Due to the wide variety of needs clients have for seeking counseling, there are different options for individuals seeking counseling careers. Any career as a counselor requires postsecondary education, and a Bachelor’s degree is often not sufficient. It is important to consider educational requirements and licensure laws before deciding on a career in counseling.
All of the careers discussed below are anticipated to experience growth in the coming decade.
Mental Health Counselor
A mental health counselor is probably the type of counselor that comes to mind for the general population. These individuals acquire specialized training in applying different therapeutic techniques to treat individuals suffering from mental health disorders and emotional disturbances, including depression and suicidal ideation, grief, anxiety disorders, and a variety of other issues. Vocational planning and family or relationship problem resolution are other tasks performed by a mental health counselor. These counselors work in private practice, clinics, organizations, and other settings. Counseling jobs in this area require a Master’s degree in counseling and supervised clinical training. Most states also require an exam to obtain licensure. If the counselor decides to specialize in a particular area of mental health, additional certification may be required. The median income for mental health counselors in 2006 was $34,380.
Child Counselor
A career as a child counselor shares many qualities with mental health counseling, but the clients are children and adolescents. These children may have behavioral problems or issues within the home and school environments. Some instances might require the counselor to work with local child and family services. The settings, income, and educational requirements are also similar, but some states and institutions may require special training in treating children.
School Counselor
Counseling careers in school counseling can lead to work at all educational levels from elementary school through graduate schools. The goal of the school counselor is to promote the development of a well-rounded student. These counselors may assist students with setting goals, exploring careers and further education, time management, relationship problems, and general health. Duties are generally dependent on the age of the students. During the grade school years, a school counselor may focus especially on dealing with bullies and low self-esteem. Counseling jobs in this area require a Master’s degree in counseling or psychology and acceptable performance on a state licensure exam. Income varies depending on the setting, but the median income for all school counselors in 2006 was $47,530. Generally speaking, grade school counselors make a higher yearly salary than postsecondary school counselors.
Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor assists clients dealing with substance abuse disorders, including alcoholism and the abuse of recreational and prescription drugs. These counselors might also deal with other addictions, including gambling addiction. While some individual counseling does occur, many counseling sessions occur in a group setting. Family members of the client are often critical components of treatment. Counseling jobs in this area can be found in outpatient care facilities, inpatient care facilities, general practice hospitals, government agencies, and some other settings. An individual wanting to become a substance abuse counselor must have a Master’s degree and state certification as a substance abuse counselor. The median income for substance abuse counselors in 2006 was $34,040. Government employees generally have higher salaries than those employed by other agencies.
Marriage/Family Counseling
While mental health counselors and other counselors might work with families on occasion, marriage or family counselors work exclusively with the often volatile relationships within couples and families. The counselor might work individually with the members of the relationship, but the goal is still improving communication and dealing with long-standing problems. Conflict resolution is a major aspect of counseling careers in marriage or family counseling. Many marriage counselors work in private practice, and many family counselors work with family services. Educational requirements include a Master’s degree in counseling and passing a state licensure exam. The median income for marriage and family counselors in 2006 was $43,210.
There are many other counseling careers available, but the careers discussed are popular fields that are experiencing growth. Many different lifestyles and industries demand specialized counseling, including veterans counseling, geriatric counseling, rehabilitation counseling, military counseling, and many more. As demand in these areas continues to grow, the need for licensed counselors will also expand.