Pros and Cons of Online Counseling Programs
With the semi-recent explosion of the mental health industry, there are no shortage of considerations when deciding to enter the field. Not only are there several degrees you can pursue (think counseling, social work, psychology, etc.) but there are also a variety of learning formats emerging as well. While online schools were once dismissed as uncompetitive and sub-par, today even ivy leagues offer online programs, marking a new age in education. As a result, future mental health professionals must also choose between in-person, online, and hybrid school options, which can be overwhelming! To help, let’s check out some of the pros and cons of choosing an online program for those of you who are trying to weigh out what school is best.
Pros:
More Flexibility - This is perhaps the most obvious benefit of online school. You can fit classes more easily into your schedule, save time on commuting, and you can get your work done in the comfort of your own home. This benefit is great for those of you who are considering getting your degree while you continue to work.
More Diversity - With online schooling, your classmates will likely be scattered across the country, and perhaps even internationally. This can provide you with access to perspectives and diversity of opinions that you might not have been exposed to otherwise. This can be especially valuable in the counseling profession, as seeing issues from multiple angles is part of being effective. For those future counselors who live outside of major cities, this can be an eye-opening experience.
Less Expensive - For the most part, online schools are less expensive than in-person options. However, this is not always true, as many private online programs can charge upwards of $100k for a master’s level degree. Generally, however, online schools save money by forgoing the expensive campus and facilities, which get passed on to students. As a bonus, online schools typically use cutting edge technology to create a cohesive learning environment, which can benefit students in a tech-forward world.
Cons:
Less Connections - Without the chance to sit next to your classmates, make small talk with them, and share the same space, you will inevitably miss out on creating strong bonds while in school. Many people create lifelong friendships while also developing a professional network while in school. This is harder in an online setting, and the quality of strength of your relationships will likely suffer. This is something to keep in mind for those of you who wish to go into private practice relatively soon after graduating, as often your referral network will need to be supplemented.
More Discipline Needed - This will vary for each of you, but online learning tends to require a bit more scheduling and motivation on your end. In grad school, nobody is looking over your shoulder to make sure you have done the reading - you will be expected to get your reading done and turn your work in on time. Without classmates around to make trips to the library with, it can be hard to stay motivated. You will often be faced with the temptation of reaching for the remote control while you are reading your textbook on the couch.
Learning Styles - Staying motivated can be even more difficult if you are not someone who enjoys learning from a textbook. Some people learn better in person, or from lectures, while others learn better individually. Personally, I learn better by reading and reflecting on my own, but my hunch is that I’m in the minority. Try asking yourself the questions “do I focus better on the classroom, or at home while doing homework?”. This can help you begin to think about what it might be like to be learning from home.
It is important to remember that there is no single right answer when deciding on what school would work best for you. My hope is that these questions get you thinking about what is important to you and what you are looking to get out of school. It is also helpful to be open and honest with yourself when considering these questions. For example, if you know you are the type of person that needs the structure of in-person classes, it might be best to prioritize that over the overall price of the school. Each pro and con needs to be weighed out against your personal values, strengths, and weaknesses. After all, what’s the point of paying for school if you aren’t extracting value from it? Best of luck in your future careers!
