I first looked for therapists with a PhD, just because this is the only way to be a therapist where im from. I quickly realized its different in the USA and first, I disnt even know what all the abbreviations after their names meant.

I think you should look into the course outline for both the MSW and the MHC. I have thought about this, and my problem with the MSW is that it focuses on a variety of social issues while id rather fully focus on the counseling. Since being a social worker for me wont be an option, I started looking into the counseling degrees only.

Are you thinking online, part-time, or full-time? Id love to go full-time but can't because I have to work.