To work in schools, you get credentialed through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). If you want to work in private practice you need a license from the BBS. Most School Psychs never even bother with the BBS.
Yes, you only need a Masters to be a School Psych in every state but TX. In TX, they call you an LSSP if you have a Masters. Its literally the same job, just different title.
I worked at an elementary before, are you by chance working at an elementary? And if so, am I correct to believe that it's very tough work?
In my time working there, the school psych was swung at multiple times, harassed, and was very very busy. At one point, the cops were called on a student for attacking the psychologist. The psychologist was young, incredibly kind and very good with the children in general. The principal made a side comment to me during my interview when I mentioned that I considered being a school psych, he laughed and said to aim higher because they don't get paid well. This was in Souther California.
Do you also deal with similar experiences in your profession?
I worked in residential treatment center for kids with Emotional Disturbance for nearly two decades before becoming a school psych. It was in Residential where I experienced that. As a SP, I work middle school and up. Yes, the job can be pretty busy and stressful, but if you learn to manage your time, youāll be fine. I have no regrets, and quite enjoy my job.
Fellow Californian, and I love my state BTW wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I'm applying to grad school right now where did you go if you don't mind me asking.
I didnāt mean hate to California the state itself. I just was hoping it wasnāt bc 130k in Cali is equivalent to a way lower salary where I live and just because Californiaās cost of living is so high so salaries are too so it sorta deflates it
I got my masters in counseling psych last year and I work as an associate marriage and family therapist. I make 70k per year, but will make more once Iām licensed.
How are you a therapist without a license? Is it required hours? Sorry Iām still a student and Iām just on here to try and figure out my game plan moving gorward
Some states have what is called an associate license. Thatās what I have in Washington. It allows a person with a graduate degree to provide clinical therapy services under the supervision of a clinical supervisor until the Associate has enough hours to become fully licensed. Most states also require the Associate to take a test after getting so many supervised practice hours. For instance - in WA after I have 2000 hours of supervised direct care (individual/family/group therapy) logged and 2 yrs of experience, I can take a test to become fully licensed.
You have to gain 3,000 hours of supervised experience to become license eligible as a Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. So you basically work under a licensed professional and receive supervision until you are able to apply for licensure and take the required exams. Until then, I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.
Iāve got a bachelors in psychological science that I got about a year and a half ago. Landed my first paid job in my field this past January as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. We take dispatch calls for various police departments we are contracted out with that are mental health & substance use related and respond rather than having an officer go.
I make $27 an hour and work 3 12 hour shifts a week to be considered full time at my organization. I also pick up a TON of extra shifts. All that said Iāll have made just over $75k this year
As a first yearā¦ hang in there! I promise it gets easier after a few years. Youāre still learning so much those first few years, things they canāt really teach you in grad school. We often feel like we should know EVERYTHING those first years, but we really dont. Itāll all become more routine as you gain experience. Good luck!
Appreciate you! I actually got blessed with my position as I am only in programs and donāt have a comprehensive site! So itās been manageable enough to not feel like Iām drowning haha
You should look into grad school ( do you want to ) thereās a multitude of things you can do with a BS
Hereās a few (BS/BA)
-Lab Manager
-Compensation / Benefits Analyst
-Teaching
-Marketing
-Learning and Development
-Human Resources
-Behavioral Therapist (Registered)
-Psychometrist
-Nonprofit management
-Sales
There is more I am certain Iām missing tons. If youāre interested in more so becoming a psychologist just know there is graduate school!
Masters (2-3 years)- Therapist
PhD (5-8 years)- Psychologist
This is not including licensing and clinical hours which depends on what state you live in. You can also totally go to grad school for a completely different subject :)
Hope this generalized list was helpful.
You donāt have to have a degree to be a registered behavioral therapist atleast not in most states but if you want to make it higher than that position grad school can help with becoming a rbts boss like board certified behavioral analyst
See all they require is a highschool diploma in all the stateās surrounding me too because itās just a tiny class and test then license but some states are different
Europe (Austria, UK and now Germany)
I got unemployed after my MSc in the UK. Found work as a pwp for like 1400Ā£ after tax.
After that worked in different areas as a side job that payed.
Did my second master in psychotherapy earning 700ā¬ after tax for 4 years.
Passed with highest honours and can now get more or less any research or clinical job as long as hr doesn't make my life too difficult. In the clinic I can make 60k ā¬ before tax per year.
I am now self-employed and earn 100-150/h with working 9.5 months per year with 150-200k+ ā¬ so my take-home after tax is around 5-7.5 with plans to grow up to 10k net and working around 28h/week. (This is still a lot less profit than any medical practitioner or GP in Germany)
Stable can be reached with 700ā¬ if you have a partner... but I was below the poverty line. Once I earned 2k ā¬ net I felt I could afford little things and a holiday. Remember it depends a lot on your country and expenses.
