Laura,
It is really wonderful that you want to do the type of work that will help people. You definitely would want to get your associates degree. Do you feel more of a sense of gratification from helping people solve personal issues? Or is helping with health related issues more appealing?
You might also want to consider that it might be difficult to go back to school after you have worked for a number of years. There are the financial aspects, as well as what might be going on with your personal life a few years from now.
You might want to ask yourself — if you had to make that choice now, what would you want to do professionally as a career choice?
Hope this helps–
🙂