I graduated: Now What?

How to figure out your next steps after graduation:

I guess new seasons are kinda my thing.

As you know, I have been studying to become a mental health counselor, and am finally done with school. Finishing my master's was one thing, but now I navigate the lovely world of paying back student loans, building up a caseload, and finding my footing as a therapist.

Here is my quick and easy (sort of) guide to becoming licensed in New York.

Tip #1 - Take a break (no seriously)

This was the hardest part because I was in grind mode for two years. Fortunately, I got to do nothing before diving back into licensure and building supervision hours.

Tip #2 - Ask your school for help

Most programs focus really heavily on coursework, so the research about becoming licensed will be your first job. I was very much lost after graduation, but thankfully I had a good relationship with my student advisor. She was able to send me a pdf with step-by-step instructions and a checklist for becoming licensed in my state. This helped me keep track of dates for my application and gave me an easy answer for employers inquiring about my licensure status.

"Please review the attached packet (licensure info starts on page 5), and let me know if you have any questions." – Student Success Advisor, Counseling

Tip #3 - Find a site to supervise your hours

This part depends heavily on the population you wish to work with and how quickly you are looking to finish your hours. I chose to work in private practice because my ultimate goal is to start my own practice when I am fully licensed. Having my own practice essentially means that I am a business owner who can bill insurance and medical providers under my own name and license. This requires a lot of creative and organizational skills but pays off the long run. Depending on your caseload and site, it can take a bit longer to accrue hours.

You can also opt to work in a clinic or hospital setting. This method is more straightforward but can be. a bit more stressful. Most of the clinics in my area focused on substance abuse and were in person. I preferred private practice for the flexibility in schedule and freedom to work remotely. This method is great for getting your hours faster and a more steady paycheck.

Tip #4 - Practice Self Care

Remember, as a new counselor, you will struggle a lot. Your self-esteem may drop, you may make a bunch of mistakes at first and you may even go broke (lol if you don't have the right guidance). It matters to practice activities you enjoy outside of work, get good supervision and go to therapy yourself. Year one may feel like you need to prove yourself to everyone, but be mindful: burnout is real. I practice self-care by making jewelry, journalling, spending time with family, and painting. I also work out 3- times a week because I work from home

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Tip #5 - Be Organized

The licensure process requires a lot of time management skills. You are managing a caseload, updating your documents, tracking your hours, and possibly marketing yourself and your site. This takes time and practice. I have made my own little planning using my device. This has been a lifesaver in terms of keeping client notes. I Can make a notebook for each client, supervision notes, etc. without having a million paper notebooks.

It's all worth it in the end.

Take breaks when you need to, ask for help, have a plan, take care of yourself and stick to the goal. I am gladly working remotely and serving adolescents and women with family trauma, depression, and various life stressors. Check out some of my beading projects: On My New Site, and ask any questions you have about finding an affordable therapist.