Benefits of a Master’s Degree for Starting a Private Practice
Counselors and therapists work in many different types of settings. They can be found in schools, hospitals, prisons, substance use disorder recovery centers, government social service agencies, and numerous other environments in the private and public sectors.
Many mental health practitioners see disturbing gaps in mental healthcare access in their communities. So, they often decide to start their own practices. For professionals interested in this field, getting a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology is a key step. It helps them learn how to start a private practice and provide services to those in need.
How Do You Start a Private Practice?
Laws differ by state. In most places, starting a private practice requires a license from the state government. In California, the agency responsible for licensing mental health practitioners is the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
The BBS provides different licenses for mental health professionals. These licenses enable them to work independently and run their own private practices. These include:
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed educational psychologist (LEP)
Each type of license has its own requirements. To qualify for any of them, applicants must first earn a master’s degree in a related field. They also need to complete about two years of supervised experience and pass a final exam.
Obtaining a license isn’t typically the last step before starting an independent practice. Licensed mental health professionals often gain experience at a mental health care agency.
Many master's degree programs offer concurrent hands-on experience for professional students. From there, they may set up a limited liability corporation (LLC) or another business model for their practice. And they must also purchase professional insurance before starting private practice.
Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Psychology for Starting a Private Practice
To get licensed and start a private practice, professionals can earn a master’s degree in any of a range of disciplines, such as social work or marriage and family therapy. However, earning a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology comes with some unique benefits.
At Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU), students enrolled in the master’s in Clinical Psychology program gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to run their own practice.
Through NDNU’s School of Clinical Psychology, students benefit from a flexible curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and dedicated mentorship opportunities, while also preparing for multiple types of clinical licensure in California.
The Adaptable Curriculum and Degree Specializations
The Clinical Psychology program at NDNU features an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to support a wide range of psychology professionals, with particular value for those who plan to work in private practice.
Students build a strong foundation in clinical theory, assessment, and psychotherapy while also gaining practical preparation in ethics, experiential learning, and business and organizational skills essential for professional practice.
Selected core courses include:
- Psychopathology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Clinical Assessment and Treatment
- Crisis, Trauma, and Recovery
- Professional Ethics and Law
- Group Psychotherapy
And, for students who wish to pursue a different area of psychology either before or after working in their own private practice, this multifaceted curriculum can help them prepare for a career in psychology in any of multiple sectors, such as:
- Social work
- Sociology
- Biology
- Business
- Education
- Law
- Medicine
- Allied health
Students can further tailor their studies to their goals by specializing in Consulting and Applied Psychology or Business, Organizational, and Consulting.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
In psychology, graduate-level work is often far more involved than undergraduate-level work. Graduate psychology programs typically include some kind of clinical work or require students to complete a residency or internship. For many students, this is one of the most impactful benefits of a master’s degree.
At NDNU, online and on-campus students alike have access to dedicated clinical training staff, the school’s network of practicum partners, networking events, and other resources that can help them find the right hands-on learning experiences. This means students who want to start and run a private practice can gain invaluable insights from professionals who’ve already been through that process.
Multiple Licensure Options
Each type of mental health practitioner license comes with its own responsibilities and scope of practice. As such, applicants must meet slightly different educational standards to qualify for each one. At NDNU, master’s in Clinical Psychology students can prepare to earn any of multiple licenses.
The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program at NDNU is approved by the California BBS to prepare students for licensure as a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed professional clinical counselor, or both. Each path has a slightly different course sequence, so students are encouraged to work with faculty to build a schedule that will help them meet their licensure and career goals.
Master’s in Psychology Salary and Job Growth
According to Payscale, professionals who hold a Clinical Psychology master’s degree have a median salary of about $60,000 a year. Many professionals increase their salary by gaining more experience and pursuing higher-level career opportunities. For example, Payscale reports that the highest-paid clinical therapists earn salaries up to about $79,000, while clinical program directors earn salaries up to about $124,000.
Just as important, clinical mental health professionals are expected to be in high demand in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of behavioral and mental health counselors is expected to increase by 19% from 2023 to 2033. An average of 48,900 job openings are projected to be available each year for these counselors during that period, indicating a wealth of opportunities for professionals who want to work independently or at an established organization or agency.
Start on the Path to Private Practice
Starting a private practice can be an intimidating and sometimes confusing endeavor. At Notre Dame de Namur University, our Master of Science in Clinical Psychology faculty are devoted to helping you at every step, from choosing the right degree option to carving out your niche.
To learn more about the curriculum and practicum options, contact the NDNU admissions team today.
Recommended Readings
How Hard Is It to Become a Licensed Therapist?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Psychology Degree?
Where Do Clinical Psychologists, Therapists, and Counselors Work — NDNU
Sources:
California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Applicants
California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Payscale, Master of Arts (MA), Clinical Psychology Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors