Clinical Psychology--a dead field? Worth it?

Hi everyone, I'm a 19 year old girl living in Brooklyn, NY and I just finished my first year of college. Growing up, I was always the kind, sensitive, empathetic classmate and friend that was usually the first person people went to when they were having troubles, having a bad day, needed advice, etc. I was always an overachiever, studied my brains out in HS and was a straight A+ student. I sincerely enjoy working with people one on one and for as long as I can remember I always wanted to be a clinical psychologist...it just seemed like the perfect fit for me, something I'd enjoy for the rest of my life and feel satisified with. However, I've been researching lately about the psychology field, and, in addition to what many ppl have told me....it's kind of a dead field to go into. Unless you're aiming for the PsyD or PhD degree, you won't go that far. Yes, I know Social Work is an option too but it doesnt pay well (I'm not doing it for the money but obviously I would like to make a decent salary) It's a very competitive, hard field to get into and the 5 to 8 yrs of doctorate schooling really make menervous as well...I don't know if I can handle it. I just can't picture myself only in my late 20's finally finishing school and supporting myself. I heard about a new degree called LMHC--Licensed Mental Health Counsleor, they do a lot of what psychologists do and it's only 2 yrs master's program but I think the pay is about the same as social work...Again, it's not about the money for me, but in a way it is...Like I said I was always a dedicated, studious, hard worker and I excelled in all my subjects. I've just been told a lot that I'm "selling myself short" and not pushing myself hard enough, not being ambitious enough when I can reach for something higher. So basically my question is 1) Is psychology still a good field to go into? (decent pay, demand for jobs) 2) What do u guys know about the LMHC degree and 3) Should I just push myself and reach for the stars, aka go for a doctorate? I know this is kinda all over the place, but anything will help me at this point, thanks in advance :)