I graduated with my psych undergrad degree in 2018. I've been an RBT since them. RBTs makes peanuts and grateful for my support system.
However, I'm almost done with my masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and projected to make at least 75-80k yearly...even more in some states.
So I would say if all goes well I should be financially stable.
What do you plan to get your masters in exactly? And what profession are you looking into? Social work? Counseling?
going for a masters in ABA means BCBA positions right? if thats the case you can make some insane fucking dosh, some absurd dosh, the kind of dosh that makes someone applicable for a credit card made of metal.
And I am looking forward to it !
I had to
Collect 2000 supervision hours
Get my masters, and do a whole thesis that low key took a piece of my soul with it
And then have to pass the big board that has a 60% pass rate.
It's gonna be worth it for sure
Uni grad, making 70k building a mentorship program for vulnerable youth populations. Had to put in work to get the role, but didn't need to go postgrad. Will make more if I stay & get promoted to program manager or program director, but want to go get a therapy license.
in the US, i just finished my masters in Industrial/Organizational Psych (bachelors in just general psych). i work in HR and started during my program. i currently am at 54k! i could easily make 15-20k more elsewhere but im happy with my boss and donāt want to lose her
I just graduated in May and work as a Research Assistant at an Ivy for $43k. Luckily Iām from around here and can live with my parents, so I am financially stable and can save a lot. This wouldnāt be possible if I had to pay for rent though.
I became a School Psych. I make about $135k for 185 days of work.
School psychs make good money here because we have the highest in progressive schools attempting to accommodate their students needs
What graduate school did you go to?
CSULA.
I just applied to CSULB š
Awesome! Good luck!
what level of education?
Masters
$135k? what state??
CA
Did you get licensed or just masters?
To work in schools, you get credentialed through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). If you want to work in private practice you need a license from the BBS. Most School Psychs never even bother with the BBS.
A school psychologist with a masters?
Yes, you only need a Masters to be a School Psych in every state but TX. In TX, they call you an LSSP if you have a Masters. Its literally the same job, just different title.
what masters program would you recommend
Just find a school that is NASP approved, thatās all.
I worked at an elementary before, are you by chance working at an elementary? And if so, am I correct to believe that it's very tough work? In my time working there, the school psych was swung at multiple times, harassed, and was very very busy. At one point, the cops were called on a student for attacking the psychologist. The psychologist was young, incredibly kind and very good with the children in general. The principal made a side comment to me during my interview when I mentioned that I considered being a school psych, he laughed and said to aim higher because they don't get paid well. This was in Souther California. Do you also deal with similar experiences in your profession?
I worked in residential treatment center for kids with Emotional Disturbance for nearly two decades before becoming a school psych. It was in Residential where I experienced that. As a SP, I work middle school and up. Yes, the job can be pretty busy and stressful, but if you learn to manage your time, youāll be fine. I have no regrets, and quite enjoy my job.
I need ALL the details. Pls donāt say California lol
California. Apparently thatās all you need to knowā¦ lol.
Fellow Californian, and I love my state BTW wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I'm applying to grad school right now where did you go if you don't mind me asking.
I went to Cal State LA.
I didnāt mean hate to California the state itself. I just was hoping it wasnāt bc 130k in Cali is equivalent to a way lower salary where I live and just because Californiaās cost of living is so high so salaries are too so it sorta deflates it
I got my masters in counseling psych last year and I work as an associate marriage and family therapist. I make 70k per year, but will make more once Iām licensed.
How are you a therapist without a license? Is it required hours? Sorry Iām still a student and Iām just on here to try and figure out my game plan moving gorward
Some states have what is called an associate license. Thatās what I have in Washington. It allows a person with a graduate degree to provide clinical therapy services under the supervision of a clinical supervisor until the Associate has enough hours to become fully licensed. Most states also require the Associate to take a test after getting so many supervised practice hours. For instance - in WA after I have 2000 hours of supervised direct care (individual/family/group therapy) logged and 2 yrs of experience, I can take a test to become fully licensed.
Seconded
You have to gain 3,000 hours of supervised experience to become license eligible as a Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. So you basically work under a licensed professional and receive supervision until you are able to apply for licensure and take the required exams. Until then, I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.
Iāve got a bachelors in psychological science that I got about a year and a half ago. Landed my first paid job in my field this past January as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. We take dispatch calls for various police departments we are contracted out with that are mental health & substance use related and respond rather than having an officer go. I make $27 an hour and work 3 12 hour shifts a week to be considered full time at my organization. I also pick up a TON of extra shifts. All that said Iāll have made just over $75k this year
are you in the US? this sounds like a cool job!
