Resident expert, Brian Heller, is the voice behind Online Counseling Degree. Read more about Brian and his resource here.
“The key to managing your online course load is to avoid procrastination. If you fall behind you will have a hard time getting back on track. I recommend scheduling a certain time each day to study. If you keep your schedule faithfully, there is no reason that you shouldn’t succeed in an online class.”Read the Full Interview
“If you put yourself out there and make an effort to ask questions and get to know your classmates, you will be able to form relationships while you study online.”Read the Full Interview
“If a student expressed an interest in studying counseling, I would say that the job market needs them.”Read the Full Interview
“People come to you with deep problems, and they need to be able to trust that you will listen to them and do all that you can to help them help themselves. As part of that, you cannot help others if you do not understand why people need help. So if you are someone who sees yourself as above the need for counseling, that will hinder your ability to provide counsel.”Read the Full Interview
“As a substance abuse counselor, it is very satisfying to be the person who facilitates a patient’s recovery process.”Read the Full Interview
“One great thing about psychotherapy as a field is that people with many different personalities can excel and be effective therapists. As long as you are socially aware, empathetic and enjoy your work, you probably have a place in the field.”Read the Full Interview
Here is a quick quiz to help you decide if you have the personality it takes to succeed as a counselor. Rate, on a scale from 1 to 5, how well each of the following statements describes you.
I enjoy helping people.
Counselors assist and support people with a variety of personal and medical concerns. You will need to be dedicated to the success of others to succeed as a counselor.
I know how to keep a secret.
Counselors need to keep the information that their clients tell them strictly confidential. You will be legally and ethically required to keep things to yourself in this career.
I like to solve problems and puzzles.
Counselors help clients solve complex personal and medical problems that can be tough to understand. If you are frustrated by complicated problems that don’t have clear answers, you may find it difficult to work as a counselor.
I am patient and willing to wait for progress.
Learning to manage mental and social issues is a lifelong process for many people. Counselors may not observe progress in their clients for a long time, so patience is an important trait for counselors to possess.
I am a good listener.
Most counselors spend many hours actively listening to their clients talk about their problems. If you dislike listening to others, counseling is not a good career choice for you.
I handle pressure well.
Counseling can be a stressful career because so many clients depend on the emotional support that they receive from therapy. If you decide to pursue a career in this field, you will need healthy ways to relieve your stress so that you are not negatively affected by the demands of counseling.
I am observant.
Skilled counselors have the ability to spot patterns in behavior and bring them to their clients’ attention. You must be sensitive to detail and aware of changes in the way your clients act and speak to excel as a counselor.
I do not judge others.
Counselors often work with people who make destructive decisions. You must be unbiased when you counsel people who struggle with drug addiction or self-harm.
I am able to stay calm in an emergency.
Counselors sometimes work with unpredictable clients who may be mentally unstable or dangerous. If you have to intervene in a crisis, you will need to control your emotions.
I communicate clearly and effectively.
In addition to talking with clients, counselors consult with other mental health professionals, take comprehensive notes and may even write research papers. You must be comfortable with written and verbal communication to succeed in this job.
*Note that this is not a scientific quiz. The result is simply my rough estimate of how well I believe your personality matches that of a successful counselor.
By my assessment, a career in counseling is probably not a good fit for your personality. Please go to the Admissions Advisor homepage for a listing of other careers you may want to consider.
By my assessment, although a career in counseling may not be an ideal fit for your personality, if you are willing to adapt in a few areas, you can still find success in the field. Please see the list to the right for information on the areas that you may need to work on.
By my assessment, your personality is a good fit for a career in counseling. Scroll through our site to gain valuable insight into what it will take you to earn the necessary credentials.
If you want to become a licensed counselor, you need to prepare yourself for several years of education. Very few counseling jobs require less than a masters degree in counseling. A career in counseling requires less education than a career in psychology, but you must be able to commit to 2 to 3 years of graduate school to become a licensed counselor. If you only have an associates or bachelors degree, your job prospects and salary will be limited in the field of counseling.
Some of the most common professions for those with a counseling degree include:
Masters (2 – 3 years of graduate school)
$55,000
Elementary schools, middle schools, high schools
School counselors help students of all levels to succeed. They assist students who have emotional and social issues. They often work with teachers, students and their parents to develop individual education plans for students with learning disabilities. At the high school level, they operate career centers to help students explore options for careers and higher education.
