Counseling Psychology vs. Social Work: Which Master’s-Level Therapy Pathway is Right for You?
How Do I Become a Therapist?
There are several ways to become a practicing therapist. Two of the most common ways are obtaining a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology or a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Both of these programs require incoming students to, at minimum, hold a bachelor’s degree in a psychology-related major or another field.
While obtaining your advanced degree, an important consideration is what specialty to focus on. The counseling psychology and social work fields allow you to specialize in the type of therapy you’d like to practice or the population served. Once your specialty is decided, you can seek electives, seminars, certifications, and networking opportunities that will help further your education and knowledge of your focus.
Typically, therapists-in-training must conduct supervised clinical work while completing their graduate coursework. Students are then qualified to work toward licensure following graduation with a master’s-level degree. Depending on the program chosen, licensing requirements and governing bodies differ. While the counseling psychology and social work pathways are similar, there are important factors to consider when deciding which field is right for you. This article explores the similarities and differences between these professional pathways to help you decide on your next career step.
What is the Difference Between a Counseling Psychologist and a Social Worker?
While similar in field study and populations served, important differences exist between a Master of Counseling Psychology degree program and a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Master of Social Work (MSW)
A Master of Social Work is a graduate degree program that prepares students for a career specializing in supporting individuals and their well-being in various settings. There are two types of MSW programs: the advanced standing MSW (one-year program), which students who have already earned their Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) are qualified to attend, and the traditional MSW (two-year program), which is appropriate for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field other than social work.
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MSW programs typically offer one of two tracks: direct (clinical) practice or macro practice. In the clinical track, students are trained to conduct direct therapeutic work with individuals or groups, using skills and relationships to support people through difficult circumstances. The macro practice track teaches students how to initiate change through community organizing, policy amendment, and general advocacy efforts to address the root cause of social issues impacting people’s lives. Both tracks focus on supporting and improving the quality of life for individuals and/or groups.
Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology
A Master’s in Counseling Psychology is usually a two- or three-year graduate degree program in which students are trained to support people in improving their well-being by assessing and treating their function at the individual level and within relationships. Most counseling psychology programs are designed to address the core competencies required to obtain licensure and allow students to further specialize in an area of interest within the counseling field. Among others, these programs may be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the American Psychological Association (APA) and prepare students to apply and begin to earn hours toward licensure.
Key Differences
While counseling psychology and social work are dedicated to helping support people in improving their overall well-being and quality of life, there are important distinctions between the two. A clinical social worker is qualified to provide therapeutic services just as a counseling psychologist; however, a social worker can also assist clients in resource connection and referral. Counseling psychologists may have a specific focus on addressing a client’s mental health issues. In contrast, a social worker may have a broader focus on the social issues that contribute to such mental health issues. Social workers are trained to affect change at the macro level by advocating for policy and procedural changes that contribute to an individual’s and/or group’s well-being.
Should I Choose Counseling Psychology or Social Work?
Critical Job Functions of Each
Understanding the core competencies and critical job functions of a counseling psychologist and a social worker is important in deciding which path is best for you.
Some of the most important job functions of a counselor include:
Assessing clients’ mental health status
Evaluating presenting issues that may impede a client’s progress
Identifying and developing treatment plans and goals within an interdisciplinary team
Providing therapeutic interventions to assist clients in meeting their goals
Some of the most important job functions of a social worker include:
Identifying populations in need of resources/referrals
Evaluating clients within the context of their environments and providing referrals to appropriate entities/resources
Crisis intervention
Identifying and developing treatment plans and programs/policies that will enable a client to progress toward their goals
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Where Do Counseling Psychologists and Social Workers Work?
Both counseling psychologists and social workers are employed in similar settings, including but not limited to:
Mental health facilities
Schools
Private clinics
Hospital systems
Correctional facilities
Nonprofit organizations
Military
Community settings
Salary Comparison and Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a social worker in 2023 was $58,380 per year, and the social work field is projected to grow 7% faster than average over the next 10 years. Similarly, those in the counseling psychology field, such as substance abuse counselors, behavioral disorder counselors, and mental health counselors, earned a median salary of $53,710 in 2023. The counseling psychology field is projected to grow much faster than average at 18% over the next 10 years.
RELATED: Learn more about salary insights and career options with an MSW degree.
How Do I Find Programs?
The first step to finding the right degree is deciding whether you would like an in-person or online program. It’s a good idea to explore the pros and cons of online programs that you might consider when exploring what type of program you’d like to attend. Once this has been decided, you can then begin searching for accredited institutions to apply to. Accreditation is important because it ensures that your program's curriculum matches professional industry standards and quality. The U.S. Department of Education is a helpful resource in identifying accredited programs.
Once you have selected the program(s) you would like to apply to, it’s time to start crafting your application and personal statement. You can find a general guide to 2024 MSW application requirements and resources to help you prepare a significant part of the application–your personal statement.
A Final Note
Whether you choose a graduate program in counseling psychology or an MSW, there will be no shortage of specialties to explore or settings for you to practice in. The job outlook for therapists has only grown over the last several years, and both the counseling psychology field and the social work field are expected to continue expanding. Supporting others through challenging times and helping them to reach their goals will provide a fulfilling and valuable career.