[tigerlily84]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post, so forgive me since I'm new here. I have been depressed for quite a while, and I am slowly trying to get out of it. Through my experience I think I want to become a therapist. I want to help people battle what I went through. Not enough people talk about it or know how to get help. So I was wondering how to get started with that.

I am 28 yrs old with a Bachelor's in Political Science. I do have a minor in Psychology with an emphasis on Personality and Social Psychology. I am hoping that will be enough for graduate programs to consider accepting me. My grades weren't the best though unfortunately. (my gpa was a 2.8) And it's not that I'm not smart. I am. I was severely depressed and suicidal at the time so I was not able to focus much on my studies. Do you think I have a chance to be accepted to a masters degree program? Sorry for ranting, I just wanted to seek an opinion. Thanks.

[Jan1212]

If the motivation to help people is enough for you to accomplish being a therapist, go for it, but if you still feel that the depression is still there, it may be more difficult. How long have you been feeling this way? Is there an awareness program or club you can join to get more info?

[Perna]

Nowadays it is not quite as hard to get into graduate school. Often if you have an bachelor degree you can at least start many online/distance education degree programs from accredited schools and prove yourself as you go. I'd take a couple courses online so you can work more on your own schedule, see if it is what you want and then, you can transfer to a brick-and-mortar school or take more courses, etc.

http://www.calsouthern.edu/online-ps...hology-online/

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsa...ology-rankings

[tigerlily84]

Originally Posted by Jan1212

If the motivation to help people is enough for you to accomplish being a therapist, go for it, but if you still feel that the depression is still there, it may be more difficult. How long have you been feeling this way? Is there an awareness program or club you can join to get more info?

Yes I agree with you, I think it would be more difficult if I were still severely depressed. I am no longer that depressed, but it does come and go. The sevrere depressive episode lasted about 2 yrs, but I seem to be doing alright now. I think I'll just start talking to some admissions offices to see what they need me to do and I can get started. Thanks for your reply. =)

[tigerlily84]

Oh and after reading over my last post I did neglect to mention as well that it's been about 3 years ago when I was that depressed. So there has been some time that has passed since it occurred. But I definitely do still struggle with it, as many of you all can relate. I just want to say again, thank you so so much for your replies and hugs, kind words and encouragement. It really means a lot.. you all rock!

[onlytime]

I'm currently in grad school for social work (MSW) and plan on being a therapist. But there are other paths, including masters in counseling psych, PhDs in clinical psych (though I've heard these programs are very difficult to get into).

Would you be able to study part-time? That way you can work toward a degree but not be so stressed/overwhelmed with schoolwork?

Good luck!