and at the end of it you could have done the thing or not. There have been a few times it’s helped me make choices that seem like they take a lot of time and commitment.

I’m interested in what you decide! I am sure you will find a way to do what makes you happy while making money.

Hi Amy! Thank you so much for your posts. I’ve been STRUGGLING with the decision of whether or not to apply to graduate school for a PhD in Social Psychology. To be frank, I don’t feel qualified to apply and I’m unsure if my reasons for wanting to go to graduate school are good ones. I’m no longer an undergrad student so opportunities to work in a lab has been impossible without at least a Master’s.

A little bit about me: I graduated from undergrad in 2015. I did work as a research assistant for a couple of months, but I mainly invested my time working full-time to pay for school. I liked working in a lab but it was in Human Development & Nutrition, so I often found myself watching the dynamics and social interactions between the family members rather than watching what I was tasked to focus on (whoops). I graduated with decent grades (3.75) with two majors (Communication & Psychology) and a minor (Latin – I love languages). I have a lot of supervising and training work experience from my job, and I would like to continue working in a training/educational capacity (so not really interested in being in academia).

The reason I want to study Social Psychology at the Doctoral level is because I have SO many questions on topics like resilience & life stories. As a trainer & supervisor, I would witness people crumble and thrive in the face of obstacles and (as a person who has the tendency to crumble) I would wonder: “What do resilient people do differently? How can the way we view our life stories change how resilient we are in the face of life challenges? What about in the context of training for a new position? How can programs be created to take into account differing personalities and stories?” Another reason is because I’ve read so many personal development books but I couldn’t help but think: “This is nice but show me the research behind it. I want to see it tested and understand why it works.” Not really sure if those are good enough reasons to apply.

Overall, I want to be able to take research on resilience and make it more applicable and accessible. I want to create workshops & train people on resilience & life stories (possibly do something similar to life coaching), but I’m not sure if that’s a good enough reason to apply or if I should probably go about it through another route.

I apologize for the long comment, but you’re website has been the only helpful website I have found on this topic!

Thank you for the kind comments!

As for applying–it can’t hurt to look at a few programs and see if you can’t find one that feels like a good fit. Having served on the admissions committee while in grad school (we were all required to give a year in service), I can tell you that your passion and curiosity will matter. Maybe you can find a few names of professors or grad students at schools that interest you working on resilience and grit and reach out to them for an informational interview (you may have better luck with grad students).

The other thing you could try to do is find a non-academic research job that lets you explore your questions. Agencies are a good place to look. Many big companies are also bringing behavior change teams in-house.

I’d love to know what you end up doing!

Comments are closed.

Is Getting a PhD Degree Worth It? (In-Depth Guide)

Deciding whether to pursue a PhD is a major life decision that requires careful consideration of the costs and benefits. This comprehensive guide examines multiple angles to help you determine if a PhD is right for you.

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree, represents the highest level of academic achievement. It typically takes 5-7 years of intense study and research to earn a PhD.

Pursuing a PhD is an enormous commitment that involves significant personal and financial sacrifices. So is it ultimately worthwhile to embark on the long, challenging road to a doctorate? There are good arguments on both sides.

This article analyzes the pros and cons of getting a PhD from multiple perspectives: career prospects, financial outlook, personal fulfillment, and work-life balance. We also provide helpful tips and alternative options to PhD study.

By evaluating all these factors, you can make an informed decision on whether the high demands of PhD programs align with your professional and life goals.

Career Prospects

A major reason people pursue PhDs is to advance their careers, especially in academia or research. However, the job market and career trajectories for PhDs vary greatly by field.

Academic Job Market

The academic job market is infamously tough across most disciplines. Tenure-track professor positions are extremely competitive, with hundreds of applicants per opening.

PhD graduates far outnumber available faculty jobs. Only 20-30% of PhDs ultimately end up as tenured or tenure-track professors.

