Help with Career in Mental Health Administration or Policy

I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. I would not pursue the master's in counseling psychology if you don't want to work as a therapist; the degree is very focused on providing therapy, and the degree and license are not generally considered hugely relevant to any policy jobs, which are usually filled by people with master's degrees in social work (though not necessarily with licensed social workers). Lawyers could probably give you better advice on pivoting that experience into more nonprofit advocacy jobs, but I suspect that would be your best bet. Maybe look into http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301309/k.9D58/Volunteering.htm to get some relevant experience, or talking with your local CASA office about other local opportunities?

I'm a relatively recent law school graduate, the executive director of a public policy not-for-profit, and the husband of a PhD level clinical psychologist who just made the transition from a primarily research-based career to one focused almost exclusively on providing therapy. I feel like I can probably offer at least some kind of meaningful advice, and I'd be happy to chat with you individually if you're interested. My contact info is in my profile.

If you have an interest in Public Policy, administration and/or an executive role in mental health services I would strongly encourage you to look at a Master's in Social Work (MSW) rather than a direct clinical or alternative program. Most Masters Schools of Social Work offer a specific degree/sub-specialty in Public Policy and/or , Administration etc. The MSW has national stature and credibility because of the nationally based accreditation of the programs. Good Luck-- from a retired MH executive. I would make the same offer saladin if you want to continue to explore this.