Masters (2 – 3 years of graduate school)
$54,000
Colleges, government offices, private practice
Vocational counselors assist their clients in finding jobs. They evaluate their clients’ education, work history, interests and personality to determine which careers they would be likely to succeed in. They teach clients to interview well and arrange for aptitude tests that measure clients’ strengths and weaknesses.
Varies by state from high school diploma to bachelors (4 years) plus certificate (6 – 12 months)
$42,000
Outpatient centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, hospitals, private practice
Substance abuse counselors mainly help people who struggle with alcoholism and drug addiction. They usually counsel clients in a group setting. Their counseling sessions focus on helping clients to create recovery plans, establish healthy behaviors and use coping strategies to deal with urges and withdrawal. Sometimes they also counsel people who are affected by their loved one’s addiction.
Varies from bachelors (4 years) plus certificate (6 – 12 months) to masters (2 – 3 years of graduate school)
$38,000
Outpatient centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, private practice
Behavioral disorder counselors help people who show patterns of destructive activities like eating disorders or self-inflicted harm, including cutting and suicidal behavior. They usually counsel clients in a group setting. Their counseling sessions focus on helping clients to create treatment plans and establish healthy behaviors. Behavioral disorder counselors often work with people who abuse drugs and alcohol as well.
Masters (2 – 3 years of graduate school)
$70,000
Private practice
Marriage and family therapists use family systems theory to improve communication among family members or between people in a committed relationship. They help families and couples to understand each other better by encouraging people to see situations from different perspectives. Some marriage and family therapists also teach courses about interpersonal relationships and conduct academic research.
Certificate (6 – 12 months)
$16,000
Private schools, religious organizations, private practice
Christian counselors use the values of Christianity to advise clients. They encourage clients to make decisions about their behavior based on the teachings of the Bible and the beliefs of their specific religious organization. Christian counselors are usually not licensed by the state because most states consider it unethical for counselors to promote religious beliefs.
Masters (2 – 3 years of graduate school)
$51,000
Hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers, private practice
Rehabilitation counselors help clients recover from emotional trauma or physical disabilities that result from accidents, illness and other causes. They determine the capabilities and limitations of people with disabilities and help them learn to cope with disability. They also create programs that teach clients how to work and live on their own.
Doctorate (4 – 7 years of graduate school)
$72,000 (Lowest 10% earned less than $39,000; Highest 10% earned more than $108,000)
Universities, outpatient centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, private practice
Counseling psychologists give clients advice to help them deal with problems that they encounter in their lives. They help clients to see worrying or upsetting situations from another point of view. They promote well-being in clients by preventing social, mental and physical disorders. Counseling psychologists treat people with milder mental health symptoms than clinical psychologists, whose clients often suffer from severe psychological disorders like schizophrenia.
| Profession | Employment 2010 | Projected 2020 | Average Growth |
| Counselor | 31600 | 38400 | 21% |
| Counseling Psychologist | 154300 | 188000 | 22% |
| Credit Counselor | 33100 | 39800 | 20% |
| Educational, Guidance, School, Or Vocational Counselor | 281400 | 334800 | 19% |
| Genetic Counselor | 31600 | 38400 | 21% |
| Healthcare Social Worker | 152700 | 203900 | 34% |
| Loan Counselor | 33100 | 39800 | 20% |
| Marriage Or Family Therapist | 36000 | 50800 | 41% |
| Mental Health Counselor | 120300 | 163900 | 36% |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | 129800 | 166400 | 28% |
| Arbitrator, Mediator, Or Conciliator | 9400 | 10900 | 16% |
| Substance Abuse Or Behavioral Disorder Counselor | 85500 | 108900 | 27% |
| Profession | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Counselor | 40280 | 40710 | 42240 | 44400 | 44380 | 44850 |
| Counseling Psychologist | 66110 | 68150 | 70190 | 72310 | 72540 | 73090 |
| Credit Counselor | 41840 | 41990 | 41970 | 40930 | 41700 | 41940 |
| Educational, Guidance, School, Or Vocational Counselor | 49760 | 51690 | 53540 | 55030 | 55970 | 56540 |
| Genetic Counselor | 40280 | 40710 | 42240 | 44400 | 44380 | 44850 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | 44690 | 46320 | 47560 | 48340 | 49200 | 50500 |
| Loan Counselor | 41840 | 41990 | 41970 | 40930 | 41700 | 41940 |
| Marriage Or Family Therapist | 44700 | 45310 | 46930 | 49020 | 47530 | 48710 |