The oversaturation of PhDs applies to both sciences and humanities. However, academic prospects do differ by field:

• Sciences:  Research-focused careers in industry, government agencies, think tanks, or private R&D labs provide reasonable alternatives to faculty positions.
• Humanities/social sciences:  There are relatively few non-academic jobs where a humanities or social science PhD is expected or required.

Overall, most PhDs will not achieve tenure-track professorships like they envisioned. Be prepared for a competitive job hunt or alternative career options outside academia.

Non-Academic Careers

While academic jobs are scarce, PhDs can impart useful transferable skills for industry positions:

• In-depth expertise in a specialized field
• Research, data analysis, and critical thinking abilities
• Project management from overseeing long-term dissertations
• Perseverance through difficult objectives
• Communication from teaching, presentations, and publishing

However, simply having an advanced degree does not guarantee better job prospects outside academia. Pursuing a PhD solely for non-academic careers is risky without substantial industry experience.

You need to intentionally develop hard business skills. Network extensively. Seek internships and learn to translate your expertise to practical real-world applications.

With deliberate efforts to prepare for industry jobs, PhDs can thrive in sectors like:

• Business/Finance:  Data science, analytics, management consulting
• Government:  Policy research, intelligence analysis, science advisor roles
• Non-profits/NGOs:  Program evaluation, grant writing
• Writing/Journalism:  Freelance subject matter expert
• Law:  Patent attorney, education law
• Technology:  Research scientist, UX research

If considering a PhD for non-academic advancement, research job prospects in your specific field first. Assess whether the time investment is justified by the career boost for your goals.

Financial Considerations

Between tuition and living expenses, PhD programs require a major financial commitment. However, most STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) PhDs in the US receive funding. Humanities/social science funding is less common but also available at many universities.

PhD Funding Packages

Typical PhD funding provides:

• Tuition remission
• Stipend for living costs (~$25k-$35k annually)
• Health insurance

Funding comes from universities, government grants, or research fellowships. PhD candidates receive funding in exchange for teaching or research duties.

Full PhD funding vastly mitigates financial burdens. But it’s still important to budget carefully and manage expectations after graduate school.

Post-PhD Salaries

It takes 8+ years post-undergrad to complete a PhD program and potentially a post-doc. While PhDs earn more on average than those with bachelor’s degrees, you forego years of earning potential while in school.

Salaries vary based on your field and type of position:

• Tenured professor:  $60k – $130k
• Industry research scientist:  $80k-$150k
• Government analyst:  $60k-$120k

Consider whether modest salary bumps justify the long PhD timeframe compared to earning a master’s and gaining experience.

Also, academic salaries remain fairly flat throughout careers. Professors earn far less than industry PhDs over time. Carefully weigh earning potential in decision-making.

Other Financial Factors

Other monetary considerations around pursuing a PhD include:

• Lost retirement savings:  Less ability to contribute to retirement funds during PhD program.
• Student loan debt:  Potential debt financing if funding is inadequate for all costs.
• Opportunity costs:  Foregoing income from full-time jobs.
• Family obligations:  Possible strain from providing for dependents.

Do a complete cost/benefit analysis before committing to a PhD’s financial impact.

Personal Fulfillment

Beyond careers and money, a major incentive for PhD study is personal edification. A PhD allows you to gain expertise in a niche topic of passion. For the intellectually curious, a PhD can provide immense satisfaction from the pursuit of knowledge.

Following Your Interests

Spending 5+ years immersed in research and writing a dissertation on precisely the subject you love is a dream come true for some.

For example, analyzing Victorian literature or studying star formation lets you delve further into niche interests than any other path.

Doing what you love for a living provides tremendous happiness and fulfillment. PhDs enable highly specialized work aligned with your academic passions.

Prestige and Validation

Being addressed as “Dr.” conveys prestige and an immense sense of scholarly achievement. Society broadly respects the title as representing the pinnacle of academic validation.

