So I've decided to take the next big step in my life and go back to school after a decade of working a dead-end job. I've always wanted to work in the field of psychology, more specifically counseling/therapy. I like working with people and in fact, that was the only appealing aspect about my last job and why I stayed for so long.

I live in the Scandinavian region but grades from high school won't allow me to enroll any psychology program around here, I would have to re-read all the subjects/courses I already passed in order to get the top grades required, and it would be a major detour, we're talking losing years before I can even consider applying.

So I figured why not try Ameriqua? There's nothing keeping me here. I wouldn't have thought of it had I not been there on vacation some time ago, and I loved it, the people, the vibe... in fact it was exactly as I thought it would be. Could definitely see myself re-locating either temporarily or indefinitely.

So the plan is to apply to a community college and then tansfer to another college of choice.

My question is, how unlikely is it that I, as a foreigner, could get some sort of work visa on a bachelor or master's degree within the psychology field? I'm not necesserily talking about green card or citizenship, just a possibility to work in the States for a longer period(s) of time.

I've done some research and it's kind of contradictionary and all over the place.. One some sites it says; "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; demand for mental health counselors will grow 36% between 2010-2010, school counselors 19%, marriage and family therapy field should grow an impressive 41%," etc. All of these fields are of interest to me.

...while other sites claim there are too many uneployed "psychology" students so it's not a job that's in high-demand. The thing is, I won't be able to work over here with a degree from the States, I'd probably need to "validate" it which means an additional 2-3 years ,so I'm really set on working in either the States OR Canada. I hear it's easier to get a work visa in Canada after finishing school...

So any insights from people who know what they're talking about? I figured since there probably are proffessionals here and those who see them, you guys should know if not about work visas, then at least what the market is like for (foreign) psychology graduates. Thanks.