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What advice do you have for an incoming Clinical Mental Health grad student?
I am a 24 yo F that will be attending SMU this Fall to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am interested in working with adolescents and/or adults, but am having a hard time narrowing it down. I would love to receive advice about grad school, navigating practicum/internships, and what it's like being an LPC-A after graduation. #Spring25
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Megan,
Congrats! Being accepted into SMU's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a significant and joyful step toward a career in helping people. Grad school can seem overwhelming at first, but you'll succeed if you have the correct attitude and are well-prepared.
Once you have decided on a certain population to work with, take your time. Through coursework, practicums, and internships, you will encounter both adults and adolescents during your time in graduate school, and you will eventually begin to discover who you most connect with. It's acceptable to not know everything right away; let that process of discovery to occur during your training.
Regarding graduate school, be organized, ask questions in class or during supervision, and count on your peers for help. Establishing good time management skills early on is important because juggling coursework, assignments, and eventually practicum or internship hours can be difficult. In order to be present for others, you must also look after your own mental and emotional well-being.
Even if they don't fit your initial goal, try to be open to different venues or groups during your practicum and internship. Every experience enhances your abilities, self-assurance, and understanding of the type of counselor you wish to become. Seek candid feedback from your managers and view every meeting as a teaching moment, regardless of how well it goes.
Finding a suitable supervisor who shares your values and therapeutic approach is necessary to become an LPC-Associate (LPC-A) after graduation. When you start working independently, your supervisor will serve as a mentor and advisor, so pick someone you can trust and develop a relationship with.
You're going into an area where your empathy and knowledge will really help. You will accomplish important work if you continue to show up with inquiry and concern.
Best wishes!
Congrats! Being accepted into SMU's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a significant and joyful step toward a career in helping people. Grad school can seem overwhelming at first, but you'll succeed if you have the correct attitude and are well-prepared.
Once you have decided on a certain population to work with, take your time. Through coursework, practicums, and internships, you will encounter both adults and adolescents during your time in graduate school, and you will eventually begin to discover who you most connect with. It's acceptable to not know everything right away; let that process of discovery to occur during your training.
Regarding graduate school, be organized, ask questions in class or during supervision, and count on your peers for help. Establishing good time management skills early on is important because juggling coursework, assignments, and eventually practicum or internship hours can be difficult. In order to be present for others, you must also look after your own mental and emotional well-being.
Even if they don't fit your initial goal, try to be open to different venues or groups during your practicum and internship. Every experience enhances your abilities, self-assurance, and understanding of the type of counselor you wish to become. Seek candid feedback from your managers and view every meeting as a teaching moment, regardless of how well it goes.
Finding a suitable supervisor who shares your values and therapeutic approach is necessary to become an LPC-Associate (LPC-A) after graduation. When you start working independently, your supervisor will serve as a mentor and advisor, so pick someone you can trust and develop a relationship with.
You're going into an area where your empathy and knowledge will really help. You will accomplish important work if you continue to show up with inquiry and concern.
Best wishes!
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Megan, I loved my graduate education! Enjoy the bubble of being in a diverse academic environment. I don't know about your program but mine had a practicum (mini-internship with less restrictions) and a 12-month internship. While you may be encouraged to have one main site where you gain most of your direct contact hours, you can choose to work in multiple sites. For instance, my practicum sites included a public Jr. High and a family shelter. My internship site was in geriatrics with an additional site at a cancer support nonprofit for families. I also interned at a grief and loss camp two years in a row for children and adolescents (Camp Erin). I came into my program with 15 years working as a professional nanny and preschool educator- so lots of infant and child experience. I left school wanting to gain more time with adults and have since then worked primarily with the general adult pop. I do miss kids however and sometimes yearn to make a pivot. My advice is to follow the yearning! Every patient population has its own joys and challenges. But there are many ways to work- many different types of settings. Some are more stressful or demanding than others. Some require more family interaction (family education/training), or training in crisis. It all depends on the setting, type of therapy, charting expectations, etc. I went for my LMHC (same as your degree just different letters) because I was also unsure. I wanted to have an option to specialize or generalize. You will graduate and continue your training for years to come! I am constantly training and gaining certifications that were not taught in school. You will learn all the foundational skills and a few more; but the real work comes upon graduation. Have fun! Don't be afraid to seek out your own internship site(s) if able, and when possible, write papers on topics that are juicy for you. Best of luck! Cheers!