| Mental Health Counselor | 37840 | 39450 | 40270 | 41710 | 41360 | 42590 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | 32870 | 33350 | 34600 | 34710 | 35850 | 37070 |
| Arbitrator, Mediator, Or Conciliator | 58790 | 56380 | 59650 | 63250 | 66460 | 75550 |
| Substance Abuse Or Behavioral Disorder Counselor | 35950 | 37830 | 39670 | 40420 | 40810 | 41030 |
| Profession | 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th |
| Counselor | $23220 | $32190 | $42030 | $56430 | $70200 |
| Counseling Psychologist | $39060 | $50820 | $67880 | $88030 | $110410 |
| Credit Counselor | $26980 | $32150 | $38430 | $47650 | $61140 |
| Educational, Guidance, School, Or Vocational Counselor | $32130 | $41310 | $54130 | $69890 | $87020 |
| Genetic Counselor | $23220 | $32190 | $42030 | $56430 | $70200 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $31160 | $38610 | $48620 | $60280 | $73040 |
| Loan Counselor | $26980 | $32150 | $38430 | $47650 | $61140 |
| Marriage Or Family Therapist | $25230 | $35350 | $46240 | $59600 | $74550 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $24840 | $30950 | $39190 | $50870 | $65660 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $20910 | $25880 | $33740 | $45410 | $58480 |
| Arbitrator, Mediator, Or Conciliator | $32910 | $41720 | $60440 | $99700 | $137570 |
| Substance Abuse Or Behavioral Disorder Counselor | $25280 | $30900 | $38560 | $48260 | $60220 |
With few exceptions, it takes 5 to 10 years to become a licensed counselor. The specific requirements for counselors vary by state and specialty, but most counseling jobs require a masters degree, which takes 2 to 3 years of graduate school. However, there are some counseling jobs that require less education. For example, you can become a substance abuse counselor, HIV counselor or Christian counselor with a bachelors degree or less.
Many branches of counseling also require students to complete extended internships after they graduate. The length of a counseling internship varies according to the area that you specialize in. For example, if you want to become a school counselor, you will complete an internship of about 300 hours. But if you want to become a mental health counselor, you may be required to complete up to 3,000 hours, or 2 to 3 years, of supervised work experience.
As a counseling student, you can expect to grow in both knowledge and skills.
Psychology is the study of why people think and behave the way they do. This branch of science explores topics like motivation, perception, personality and memory. Specific types of psychology that pertain to counseling are cognitive psychology, social psychology and developmental psychology.
Mental health disorders are identified by ways that clients think, feel, act and perceive events differently than most people. Mental health disorders are diagnosed using established counseling ideas like feminist theory, personality theory, addiction theory and human development. Examples of mental health disorders are post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Behavioral disorders are patterns of repeated abnormal actions that are connected to mental health issues. They can be treated using counseling therapy techniques and medication. Some people are more likely to develop behavioral disorders if similar problems run in their family. Examples of behavioral disorders are anorexia, gambling and substance abuse.
Human development refers to the physical, emotional and intellectual changes that people experience as they mature. Theories of human development offer a timeline for the ways that people should develop social, mental and motor skills at different phases of their life spans. It discusses what level of development is considered normal during childhood, adolescence, adulthood and advanced aging.
Counseling ethics are the principles that mental health professionals use to make moral and legal decisions. Ethical discussions focus on topics like client confidentiality, the ethical decision-making process and the role of counselors as social advocates. Legal considerations include liability and professional rules of conduct.
During your counseling training, you will study a variety of therapy techniques that you can use to treat your clients. You will discover how to effectively run group therapy sessions and counsel people in one-on-one situations. Your counseling program will also teach you ways to communicate with specific groups of people like children, couples and people with disabilities.
Counselors try to understand the problems that their clients face in order to help them find solutions. Your counseling curriculum will teach you how to identify and treat mental health and behavioral issues in your clients. You will learn which therapy techniques are most appropriate for particular groups of people and situations.
A degree in counseling will give you tools to communicate with and relate to your clients. You will also learn how to listen actively to your clients so that you can treat them in the best way possible. In addition, you will learn to communicate with people in related professions like psychologists, social workers and medical staff.
