This is true, Emily. If I was 20 years younger, I might be able to build up a private practice after putting in my two years of slave labor to get my license, and earn a lot more. But, even though I plan on continuing working part time after I do get my license, I don't think I want the responsibility of the business aspect of a practice and will be happy to put in a few hours a week in a clinic or holistic health center. And, it does suck that human service professionals make so little, at least in the beginning. I know that in a lot of cases teachers don't make that much either, but I had a lot of post master's credits, which along with experience, really shoot you up on the pay scale, as well as my bonus from the state for being a national board certified teacher. That extra $ paid for my older son's college. In AZ we had merit pay, and that also was something that came at a time when my young family needed the $.
This is truly my "giving back" job, although after 31 years of teaching, I feel like I have already "given" plenty. But, it was so sad to see at graduation that there were about 5 men in my program, and it is most definitely because of the money aspect. We need good male therapists, as well as teachers, but there were a lot more guys getting their master's in education.