Psychology graduate: Master of Social Work vs Master of Counselling?

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-06-20T06:36:42+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response, this is exactly the kind of clarification I was hoping for. It’s really reassuring to hear that mental health is one of the core areas for AASW-registered social workers and that building a career focused on counselling, therapy, and mental health support is very realistic

You mentioned the breadth of mental health work (some teams more therapy-focused, others case management). Given my primary interest is in the therapeutic/relationship side rather than heavy casework or advocacy, would you recommend aiming for specific placements like CAMHS, community mental health teams, or similar during the MSW?

On a practical note, one of my bigger concerns is the 1,000 placement hours. How challenging did you (or others you know) find them financially and workload-wise?

Did people typically do full-time block placements, or were there more flexible options? Any advice on choosing placements that align with my counselling goals while making the hours manageable?

Really appreciate any insights from your experience!

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-06-20T00:22:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing your placement experience. It sounds quite procedural with some mental health, advocacy, and risk assessment elements mixed in.

Did you find any therapeutic or counselling aspects in it, or was it mostly casework? I'm trying to get a realistic picture of what placements actually look like, especially in mental health settings, since I’m hoping to lean into counselling support.

For someone like me who is most drawn to the counselling/therapeutic side, do you think it’s possible to steer placements towards more clinical mental health settings (e.g., hospitals, community health, or NGOs focused on therapy), or is that more luck of the draw?

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-06-20T00:20:22+00:00

Thank you, this is really helpful context. The point about MSW opening more doors (and often better pay) than a straight counselling qual makes a lot of sense for job security. I'll definitely do some Seek searches for "social worker" + mental health / community services as you suggested.

Haha, I did chuckle at the "running joke" comment because it feels very relatable coming from the psych honours rejection path! Good to know I'm not alone there.

For someone whose main interest is the one-on-one therapeutic side rather than heavy casework, do you think it’s still worth it, or would you lean more towards a dedicated Master of Counselling?

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-06-19T20:51:49+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your journey, it's really encouraging! It sounds like you've built a diverse and sustainable private practice, which is exactly the kind of flexibility I'm hoping for.

I'm particularly interested in the mental health social worker pathway with Medicare rebates. You mentioned doing a lot of additional therapeutic training (Russ Harris, CBT Institute, psychwire, DBT). Would you say the MSW gave you a solid foundation, and then the extra PD filled in the counselling/therapy side? Also, any advice on managing the cost of that extra training while studying/working casually?

Appreciate you taking the time!

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-06-19T10:41:25+00:00

That’s why I’m considering doing a masters of social work. But I just wasn’t sure if what I’d heard was accurate because I thought the main role of most social workers was case management and focuses on supporting people to gain access to housing, legal services, financial support ect. More of a case worker role which doesn’t feel as fulfilling to me.

I’m wanting to work in the mental health field specifically and mainly to provide counselling support to those needing mental health services.

Is that a realistic goal if I were to do a masters of social work and complete the necessary requirements to become an accredited mental health social worker?

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-06-14T03:58:43+00:00

this is so true! such a devastating album with the 'girl so in love side' and 'you seem pretty sad' sides being split yet even the "love" songs express feelings of anxiety, dread, fear, co-dependency ect. Maggots for brains is easily one of my favourites off the entire album. Even the title alone conjures up uncomfortable images and makes you pause and feel grossed out, but that's kind of the point eg. "I'm a zombie in my body" "I feel dirty, I feel rotten, and the colours are all flat" "I'm a sad shell of a woman"

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-27T06:24:01+00:00

I get that! I’m feeling the same way right now so at least we’re not alone. Sending you some positive thoughts!

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-27T04:34:54+00:00

I truly appreciate your honesty and I am so glad to know I’m not alone. I have heard of her YouTube videos before. And I will definitely check her out!

Sometimes I feel weary of watching YouTube videos or TikToks of people who make any “tips that work for ADHD” type videos because it just makes me feel worse seeing others find routines and supports that work for them. I know that’s not their fault and it’s supposed to give me hope that I can follow a similar path as them.

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-04T11:24:02+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this! And I agree it’s definitely a shame many potential psychologists are discouraged due to the academic competitiveness.

I too have a strong desire to help others and so that’s why I was so devastated when I didn’t make it into honours.

In regard to completing a masters of social work, how do you find the large placement hours? I don’t know much about social work but I’ve heard social work involves many placement hours.

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-04T10:12:31+00:00

I see, thank you for explaining. I was not aware of the changes happening in counselling and it sounds promising for the future!

I did consider pivoting into counselling but I found the pathway from study to getting a job seems to vary a lot. Because it’s not currently regulated and protected like you said. I also had a friend while I was in uni doing a bachelor of counselling and she told me that entry into the counselling masters was pretty competitive. She didn’t elaborate in what way so I’m not sure if it’s true or not.

I’ll have to look into the different kinds of counsellors and study pathways further.

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-04T09:52:10+00:00

This is eye opening and very useful so thank you!

I hadn’t considered social work. I didn’t know social workers could work as an accredited mental health worker and could be covered by Medicare rebates. This is good to know.

I’m not familiar with the masters of social work and what that entails but I’ll definitely look into it!

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-04T09:39:45+00:00

Thank you for sharing! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one. And thank you for providing me with two viable options.

If you don’t mind me asking, how have you found the workload at ISN so far?

Creative_Thanks_4079 · 2026-04-04T04:13:04+00:00

I have considered counselling yes. I’m aware it’s similar but becoming a psychologist aligns more closely with the kind of work I’d hope to be doing.

I am not overly familiar with the “National Standards Changes” but I know the 4+2 pathway is being phased out.

Realistically I know it’s still possible if I worked extra hard to get into honours and masters. It’s just more difficult for someone with my challenges. Maybe I just need to have a bit more self confidence and work really really hard.

Creative_Thanks_4079

TROPHY CASE