If external validation of your intellectual capabilities matters profoundly, then a PhD offers immense personal gratification.

Additionally, being at the forefront of progress in your field generates prestige through publications, grants, conferences, and expanding human understanding.

Lifestyle Preferences

A PhD also suits certain lifestyle preferences and work styles:

• Enjoy academia:  Teaching college students and participating in university culture.
• Love research:  Lab experiments, writing, collecting data, analyzing results.
• Flexible hours:  Academia offers flexible work schedules compared to 9-5 industry jobs.
• Work independence:  PhD research requires high capability for independent planning.

Evaluate your work values and preferences. If a PhD aligns with your vision for lifestyle and daily tasks, it may boost happiness.

Work-Life Balance

A PhD demands an immense workload. Be realistic about the high pressure and time commitments required.

Long Hours

PhD students work long hours in labs, libraries, and at home reading academic literature and writing. Expect 60+ hours per week dedicated to PhD duties. These may include:

• Conducting extensive research
• Running experiments
• Analyzing data
• Writing academic papers
• Preparing conference presentations
• Teaching undergrad classes
• Grading exams
• Writing long comprehensive dissertation (book-length original research)

Such heavy workloads continue into professor and post-doc careers. PhDs require strong time management skills and inability to separate from work.

High Pressure

PhD milestones like qualifying exams, dissertation writing, and defending findings before a committee provoke extremely high stress. These make or break moments determine your entire career trajectory.

Handling this pressure and uncertainty during 5+ years of intense PhD study takes an emotional toll. Be prepared for setbacks and criticism before major achievements.

Health Effects

Between hectic schedules, work pressures, and financial anxiety, PhD students face much higher mental health issues than the general public.Studies show PhDs suffer high rates of:

• Impostor syndrome

If you already struggle with mental health, carefully evaluate if PhD programs will exacerbate issues. Develop strong coping strategies and self-care habits before matriculating.

With extreme workloads and pressure, work-life balance is hugely challenging for PhD candidates and professors. Expect high difficulty finding time for family, relationships, and life outside academia.

Consider whether the intellectual stimulation is worth sacrifices in other life realms before committing.

Alternative Options

If the costs and risks of a PhD outweigh benefits for your goals, consider alternative advanced degrees with more flexibility:

Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree allows focusing on a specific field with far less commitment. Course-based programs usually take 1-2 years. Benefits include:

• Specialized knowledge to advance career
• Higher entry salaries in many fields
• Much less pressure than PhD research
• Completed in under two years

Master’s cost is also a fraction of a PhD’s lost earning potential over 5+ years. Master’s salaries surpass PhD pay in some industries over the long run.

If interested in academia, a master’s lets you teach community college without the PhD research rigors.

Professional Doctorates

Professional doctorate degrees like MDs, PharmDs, DPTs, JDs confer the prestigious “Dr.” title and advanced expertise for particular careers:

• Physical therapy

These programs take 3-4 years and focus on practical rather than scholarly research. If you want a doctorate for status and specialized knowledge, professional programs offer alternatives requiring less research.

In the internet age, immense knowledge is freely available beyond formal institutions. If intrinsically driven, you can gain expertise through:

• Massive open online courses
• YouTube tutorials
• Public library books
• Encyclopedias
• Academic paper archives

Self-directed learning allows following intellectual curiosity without graduate program constraints.

James Bullard is an experienced journalist who writes extensively about higher education, careers, and the job market. He is passionate about analyzing whether college degrees are worth the investment, given factors like rising tuition costs and student loan debt.

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Master’s In Mental Health Counseling: Everything You Need To Know Before You Enroll

Updated: Jan 5, 2024, 2:16am

Mental health counselors help meet the mental, emotional and behavioral needs of individuals, groups, organizations and communities. Their work includes assessing clients experiencing psychological distress, developing treatment plans and providing therapeutic support, psychotherapy and crisis management.

Earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling is an essential step toward licensure and starting your career in the field.

