How to become a Residential Psych Counselor?

I am in the army and I want to pursue a masters degree in psych. to become a counselor. I have a GED and some college. Any advice, tips?

• Answer:

  Start by finishing a Bachelor's degree in Psych. You can finish 2 years at community college, it's cheaper. Then transfer to University. There are usually about 5 basic psych courses that you'll need to have that are Bachelor level courses, make sure you take them when getting your BA so you don't have to take them at the Masters level. They'll be needed as prerequisites for masters level courses. Your guidance counselor can help you figure out which ones. Because you want to be a counselor/therapist gear your classes toward clinical not experimental whenever possible. When you're about to graduate with your BA apply to some Universities that have Masters programs in Clinical Psychology. It's a very rewarding field. Take the classes as fast or slow as you need to just keep going. You'll do great! If you have any other questions, just ask. I know the California system pretty well. Good luck :)