Psychology Masters

[sanantone]

Only one or two states require APA accreditation, but certain government jobs require it. Some other employers might require an APA-accredited internship. I've heard it's much more difficult to get an APA-accredited internship without an APA-accredited degree.

As Jonathan said, there are other ways to practice counseling. It's different for each state, but, generally, you can get a 48-60 credit master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family counseling and become licensed as an LPC or LMHC. You need a CSWE-accredited degree in social work to become an LMSW or LCSW. You need COAMFTE-accredited degree in marriage and family counseling to become an LMFT. All of these can practice independently. Psychological associates or assistants have to be under the supervision of a psychologist. For counseling programs, the federal government requires CACREP accreditation. I haven't seen anything that says that most states require CACREP for licensure. I know my state doesn't. Substance abuse counselors only need an associate's or bachelor's in most states and can practice independently, but their scope of practice is limited to substance abuse counseling.

School psychology programs can be APA and/or NASP accredited. What's interesting is that NASP is not recognized by CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education, but it's well respected in the field. If you really want to become a psychologist, life would be easier if you attend an APA-accredited program. It would be even easier if you attend a ground program with funding and a tuition waiver, but these programs are very competitive. You can enter a lot of PhD programs with just a bachelor's degree.