Studen scenarios
Student says: “I work full time, have two kids, and my schedule changes weekly. I want structure but realistically can’t commit to set deadlines.”
would tempo or CB work better
Answer: Tempo
Why: Lifestyle requires flexibility over preference
Student says: “I just graduated with my bachelor’s in psychology and honestly don’t know exactly what I want to do yet, just that I like the field.”
Answer: MS in Psychology
Why: Broad, exploratory without committing to licensure
Student says: “I want to work in a high school helping students emotionally, but I also like the idea of having a private practice later on.”
Answer: MS Dual Degree (CMHC + School Counseling)
Why: Keeps both school + clinical paths open
Student says: “I want to work in hospitals or with veterans, maybe doing counseling or connecting them to resources.”
Answer: MSW
Why: Flexibility across clinical + case management in systems
Student says: “I’m interested in behavior analysis, but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit to a full master’s yet and just want to qualify for the certification.”
Answer: Grad Certificate in ABA
Why: Lower commitment, targeted outcome
Student says: “I’m passionate about mental health counseling specifically, not really interested in schools or social work.”
Answer: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Why: Direct path to therapist licensure
Student says: “I’m a case manager at a nonprofit and love helping people, but I don’t really see myself doing therapy. I just want to grow into leadership or program roles.”
Answer: MS in Human Services
Why: Helping field without licensure; leadership/program focus
Student says: “I already have a master’s in education, but I want to transition into behavior analysis and qualify for the BCBA exam.”
Answer: Grad Certificate in ABA
Why: Doesn’t need another full degree
Student says: “I want to help people through tough times and be there for them emotionally.”
Answer: Needs follow-up
Why: Could be support (Human Services) or therapy (CMHC)
Winning question: “Do you want to provide therapy or more general support?”
Student says: “I want to work in mental health, maybe do therapy, but also like the idea of advocacy and working on bigger systemic issues.”
Answer: MSW
Why: Combines clinical + macro/advocacy opportunities
Student says: “I’m already working as an RBT and love it. My goal is to supervise cases and create treatment plans.”
Answer: MS in ABA
Why: Path to BCBA and advancement
Student says: “I want to work one-on-one with clients to change behaviors.”
Answer: Needs follow-up
Why: Could be therapy OR ABA
Winning question: “Are you thinking talk therapy or structured behavior plans?”
Student says: “I want to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and work directly with clients in a clinical setting.”`
Answer: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Why: Counseling = treatment + licensure (not just diagnosis)
Student says: “I love psychology and originally thought about therapy, but I’m more interested in research and understanding behavior than actually treating clients.”
Answer: MS in Psychology
Why: Research/theory vs licensure track
Student says: “I want to work with individuals struggling with addiction, maybe in a rehab or community setting.”
Answer: MSW (slight edge)
Why: Flexibility across clinical + case management in those settings
Coaching note: CMHC could also fit—depends on therapy vs broader role
Student says: “I’m interested in therapy but also want options outside of counseling if I change my mind.”
Answer: MSW
Why: Broader career flexibility
Student says: “I’m really interested in mental health and diagnosing disorders, but I don’t love the idea of doing talk therapy all day.”
Answer: MS in Clinical Psychology
Why: Assessment/diagnostic focus vs counseling-heavy
Student says: “I want to be a therapist and open my own practice one day, but I also really enjoy working with teens in schools.”
Answer: MS Dual Degree
Why: Dual interest requires dual licensure paths
Student says: “I currently work in community outreach and want to move into managing programs and making a bigger impact, not necessarily counseling.”
Answer: MS in Human Services
Why: Program leadership vs clinical work
Student says: “I like working with clients directly, but I also want the flexibility to move into administrative or leadership roles later.”
Answer: MSW
Why: Most versatile across clinical + leadership paths
Student says: “I want to work with kids and help them improve behavior and succeed.”
Answer: Needs follow-up
Why: Could be ABA, school counseling, or social work
Winning question: “Are you focused on behavior plans, emotional support, or systems/resources?”
Student says: “I’m interested in trauma and mental health, but I’m not sure I want to go through the licensure process.”
Answer: MS in Psychology
Why: Interest without commitment to licensure
Student says: “I enjoy helping people, but I don’t think I want the responsibility of being the one diagnosing or treating mental illness.”
Answer: MS in Human Services
Why: Clear avoidance of clinical responsibility
Student says: “I want to specialize in working with children with autism and eventually supervise other professionals in that space.”
Answer: MS in ABA
Why: Direct path to BCBA and supervision roles
Student says: “I work at a shelter and support clients dealing with trauma. I don’t necessarily want to do therapy, but I want to better understand how to help them and maybe move into program leadership.”
Answer: MS in Human Services
Why: Trauma exposure without desire for licensure or therapy; leadership tilt