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+--- Thread: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? (/Thread-Is-there-a-path-from-the-Walden-Tempo-General-Psych-masters-to-a-licensable-degree)
Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - studyingfortests - 08-13-2021
Hi, all.
I believe I saw a passing reference in a thread to the idea that one can take the Walden Tempo general psych masters and then add additional coursework to qualify for licensure (presumably as an MFT or LPC).
I can see that the Walden info page clearly (though in small print) says it is not a licensable degree, but no info on what's necessary.
Does anyone have any knowledge/experience/advice with this? It seems like it would be a short and cost effective approach, if it is possible.
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - sanantone - 08-14-2021
It depends on your state's licensing board requirements. Some states require that a practicum and internship be a part of a degree program. It's kind of hard to land an internship if you haven't completed a practicum or some other hands-on experience; they expect you to come in with basic skills. At the doctoral level, there are respecialization programs for those who completed a non-licensing doctorate in psychology. For LPC/LMHC and LMFT, you'd have to see if any school offers a post-graduate program that includes an internship. I doubt any school would let you enroll in internship courses without being admitted to a certificate or degree program.
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - eLearner - 08-14-2021
Some states like New York have schools that offer what's called a "bridge program" to address licensure in the mental health field when your current credentials don't meet the requirements:
https://www.niagara.edu/bridge-program-cas-in-cmhc-curriculum/
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - sanantone - 08-14-2021
(08-14-2021, 05:39 PM)eLearner Wrote: Some states like New York have schools that offer what's called a "bridge program" to address licensure in the mental health field when your current credentials don't meet the requirements:That's cool. I learned that Lamar College has a similar 12-month program that meets Texas' requirements.
https://www.niagara.edu/bridge-program-cas-in-cmhc-curriculum/
https://degree.lamar.edu/programs/certificate-mental-health-counseling/
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - Alpha - 08-14-2021
Where I live, something like this will work. It's a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Psychology. Obviously, state licensure laws vary. I don't know if there are online versions but I think an internship or practicum might be involved.
Counseling Psychology Certificate | Northeastern University
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - DeanLewis - 08-15-2021
It is very difficult to get licensed, let alone prepare for licensed practice with a general psychology degree. The curriculum is not adequate to prepare you for the NCE let alone the real world. If you want to be a licensed mental health professional do yourself a favor and enroll in an appropriate professional counseling (CACREP accredited preferably) or clinical social work program designed for licensure in your state. The other option would be to enroll in an APA accredited psychology doctoral program.
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - studyingfortests - 08-16-2021
(08-15-2021, 09:38 AM)DeanLewis Wrote: It is very difficult to get licensed, let alone prepare for licensed practice with a general psychology degree. The curriculum is not adequate to prepare you for the NCE let alone the real world. If you want to be a licensed mental health professional do yourself a favor and enroll in an appropriate professional counseling (CACREP accredited preferably) or clinical social work program designed for licensure in your state. The other option would be to enroll in an APA accredited psychology doctoral program.
I kind of figured as much. What I was hoping was that I could find a program that would accept a bunch of the credits from the Walden General Psych toward a licensable degree (say MFT or LPC). The Walden Tempo General program is so inexpensive that it seems like one would save a bundle if this were possible. Alas, it appears it's not to be.
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - Supermind - 08-16-2021
Why not just call Walden University, discuss your plans, and ask what other options exist? I know they offer a ‘Self-designed’ concentration option for MS-Psychology. You can choose to focus on specific areas. Of course, this is not offered in the Tempo format; it is only available in the normal course-based format. Perhaps, you can inquire regarding this. The other option is to complete a Tempo Masters in Psychology, and then do a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. You could choose a concentration that enables licensure.
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - Alpha - 08-16-2021
(08-16-2021, 07:06 AM)Supermind Wrote: The other option is to complete a Tempo Masters in Psychology, and then do a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. You could choose a concentration that enables licensure.
Just as this Walden degree will not qualify you for licensure, it also may not qualify you for admission into a competitive Clinical Doctoral degree program. These often require a Clinical Masters degree plus some relevant work experience.
RE: Is there a path from the Walden Tempo General Psych masters to a licensable degree? - eLearner - 08-16-2021
(08-16-2021, 06:18 AM)studyingfortests Wrote:(08-15-2021, 09:38 AM)DeanLewis Wrote: It is very difficult to get licensed, let alone prepare for licensed practice with a general psychology degree. The curriculum is not adequate to prepare you for the NCE let alone the real world. If you want to be a licensed mental health professional do yourself a favor and enroll in an appropriate professional counseling (CACREP accredited preferably) or clinical social work program designed for licensure in your state. The other option would be to enroll in an APA accredited psychology doctoral program.
I kind of figured as much. What I was hoping was that I could find a program that would accept a bunch of the credits from the Walden General Psych toward a licensable degree (say MFT or LPC). The Walden Tempo General program is so inexpensive that it seems like one would save a bundle if this were possible. Alas, it appears it's not to be.
It could still work using Walden, but you'll need a bridge. Just check schools in your area that offer bridge programs like the ones I and Sanantone referenced and that's your way in to licensed counseling. However, you're more likely to find one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling than one specifically in Marriage and Family Counseling or Licensed Pastoral Counseling.