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• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

Admission requirements for mental health counseling master’s programs vary depending on the school. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree to qualify for enrollment. While some programs accept applicants from any academic major, many prefer candidates to hold degrees in related fields such as psychology, counseling, social work and human services.

It’s essential to research your desired program’s admission requirements. Applicants may need to meet minimum GPA thresholds, provide GRE scores and submit letters of recommendation.

Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Coursework

Below, you’ll find examples of course topics and coursework typically included in mental health counseling curriculums at the graduate level.

Theories and Practice of Counseling

Courses on counseling theories and practice provide an overview of foundational theories, counseling processes and methods, treatment modalities and interventions. Students learn to conceptualize client presentations and determine appropriate interventions while also considering matters of diversity.

Substance Use and Dependence

Substance use and dependence courses examine the history of addiction, the neurological and psychological effects of substance use and dependency and approaches to prevention, assessment and treatment.

Students may explore how substance abuse and addiction affect individuals, families and communities. They also learn about available healthcare, social care and criminal justice resources in their state.

Human Growth and Development

Courses on human growth and development explore theories about, approaches to and models and research on human development across the lifespan. Students explore these concepts in various biological, situational, environmental and cultural contexts to implement evidence-based practices when working with diverse populations of all ages.

Behavior Disorders and Psychopathology

In courses focused on behavioral disorders and psychopathology, learners explore key concepts, definitions and theories of various mental and behavioral disorders and conditions.

These courses typically overview behavioral and cognitive assessment models and evidence-based practices used to treat major disorders. Students learn about the cultural factors affecting mental illness and behavioral disorders.

Mental Health Counseling Career Options

We sourced the below salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $49,710 Projected Job Outlook: +18% Job Description: A substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor works with individuals struggling with substance use, addiction and other behavioral conditions. They create treatment plans suited to their clients’ needs. These professionals also teach coping mechanisms, provide one-to-one and group counseling and arrange aftercare plans to assist their patients in finding long-term paths to recovery. Some specialize in issues affecting particular populations such as youth, the elderly and veterans.

Health Educator

Median Annual Salary: $59,990 Projected Job Outlook: +7% Job Description: Health educators provide healthcare education to individuals, groups, organizations and communities. They promote health and wellness, teach about disease prevention and educate people about available healthcare sources in their communities and state. Health educators assess healthcare needs, establish goals and develop plans to help their clients make informed decisions in health and wellness matters.

Social Worker

Median Annual Salary: $55,350 Projected Job Outlook: +7% Job Description: Social workers advocate for individuals, families and communities to help them meet their needs and improve their overall quality of life. These professionals help their clients cope with various challenges such as illness, substance abuse, divorce and unemployment. They also conduct assessments to determine essential resources and develop personalized treatment plans to support their clients’ needs.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Median Annual Salary: $56,570 Projected Job Outlook: +15% Job Description: Marriage and family therapists diagnose and treat mental illnesses. They also address psychological distress and interpersonal and behavioral issues, helping to resolve conflicts within relationships and family units. They provide premarital, relationship, separation, child and divorce counseling to help their clients achieve stronger and healthier relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mental Health Counseling

What major is best for a mental health therapist.

Psychology and counseling are the most common majors for mental health therapists. Mental health counseling encompasses several career pathways, so make sure to research the education requirements of your desired profession and the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to work.

What is the difference between a therapist and a mental health counselor?

Counselors focus on specific issues that prevent patients from meeting their goals, offering straightforward, short-term treatment. Therapists address mental problems in social and relational contexts, helping their clients trace the roots of their problems and offering long-term care.

How do I become a mental health counselor?

To become a mental health counselor, you must earn at least a master’s in mental health counseling. All states require mental health counselors to pass one or more National Board for Certified Counselors exams. Certain levels of licensure require mental health counselors to complete between 2,000 and 3,000 clinical hours under a licensed counselor’s supervision.