As you study counseling, you will be trained in scientific research methods like experimenting and observing. You will learn to gather information from diverse sources and judge its importance. Your research methods classes will teach you to combine that information with your own insights to produce original studies that add new ideas to the counseling field.
Your counseling program will teach you to understand the meaning of numerical data. You will learn to judge how reliable statistical data is as you discover what factors can affect statistics. You will also be trained in statistical procedures that show you how to use data to support your own research.
A masters degree is the most common route for counselors, because they are usually required to earn masters degrees in order to be licensed. But you can also earn counseling degrees at the associates and doctorate levels. Most schools do not offer a bachelors degree in counseling.
In addition, you can earn both undergraduate and graduate certificates in counseling. A graduate certificate will improve your career options, but an undergraduate certificate will only qualify you for a few jobs in the counseling field like substance abuse counseling, HIV counseling or Christian counseling.
Counseling certificates are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, but there is a big difference between the 2 options. An undergraduate certificate is only offered in substance abuse counseling and Christian counseling, so your career options will be limited if you choose this route. Remember that an undergraduate certificate program will only qualify you to counsel these specific groups of people. It will not qualify you to become a licensed counselor through your state.
Graduate certificates are also offered in certain areas of counseling and they are more valuable than undergraduate certificates. In the counseling field, graduate certificates are often called post-masters certificates. That means you can only apply to a graduate certificate program if you already hold a masters degree in counseling or a closely related field like psychology or human services. Counselors often choose to earn graduate certificates in counseling when they want to shift from 1 specialty to another within the field.
Undergraduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
An undergraduate certificate in substance abuse counseling provides you with basic knowledge of addiction and counseling methods. This option is best for people who want to work in group therapy settings.
Undergraduate Certificate in Christian Counseling
An undergraduate certificate in Christian counseling teaches you to use Christian values to counsel people.This option is best for people who want to use counseling as a form of Christian ministry.
Graduate Certificates
You can earn post-masters graduate certificates in many areas of counseling. Some of the most common post-masters certificate programs are:
Undergraduate Certificates
You can complete the academic portion of your substance abuse certificate programs in less than a year. However, these programs usually require students to complete a supervised internship. The length of the internship varies significantly by state and program. If you want to earn a substance abuse counseling certificate, you should carefully research your state’s internship requirements.
In most cases, you can earn an undergraduate certificate in Christian counseling in 1 year or less. There is usually no internship requirement because Christian counselors are not licensed by the state.
Graduate Certificates
Post-masters graduate certificates in counseling typically consist of about 15 credits, so you can earn these credentials in 1 year or less.
Undergraduate Certificates
If you choose to earn an undergraduate certificate in substance abuse counseling or Christian counseling, you will take classes about the principles and methods of counseling. You will also take classes that are specific to your program. For example, in a substance abuse certificate program, you are likely to take classes about individual and group counseling methods, case management and ways to create effective treatment plans. You will also take courses that will help you understand the criminal justice system and the effects of drugs on society.
In a Christian counseling certificate program, you will take classes like personality development and marriage and family issues. Your classes will use the values of Christianity to develop faith-based counseling methods that incorporate prayer and biblical scripture into sessions.
Graduate Certificates
No matter what type of graduate certificate you pursue, you will be likely to take courses in counseling methods, human development and psychology. You will also take classes that are unique to your specialization. These classes might include psychopathology, vocational counseling, addiction studies or personality development.
Undergraduate Certificates
An undergraduate certificate in counseling prepares you to work with specific groups of people. For example, an undergraduate certificate in substance abuse counseling will qualify you to be an alcohol or drug abuse counselor. You could work at clinics, jails or for associations that help people recover from addiction like Alcoholics Anonymous. However, your career options will be limited if you do not earn at least a bachelors degree.
If you earn an undergraduate certificate in Christian counseling, you can find jobs with religious organizations, which are not regulated by state counseling boards. You could counsel students at private schools or you could be a parish counselor who works with members of your church. Remember that Christian counselors are not licensed by the state, so a certificate in Christian counseling will only qualify you to work within a particular religious organization.
Graduate Certificates
In order to earn a post-masters graduate certificate in counseling, you need to have a masters degree in counseling or a related field. Post-masters graduate certificate programs add to your counseling credentials and expand your job opportunities. For example, if you are a trained mental health counselor who went back to college to earn a school counseling certificate, you would be qualified to be a school counselor or a mental health counselor when you graduate.