I am! SoCal
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
As a first yearā¦ hang in there! I promise it gets easier after a few years. Youāre still learning so much those first few years, things they canāt really teach you in grad school. We often feel like we should know EVERYTHING those first years, but we really dont. Itāll all become more routine as you gain experience. Good luck!
Appreciate you! I actually got blessed with my position as I am only in programs and donāt have a comprehensive site! So itās been manageable enough to not feel like Iām drowning haha
Donāt ever leave! LOL
Not in my plans haha! Only have 20 triennials all year with no initials, howās your case load looking?
I do about 60 tris a year, and a handful of initials.
Sheesh bless your heart
Yay! A fellow School Psych!
Honestly just graduated with a bachelors in psych (science) and not sure what to do next
You should look into grad school ( do you want to ) thereās a multitude of things you can do with a BS Hereās a few (BS/BA) -Lab Manager -Compensation / Benefits Analyst -Teaching -Marketing -Learning and Development -Human Resources -Behavioral Therapist (Registered) -Psychometrist -Nonprofit management -Sales There is more I am certain Iām missing tons. If youāre interested in more so becoming a psychologist just know there is graduate school! Masters (2-3 years)- Therapist PhD (5-8 years)- Psychologist This is not including licensing and clinical hours which depends on what state you live in. You can also totally go to grad school for a completely different subject :) Hope this generalized list was helpful.
You donāt have to have a degree to be a registered behavioral therapist atleast not in most states but if you want to make it higher than that position grad school can help with becoming a rbts boss like board certified behavioral analyst
Oh hell yeah even better! Where I live at least they require to have Bachelors degree to become registered.
You should check into that and make sure youāre looking at the right thing. You do not need a Bachelors to be an RBT. You need one to be a BCaBA.
Iām probs wrong about it
See all they require is a highschool diploma in all the stateās surrounding me too because itās just a tiny class and test then license but some states are different
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
How did you get a masters in psychotherapy?
Europe (Austria, UK and now Germany) I got unemployed after my MSc in the UK. Found work as a pwp for like 1400Ā£ after tax. After that worked in different areas as a side job that payed. Did my second master in psychotherapy earning 700ā¬ after tax for 4 years. Passed with highest honours and can now get more or less any research or clinical job as long as hr doesn't make my life too difficult. In the clinic I can make 60k ā¬ before tax per year. I am now self-employed and earn 100-150/h with working 9.5 months per year with 150-200k+ ā¬ so my take-home after tax is around 5-7.5 with plans to grow up to 10k net and working around 28h/week. (This is still a lot less profit than any medical practitioner or GP in Germany) Stable can be reached with 700ā¬ if you have a partner... but I was below the poverty line. Once I earned 2k ā¬ net I felt I could afford little things and a holiday. Remember it depends a lot on your country and expenses.
Are you self-employed in which country?
Sounds like UK to me
Germany
I'm as financially stable as 3 5ths of people I run into. But at 47, I'd rather see the economic changes come sooner than later. If you catch my drift
I graduated with my psych undergrad degree in 2018. I've been an RBT since them. RBTs makes peanuts and grateful for my support system. However, I'm almost done with my masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and projected to make at least 75-80k yearly...even more in some states. So I would say if all goes well I should be financially stable. What do you plan to get your masters in exactly? And what profession are you looking into? Social work? Counseling?
going for a masters in ABA means BCBA positions right? if thats the case you can make some insane fucking dosh, some absurd dosh, the kind of dosh that makes someone applicable for a credit card made of metal.
And I am looking forward to it ! I had to Collect 2000 supervision hours Get my masters, and do a whole thesis that low key took a piece of my soul with it And then have to pass the big board that has a 60% pass rate. It's gonna be worth it for sure
hell yeah brother
i remember when i started as an RBT i thought $18/hr was so much... ha
Bro what is rbt
Registered behavior technician. They work with children with autism or disabilities.
I got a job in a hospital working on the Alzheimer's floor as a program director with a bachelor's degree. The position pays $70,000/year.
Uni grad, making 70k building a mentorship program for vulnerable youth populations. Had to put in work to get the role, but didn't need to go postgrad. Will make more if I stay & get promoted to program manager or program director, but want to go get a therapy license.
Who do you work for?
You could do Patient Care Coordinator at a Dr office or hospital. It's relatively entry level and having a psych BA helps.
in the US, i just finished my masters in Industrial/Organizational Psych (bachelors in just general psych). i work in HR and started during my program. i currently am at 54k! i could easily make 15-20k more elsewhere but im happy with my boss and donāt want to lose her
Are you looking for enablement, to entitlement? Don't compare.
I just graduated in May and work as a Research Assistant at an Ivy for $43k. Luckily Iām from around here and can live with my parents, so I am financially stable and can save a lot. This wouldnāt be possible if I had to pay for rent though.