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Mariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to brand strategies and driving small business growth through targeted content. In the last three years, she's primarily produced education-focused content, writing on topics like degree programs, trade schools and career pathways.

Is a master’s degree in counseling worth it?

Jordan Friedman is a freelance contributor who writes about higher education. In addition to freelance writing, Jordan has worked as a content marketing manager at a K-12 education company and an online education editor at U.S. News. He has contributed to a number of publications, including USA Today, CNN, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Jasmine Suarez is a senior editor at Fortune Recommends, where she was hired to build and launch the department in 2022. Before joining Fortune, she was a senior editor at Business Insider , where she led various verticals on the personal finance team .   In the past, she’s worked for Red Ventures, Adweek, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more. 

If you’re interested in mental health or human services and have a deep-rooted passion for helping others, you may wonder whether a master’s degree in counseling is worth it. The simple answer: If you’re absolutely set on pursuing a career as a clinical mental health or school counselor, it’s almost definitely a resounding yes , experts say.

Why? Because to practice as a clinical mental health counselor, both a master’s degree and a license in the field are typically required . This means you need to finish your graduate program, complete clinical hours (usually around 3,000, depending on the state where you want to practice), and pass a national exam. 

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To become certified as a school counselor in most states , you must earn a master’s degree in school counseling, plus a state-issued credential. You typically need to complete a practicum or internship in a K-12 setting and, in many cases, pass a comprehensive exam.

Of course, whether a master’s in counseling is truly worth it—and whether you should pursue clinical or school counseling (or both)—depends on factors including your career goals, desired salary, and even where you plan to practice. Students in these programs often come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, though many have some experience in a human services field such as psychology or social work .

Before you take the leap into pursuing a master’s in counseling and start submitting applications, consider the following.

Career prospects with a master’s in counseling

A master’s in counseling opens the door to a lot of different job opportunities—and demand is currently high nationwide, especially in rural areas, says Kelly Duncan, executive director of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).

If someone receives a clinical mental health counseling degree and license, they may look for positions in community mental health agencies, private practice settings, or other clinical settings in residential or hospital care, Duncan says. 

Those people who earn a master’s degree in school counseling, however, can consider positions working with school-aged populations in K-12 private, public, or charter schools, Duncan adds.

Demand for mental health counselors and other related roles, such as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, is expected to grow 22% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is considered “much faster than average.” Meanwhile, demand for school and career counselors and advisers is expected to grow 10% during that same time period.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a much greater awareness of mental health and openness to seeking care, experts say. In fact, the percentage of U.S. adults of all ages who reported receiving any sort of mental health treatment—whether taking medication, receiving counseling or therapy, or both— increased to 21.6% in 2021 from 19.2% in 2019, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics. 

“With all of the issues that are out there in the areas of depression and anxiety, [counseling] is a profession—if one wants to go and help affect behavioral change—[that] is so gratifying and rewarding as well,” says LaVelle Hendricks, professor and department head of counseling at Texas A&M University–Commerce , which offers various master’s degree tracks in the field, including in a hybrid (both online and in-person) format.

Potential earnings and financial ROI

When deciding whether a master’s degree in counseling is worth it from a financial perspective, weigh potential earnings against the amount of debt you might incur from your education.

“Rarely did I ever have a student say to me, ‘I want to get a master’s degree in counseling because I want to make a lot of money,’” says Duncan, who has worked as a counselor educator since 2003. Usually, she says, it’s a desire to help others that draws someone to the profession.

That’s not to say there isn’t earning potential in the field. Usually, post-graduation clinical salaries start roughly in the $45,000 range, says Fredrick Dombrowski, president of the American Mental Health Counselors Association and assistant department chair for clinical mental health programs at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. The university is developing an online version of its master’s program.

Once you officially earn your license, that figure could rise to roughly $65,000, adds Dombrowski. Of course, earning potential varies depending on your specific role and where you work, and it will increase as you advance professionally, whether by working your way up the ladder in an agency or institution or opening a private practice. Salaries may also vary depending on geographic location.