Graduate Certificates
When you choose a school for your graduate certificate in counseling, you need to consider your state’s licensing requirements for counselors. Make sure to carefully research your state’s licensing regulations so that you know your graduate certificate will hold value where you live.
If you want to earn your undergraduate or graduate counseling certificate online, you need to choose a program that has an internship component. To be an effective counselor, you need to master hands-on counseling techniques. You cannot learn those techniques through an online counseling certificate program unless it includes a practicum or internship. But many schools offer partially online counseling certificates that include supervised internships. You should not choose an online counseling certificate program that takes place entirely on the web, but there are no drawbacks to pursuing a hybrid certificate program that includes supervised hands-on counseling practice.
You cannot earn an associates degree in general counseling. However, some schools offer associates degrees in specific areas of counseling, like Christian counseling or substance abuse counseling. But keep in mind that these programs will not qualify you to be licensed by the state.
An AA degree in substance abuse counseling has a liberal arts focus, but there is little difference between this degree and the AS. The AA is designed for people who plan to transfer to another school to obtain a bachelors degree.[degree degree_name="Associate of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling" initial="AS"]
An AS degree in substance abuse counseling offers courses that focus on science and mathematics. The AS is designed for people who plan to transfer to another school to obtain a bachelors degree.
An AAS degree in substance abuse counseling consists of courses that teach the most practical aspects of the career. The AAS is designed for people who plan to enter the workforce directly.
An AMin degree in Christian counseling is only offered by private Christian schools. It is designed for people who want to use counseling as part of their Christian ministry.
An associates degree in Christian counseling or substance abuse counseling requires students to complete 60 to 65 credit hours, so you will have to study for about 2 years.
To earn an associates degree in substance abuse counseling or Christian counseling, you will take general education classes like communication, mathematics and English. You will also take classes in psychology, social science and counseling methods. In addition, you will take classes that are specific to your degree. For example, students in a substance abuse counseling program will take courses in addiction studies and substance abuse awareness. Students in a Christian counseling program will take classes in theology and biblical studies.
Because associates degrees in counseling are only offered in substance abuse counseling or Christian counseling, these degrees will only prepare you for a few jobs. For instance, an associates degree in substance abuse counseling will prepare you to work at mental health centers or alcohol and drug abuse agencies. You can also lead group sessions for associations that help people recover from addiction like Alcoholics Anonymous. And if you earn an associates degree in Christian counseling, you can counsel people who are connected to your church or religious organization, but you will not be licensed by the state.
Very few schools offer online associates degree programs in counseling. In fact, as of 2012, there are no online associates degree in counseling programs available in Christian counseling, although this could change. But you can earn an associates degree in counseling online in the field of substance abuse. The most important thing to consider if you want to earn your associates degree in counseling online is whether or not your program offers an internship. Internships are essential in a substance abuse counseling program because as a counselor, you will be helping people to change their behavior. You can learn the theory behind different counseling methods online, but the only way to learn the hands-on skills of a counselor is through practice.
Bachelors degree programs in counseling are extremely rare. Counseling is a skill that professionals develop after they have gained knowledge in psychology, human development and counseling methods. A few schools offer bachelors degree programs in counseling psychology, which will survey different issues related to counseling like substance abuse and family systems. But most people who want to become state-licensed counselors choose to earn bachelors degrees in psychology before applying to masters degree programs in counseling. A bachelors degree in psychology typically takes 4 years to complete.
Nearly all states require counselors to earn a masters degree in order to be licensed. Therefore, a masters degree in counseling will dramatically improve your job prospects. A masters degree in counseling covers general theories and methods of counseling. Within a program, you choose a specialization like school counseling, career counseling, marriage and family counseling or rehabilitation counseling. For many specializations, a masters is a terminal degree, which means it is the highest educational option available.
An MA degree in counseling includes core counseling classes and allows students to specialize in different branches of counseling. It is a good choice if you want to become a state-licensed counselor.
An MS degree in counseling is technically focused on research and evaluation, but there is little difference between this program and the MA in counseling. It will also allow you to become a state-licensed counselor.
An MA in counseling psychology focuses on psychological processes and theories more than counseling techniques. This option is good for people who plan to earn a doctorate in counseling psychology.
An MS in counseling psychology is very similar to an MA in counseling psychology. It is a good option for people who want to continue their education in counseling psychology.
