Hi Sonja,

I do agree with your statement regarding the current shortage of mental health professionals and think that more extensive requirements might exacerbate this issue. With that being said, as strenuous as the current educational requirements are, it seems that we still struggle to prove our legitimacy (among medical professionals, insurance companies, etc.) as a result of unqualified, unlicensed individuals (i.e. life coaches) who claim to offer the “same” services as we do. It couldn’t be ALL bad to “weed out” the less qualified individuals, could it? I also think it’s important to note that you do not have to be stuck in a $25K/year job as a counselor. With a Master’s degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, etc. there are various opportunities to earn more money outside of an agency or private practice setting. You can offer trainings to businesses or law enforcement (trauma informed care?), teach part time, facilitate process groups, write articles for local magazines or the newspaper, create a blog (like this one!) and so much more. We are not limited. With all due respect it sounds like perhaps another field would be more appropriate for you. If you have just recently graduated and already feel like this career is a trap, I would be concerned about your willingness to authentically assist your clients in the therapeutic setting.