As a certified school counselor, you will likely earn more than a beginning teacher with a bachelor’s, but less than a K-12 administrator such as a principal, Duncan says. (A beginning teacher in the U.S. makes on average $34,684 while an elementary school principal makes an average of $82,853 a year, according to ZipRecruiter).

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) of your master’s degree, you need to factor tuition into the equation. A master’s in clinical mental health counseling may be more expensive than a school counseling degree because they usually require more credit hours, Duncan says. From there, you can leverage employment and salary data to determine how long it would take you to pay off your debt after graduating. 

School costs will vary depending on whether you enroll at a public or private institution. You may also factor in travel requirements and associated costs for hybrid or online master’s programs, which are somewhat newer in the counseling area, Duncan says. 

Master’s in counseling vs. other degrees

To determine whether you should earn a master’s in counseling versus one in a related field (such as psychology or social work ), consider your interests in addition to earning potential. Juliet Taylor earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling at the University of Bridgeport in May 2022. She decided to enroll in the program due to her military background and previous experience working with service members and then veterans as an employment counselor.

When looking into graduate programs, Taylor weighed degrees in other disciplines. But with clinical mental health counseling, “it was closest to what I needed to continue my work with veterans—and that was to identify coping skills, help to strengthen their self-esteem, learn about emotional regulation,” she says.

While there are similar degrees and careers out there, there are also some key differences. For example, psychologists—who typically need a doctorate in their field to practice—tend to focus more on research and assessment, while mental health counselors tend to focus more on treatment, Dombrowski says. 

Many master’s in counseling programs also prepare students for licensing exams, with specific test requirements varying from state to state. In most cases, aspiring clinical counselors will need to pass either the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination or the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Often, those people pursuing school counseling will take a Praxis teacher certification exam or the NCE, Duncan says.

Keeping all of these different pieces of the puzzle in mind, you can decide whether a master’s in counseling is right for you.

“It’s worth it,” Duncan says, “if your goal is to serve people and be able to help people through some of the most difficult transitions that they may be making in life, or difficult crises and traumas and situations they find themselves in.”

Check out all of  Fortune’ s  rankings of degree programs , and learn more about specific  career paths .

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Is a Master’s Degree in Counseling Worth It? A Counselor Answers

Lisa Corbin, PhD, LPC, NCC , always wanted to be a therapist. She intended to pursue a PsyD, but then took a job in higher education that set her on a new career path.

“I realized the important work counselors do and I could finish the degree in only two years,” she said. “It allowed me to do exactly what I wanted to do: provide counseling, consulting, and supervision.”

What is a mental health counselor?

Mental health counselors are licensed professionals who assess and treat the emotional, mental, and behavioral health of people seeking services.

“Counselors often have lived experiences that made them want to get into this purposeful and meaningful field of helping,” Corbin explained.

As a mental health counselor, Corbin has a small private practice in which she helps clients deal with the challenges they face.

“I run my private practice through the license I earned from my MS in Counseling degree. There is no doctoral-level licensure for counselors,” she explained. “So, I would not be able to counsel if it wasn’t for the license I earned from receiving my master's in counseling.”

Training future providers

By the time she began her MS in Counseling program, Corbin had completed enough workshops to know that she had the right qualities to be a strong teacher.

• An MS in Counseling degree is valuable for its versatility, affordability, and the ability to positively impact the lives of individuals.
• PCOM's program takes two years, providing a swift path to acquiring essential counseling skills.
• The cohort structure fosters lasting friendships, creating valuable professional networks for future collaboration.
• Graduates are well-prepared for various roles, expanding the potential impact of the degree.

“So, I went on for the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision,” she recounted. Now, in addition to seeing clients, Corbin teaches and is the chair and director of PCOM’s mental health counseling program .

