Best advised route towards Counseling licensed LPC, LSW or other similar path

[donz]

I thank you and other users such as the moderators and super moderators but I will not make mention of them all on proper and sound guidance.  Feel free to PM if you like.

I've been lurking in the forum a bit lately, and I am considering laddering to a counseling program to do LPC in a state such as Texas. Or if possible getting it in Illinois then see what the process is to transfer to Texas. So I haven't seen a clearest outline but I've seen various suggestions whether Walden, Liberty, WNMU, and as well as others. 

There were also suggestions leaning towards Social Work/MSW as it's more broad for other kinds of work, but includes disadvantages like not being as streamlined for counseling. Then in the forum there are those that call for CACREP, APA, CSWE and other things but those seem to be more of an issue for the higher levels in the profession which I will consider at a later time.

As I am looking for the fastest, easiest, and cheapest- so far I only see Kairos University as the one that stood out in this forum. Even at that price it still doesn't seem cheap, and the coursework seems to be CBE. Then the practicum hours will be challenging to find remotely, except that I did see a couple schools seem to offer it but those programs are still a very high price. 

I don't think the Kairos Masters in counseling they offer will be pastoral related and it claims to meet majority states requirements for licensing. Lastly, I tried reaching them by phone and their was not an answer from any of the numbers but I will try again. 

As there are still several hurdles with this career and avenue, I will look into Kairos and see if I can reach them by phone then as there is not much experience with it, and possibly try a course and see how it goes.

What are the top best suggestions for a licensed counselor in this scenario?



Addendum
Your Location: USA
Your Age: 30
What kind of degree do you want?: Counseling, Social Work, or similar related that will lead to similar counseling path
Current Regional Accredited Credits: Community College
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: Trifecta, Pierpont, BAS UMPI
Any certifications or military experience?: Yes but unrelated
Budget: Cheapest but will consider spending a bit if means easier and quicker
Commitments: Fastest, easiest, cheapest
Dedicated time to study: Full time
Timeline: +- 1-2 years
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: None after bachelor's that I know of unless grants or scholarships

[sanantone]

CSWE is necessary at all licensure levels of social work. Texas requires CSWE accreditation for licensing. CACREP is not absolutely necessary...yet. However, you eliminate yourself for a lot of federal government jobs by not having it. APA is for clinical, school, and counseling psychologists.

[Heartstrings]

I am from Texas and I looked at the Kairos degree and it meets state requirements for Texas and Illinois. I work in the counseling/human services field. If you become and LMSW you can work towards requirements to becoming LCSW which gives you the option to do more clinical work. LCSW provide therapy also. I would check with the state requirements for licensure because I am almost certain that some practicum/Internship hours have to be in-person for LPC licensure. I know for sure that after you graduate in Texas and you are an LPC-associate you have to have in-person therapy hours a part of your internship. I also wanted to add that I do think that practicum/internship hours are limited to part-time per week so that might extend your time in school.

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Donz I got an email. I didn't know my email was available but I would prefer to answer questions in this forum.

The first question you asked is Kairos a decent choice?

I don't know. I don't research schools all it said is that it meets requirements for the state of Texas and Illinois as you stated you were interested in those states.

Second question. My opinion: my opinion is that you are going to be working with people who are mentally ill, grieving dealing with complex issues, issues, social issues, substance use, etc. This is not something I will rush and it is something that I would take in as much information as I can.

[donz]

I am from Texas and I looked at the Kairos degree and it meets state requirements for Texas and Illinois. I work in the counseling/human services field. If you become and LMSW you can work towards requirements to becoming LCSW which gives you the option to do more clinical work. LCSW provide therapy also. I would check with the state requirements for licensure because I am almost certain that some practicum/Internship hours have to be in-person for LPC licensure. I know for sure that after you graduate in Texas and you are an LPC-associate you have to have in-person therapy hours a part of your internship. I also wanted to add that I do think that practicum/internship hours are limited to part-time per week so that might extend your time in school.

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Donz I got an email. I didn't know my email was available but I would prefer to answer questions in this forum.

The first question you asked is Kairos a decent choice?

I don't know. I don't research schools all it said is that it meets requirements for the state of Texas and Illinois as you stated you were interested in those states.

Second question. My opinion: my opinion is that you are going to be working with people who are mentally ill, grieving dealing with complex issues, issues, social issues, substance use, etc. This is not something I will rush and it is something that I would take in as much information as I can.

That was a pm message on degreeforum. 

Thanks for input