Sister & neice both went this route and are now counselors. Sister has a private practice and makes bank! Neice is in the "supervised hours" stage of the licensing process (you have to work 2,000 hours under the supervision of a licensed therapist to get your license.) My sister did this by working as a school counselor and made $35k a year. Then she got her license and started her own practice. My neice is working in a hospital as a counselor for $55k. She loves it so much she's thinking she'll stay in this job even after she has her hours and is licensed (at which time her salary will jump up to $75k). Aaaaand, my son is currently at USM majoring in Behavioral Science. He's doing it all online now, which they started doing because of covid, and it works for him because he can have a full time job and do his classes online when he has the time. Your goals are 100% worthwhile and achievable!! Mental wellness is a HUGE growth industry in this country and I hope you decide to pursue it!!