As an educator, Corbin has the opportunity to share her passion for counseling with her students and to help them develop the core skills needed to succeed as counselors.

“I want the students in the MS in Counseling program to possess the skills of self-reflection, self-awareness, self-care, active listening, and advocating,” she said. “We are not perfect; we don’t know what we don’t know; we all have biases. Being able to care for ourselves and reflect on the information we are gathering allows us to advocate for our clients, self, and groups of individuals, and attend to the biases we are exhibiting while keeping an open mind motivated by lifelong learning.”

Is a master’s degree in counseling worth it?

According to Corbin, an MS in Counseling is worth the time, effort and money it takes to attain the degree.

“The degree is so versatile, affordable, and allows recipients of the degree to impact the lives of many people,” she said.

PCOM’s MS in Counseling takes just two years to complete . Students go through the program as a cohort which, Corbin added, allows students to bond and create life-long friendships with people who turn out to be colleagues.

“The degree is often a degree in yourself in that you learn so much about yourself throughout your courses,” she said.

Another benefit of the degree is that it prepares graduates to work in a variety of roles.

“People with an MS in Counseling go on to do a variety of jobs such as clinician, consultant, human resources manager, researcher, program evaluator, adjunct teacher at a college, insurance reviewer, crisis worker, individual student support person, and many more,” Corbin explained. “There is just so much one can do with an MS in Counseling.”

For Corbin, her counseling degree not only provided a way to help clients now, but also a way to help people in the future by training the next generation of providers.

“I chose to enter the field because I’ve always had the gift of reading, listening, and helping people. I too wanted to give people the support I did not receive,” Corbin said. “I choose to stay in the field because of how rewarding it is to help people and students become the best they can become.”

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Simone Biles, and teammates to take GOAT tour on the road with a stop in North Texas

Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, talks to nbc 5 about texas talent, mental health, and her new goat tour, by laura harris • published august 6, 2024 • updated on august 6, 2024 at 1:24 pm.

Simone Biles , from Spring, Texas, is the undisputed greatest gymnast of all time. The four Olympic medals she won in Paris were just icing on the cake for a career that has spanned three Games.

“You know, it's bittersweet,” Biles said. “You’ve worked your whole life for moments like this and you almost take it for granted how fast it goes. Last night I definitely had a good cry about it, because I couldn’t believe it was over I called my mom and my sister and I was like, ‘It’s done’. But they were happy tears.”

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On the gold medal team with Biles in the team all-around competition was Plano-transplant Hezly Rivera , who at 16 years old was the youngest member of Team USA.

“She made it here so fast! She is so strong. She’s a great competitor. I was super excited to have her on the team with us. She is like our little baby Hezly ! To just be able to guide her through this process, I don’t believe this will be her last Olympics,” Biles said.

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She also talked about why it is so important for her to be open about her mental health.

“For me, it’s about being relatable. It takes vulnerability. It takes some strength and some courage. Through therapy, I found that’s where I find my strength. If it can help a little girl out there or even a little boy or a grown person, then that’s what I’m going to do,” Biles said.

She said what she is doing now is paving the way for the future .

“I really do this to inspire the younger generation. That’s exactly why we’re doing it. Finding joy and making sure that they have an easier ride than we are. If we can give any tips, pointers, helpers. That’s what I want to do. Hopefully, they’ll be in the crowd at the Gold Over America Tour,” Biles said.

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The Gold Over America Tour will represent the best of the best. Biles will be joined by Olympic medalists Jade Carey , Jordan Chi l es (from Texas) , Fred Richard , Brody Malone , Paul Juda , Stephen Nedoroscik , and Joscelyn Roberson.

They will bring their talents from the world stage to the GOAT stage in a high-flying pop concert-style spectacle. Other cast members joining them on tour include Katelyn Ohashi, Peng-Peng Lee, Mélanie Johanna De Jesus Dos Santos, Casimir Schmidt, and more to be named.

Tickets are available for the tour now. Click here for more information.

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