I'm with the only APA-accredited distributed learning program, Will. It requires everything that a traditional program requires (practica, internship, etc.) but the classes can be online, at a national session or self--directed within limits. We're required to have over 350 face-to-face or residency hours in the first two years to ensure that our program is in compliance. I'm finishing up my second year, now. Out of five.
/threadjack
I also agree with Will that you need to check into licensure. And find out what the requirements for calling yourself "licensed" in your state/country are. I know plenty of LCSWs or MSWs under close supervision by licensed individuals that are exceptional counselors and therapists. I'm picky as hell about who I'll do therapy with and how I do therapy with because you know, as a counselor/therapist, who you're going to be able to develop a relationship with and whether your orientation is typically effective with the referring problem. For example, I am existential in orientation, but CBT in intervention. This does not gel well with certain types of disorders and I wouldn't take on those persons because it's not ethically sound. It wouldn't be fair to develop that therapuetic trust with someone knowing that your intervention style is typically not effective. Which is why you need to ask about their orientation, experience, typical methods in therapy.
A brief note on "homework" in therapy... not all modalities use it. Not all intervention styles require it. It doesn't mean that that modality is less effective, just different. People prefer it either way. Some of the "homework" is just to think and pay attention with my kids. They can't handle another "assignment" and I'm not going to cause yet another meltdown at home with a tangible assignment. Just things we'll talk about the next time, etc.
Carry on.
