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career advice please

MelissaMisoMelissaMiso member
in Working Moms
As my husband and I are struggling financially after a series of stresses (house being burglarized, house later being flooded during Sandy, job losses, etc.) I'm pondering what to do career-wise that can get me ahead financially and emotionally. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and I would completely consider a career change. Here's my background:

AA in Deaf Studies
BA in Psychology
MA in Counseling Psychology
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY)
Current work: full time at an inpatient drug counseling center $37000/yr
Part time private practice that is currently losing money due to lack of time and funds to market
17 month old toddler (no child care cost, thank goodness, as family watch when we're at work)
Own a home on LI (moving not currently an option but willing to commute as far as NYC)

Ideas?

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Re: career advice please

  • jd614jd614 member
    What about fully devoting yourself to private practice ? It would be ashame to waste your degrees with a complete career change that would start you on the bottom of the todem pole. You seem very bright and could really excel in private practice if you devoted your energies to it. Also, any interest for some quicker cash with more control by doing direct sales of some sort ? Just as something on the side ?
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  • SoMoNYSoMoNY member
    I'd second the private practice part or get into a different field where you can use psychology degree in a business setting like consumer insights or HR


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  • st.augbridest.augbride member
    Is more schooling an option? If so, I'd say go for a doctoral-level degree in clinical psychology. They do very well in my area.
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  • MelissaMisoMelissaMiso member
    Thanks for the feedback. We do live in a HCOL area for sure. I have considered returning to school to get a certificate in HR and I would LOVE to get the PhD someday, I just don't think we can afford for me to not be working full time. Unfortunately, DH makes a lot less then I do. I may have to ask my family for a loan to put money into my practice.

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  • groovygrlgroovygrl member
    edited October 2013
    Would you be interested in an administrative position in a mental health facility or program? Maybe look into that if it is a possibility, or what about looking at some of the universities or nonprofits in the city for program manager type positions that would benefit from someone w/ a counseling background? Is there nothing that would be a fit in any of the hospital systems?

    I'm not totally sure- what would be the difference b/w an LCSW and your license? Can you apply for hte same jobs that include LCSW?
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  • MelissaMisoMelissaMiso member
    The LMHC is similar to LCSW but it is a newer license in the state of NY (only been around for about 10 years). LMHCs are in the battle with insurance recognition that SW were in years ago. The issue with that is not all insurances recognize the license yet. Probably more on the LMSW level as far as insurances are concerned.

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  • Mrs_LadyMrs_Lady member
    Any chance you can work at a SNF as a SW or SWA they make 50-55k to start.  Good luck!
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  • groovygrlgroovygrl member
    I did a quick search on idealist.org and there were a ton of LCSW postings, that is why I was asking about that... some were manager type things, I would think they would pay a little more?
    GL!
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