To All the Parents of Teenagers

There are programs like that. But, as others have said, it is impossible to make money, and currently there is very very little money in mental health. It takes a lot of work to get on insurance panels, or medicaid approved. Generally people cannot just pay cash. Also, there are several other things to consider, licenses and a large amount of money to be put in. You also cannot just have animals in public. The animals have to be therapy trained, which is expensive. And, as a therapist/counselor myself, it really is not about giving advice. It is about letting people talk out there concerns and coming up with there own ideas.

there is very little profit in it just so you know. That being said if it something you want to do then do it. Doing what makes you happy will be a great reward and knowing that you help people along the is great.
J.

Here's a very useful website to use when researching careers - the future demand, the education needed, etc.

http://www.iseek.org/

It was created in MN but I believe would be useful to anyone in a career change or decision.

I think it would be great - but like another person said, you won't be making money. If profit is your interest, this won't be a good career for you.

Also, just as an FYI, therapy really has almost no advice-giving in it. It's generally very non-judgemental and usually focused on helping someone uncover their own answers - not giving out yours. So, if you want to give out advice, I would recommend doing an online service, instead, which I think people would pay for. People could pay a subscriber fee and then you could help them see things that you see in the situation. I often think that someone who is a little removed from the situation often has a clearer picture than someone who is right in it.

Also, I think the thing to do when you're researching careers is not necessarily to find out how others react to it to determine if it's worth it. I think it's important that you find something you truly love that will be worth it no matter what - regardless of the marketability.

I am one of the lucky few who has found a job that I adore and that makes me whole - I wouldn't *want* to stay home or do anything else. It doesn't make a lot of money, and I'm definitely not saying that I always want to go to it or that it's always fun - but it is what I love doing most in the world outside parenting. And for me, it wouldn't have mattered what I had to do to get this job - I would have done it. Because it's that important to me. So, I guess what I'm saying is that if you can find something that you are passionate about and love and that makes you feel like a million bucks - then you should do it.

Good luck!