Would the moving around be detrimental to her career? Would licensing on a state by state basis be difficult? What education and job opportunities are there via the Air Force/Military? Are there any psychologists out there that are married to military officers? Please help.How can a military spouse have a successful career as a mental health counselor or psychologist?The military is very concerned about their members being educated. Every post (we were Army) we were stationed at had some sort of college nearby. You're talking about a specialized degree, so it would be harder probably, but I doubt impossible for you to go on and get a mental health degree. I did have one friend who stayed back when her husband was assigned to Germany and completed her law degree. You might have to look at that somewhere down the line.
As for a career, once you are licensed, try to get on with the Federal government. Most military bases have medical facilities and could use a mental health specialist. If you work on a US military facility, you wouldn't have to worry about different state licensing requirements. Good luck....How can a military spouse have a successful career as a mental health counselor or psychologist?Most of the base hospitals where he'll be stationed will have counselors. But the choice is yours, not ours.How can a military spouse have a successful career as a mental health counselor or psychologist?I am a navy wife and have my Masters in Social Work and work as a Crisis Counselor. It may take some extra time to finish your degree if you PCS while you are in the middle of school but it is doable. I thankfully only had 5 months left of graduate school when my husband enlisted. So by the time he got his first PCS orders I was done with school. Since I have my bachelors in social work it only took me three years part time to get my masters. You could easily completed a full time counseling masters program in 2 years. To be a psychologist you are really looking at having to complete your masters then go for a PhD or PsyD or get into a combined program which can take about 5 years. It really depends on your preference.
Moving has made is difficult for me to obtain my supervision towards my LCSW because in Ohio independently licensed social workers didn't charge you for supervision but in Virginia they do and it is not something we can afford at this time.
However, after searching for about 6 months I received the job I have now in emergency mental health and I hope to start my supervision soon. I am actually putting in an officers packet for the navy for their new social work internship program.
You would have to take each state on a case by case basis but many states have very similar licensing laws once you receive your masters degree (at least for counselors and social workers-not sure about psychologists)
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