Most programs in this field require students to complete 60 to 75 credit hours, so you will have to study for 2 to 3 years to earn a masters degree in counseling.
Students in a masters of counseling program will learn to apply counseling theories to real-world cases. You will take classes like human development, family systems, addiction therapy and couples counseling. You will also take classes in statistics, research design and professional ethics. In addition, you will need to complete a supervised internship before you can graduate.
A masters degree in counseling will prepare you for almost any job in the field. Some of the jobs that you can pursue after you earn a masters degree in counseling include school counselor, vocational counselor, family therapist and mental health counselor. You will also be qualified for jobs that require less education like substance abuse counselor.
You need to hold at least a bachelors degree to be eligible for admission to a masters degree program in counseling. Many schools prefer that your bachelors degree is in a related field, like psychology. Although your bachelors degree does not have to be in psychology, some schools require that your background includes some psychology classes.
If you are thinking about earning your masters degree in counseling online, you need to consider accreditation and practical experience.
Accreditation is a status that schools seek voluntarily. It states that a program meets professional training standards in its field. The agency that accredits counseling programs is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Very few online counseling masters degree programs are accredited by CACREP. You do not have to attend a CACREP-certified counseling program to become a counselor, but if you do, you will know that you are receiving a high-quality education.
Another important consideration is whether you will receive the practical training that you need in order to be an effective counselor through an online masters degree in counseling program. Practical field experience is a vital part of your counseling training and most states require counselors to complete internships to be licensed. You should not enter an online counseling program if it does not include an internship.
A few schools offer PhDs in counseling. Students more often choose to earn a PsyD in counseling psychology, which is offered through many schools. It is not necessary to earn a doctorate to become a counselor, but you do need a doctorate if you want to be a counseling psychologist. A counselor usually earns a doctorate in order to supervise the education of counseling students, but a counseling psychologist earns a doctorate in order to work as a licensed psychologist who treats patients who are mentally ill.
A PhD in counseling is designed to prepare students to conduct academic research in the field of counseling. This is a good option for people who want to teach at the university level. These programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
A PsyD in counseling psychology focuses on psychology but includes counseling methods. It is the best option for students who want to work as counseling psychologists. These programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Students need to complete 90 to 120 credit hours to earn a doctorate in counseling or counseling psychology. Most PhD and PsyD programs take 4 to 7 years of study.
While studying for a doctorate in counseling, you will take classes like leadership in counseling, advanced counseling techniques and research methods. You will also take classes in multicultural issues and social justice. On the other hand, if you choose to earn a PsyD in counseling psychology, most of your classes will focus on psychology. You will take courses in abnormal psychology, experimental psychology and advanced counseling methods.
A PhD in counseling qualifies you to teach counseling at the university level and to conduct academic research. And with a PsyD in counseling psychology, you can work as a counseling psychologist who diagnoses mental illnesses and counsels patients.
You can earn a doctorate in counseling and in counseling psychology. These subjects are related, but distinct enough that each program should be accredited by a different agency. Accreditation is a symbol of status that schools voluntarily seek in order to show that degree programs meet the professional training standards in various fields. So if you decide to get a PhD in counseling, look for a program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). But if you decide to earn a PsyD in counseling psychology, look for a program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Many states require that students have a degree from an APA-accredited program in order to become licensed counseling psychologists.
Most schools prefer that you have a masters degree in counseling or a related field to be considered for admission to a doctorate program in counseling. In addition, many schools require PhD applicants to have at least 2 years of professional counseling experience.
There are no fully online doctorates in counseling. Some schools claim to offer online counseling PhD programs, but they are actually hybrid programs. In a hybrid program, you can complete the coursework for your counseling PhD online, but you still have to participate in an on-site internship before you can graduate. If your online counseling PhD does not require an internship, it will not meet state requirements for licensing. Therefore, if you want to pursue counseling or counseling psychology as a career, you should only enter an online doctoral program that has an internship component.
In order to practice in most fields of counseling or therapy, you need to be licensed by your state. Licensing requirements vary depending on your specialty and the state that you want to practice in. However, counselors in all specialties need to complete a supervised work experience and pass a licensing exam. The only exception to these requirements is Christian counselors, who are not regulated by the state.
O*Net Occupational Information Database
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Counselors
American Mental Health Counselors Association
American Counseling Association
National Board for Certified Counselors
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
