World Eater, are you in school now? And if yes, then for what? I have a friend who’s at NYU right now going for an MSW, who lives in Williamsburg if I’m not mistaken. Maybe I can connect you with him?
I’m doing it because I enjoy working with people, and I feel it would be a rewarding career. I will say this about the money though, I have no intention of busting my ass for 6 or more years of education and making only 50 grand.
I appreciate that. At the moment I’m an undeclared freshman at City College of NY, so I have time on my side. I have a close relative whom is a psychotherapist who’s giving me some great guidance, but if I have any questions for your friend, I’ll look you up. 
It seems that working for an agency/practice is pretty standard for therapists when they get out of school.
How many years is a typical span of “paying your dues” in an office before you can strike out on your own?
Ultimately, I want to be my own boss, as well.
Well my relative loves it. I don’t know how much paying your dues is involved, I know she was working at a place, and one person asked if they could do a private session. She said word spread (you know how people swear by their therapists), and by the end of the year she had so many people she quit her job.