Counselors work in diverse community settings designed to provide a variety of counseling, rehabilitation, and support services. Their duties vary greatly, depending on their specialty, which is determined by the setting in which they work and the population they serve.
Related job titles are: Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Clinical Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor, Psychotherapist, Chemical Dependency Therapist, Counseling Services Director, Applied Behavior Science Specialist (ABSS), Therapist, Clinical Counselor, College Counselor, or Counseling Psychologist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
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ONLINE COUNSELING COURSES AND DEGREES
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ONLINE COUNSELING COURSES AND DEGREES
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Important Counselor Degree Information -Top of Page-
- People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
- Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor.
- Projected job growth varies by specialty, but job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.
How much does a Counselor make in Salary? || Counselor Pay -Top of Page-
Median annual wages of educational, vocational, and school counselors in May 2008 were $51,050. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $38,740 and $65,360. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $29,360, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $82,330.
Median annual wages of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors in May 2008 were $37,030. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $29,410 and $47,290. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $24,240, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $59,460.
Median annual wages of mental health counselors in May 2008 were $36,810. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $28,930 and $48,580. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $23,580, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $63,100.
Median annual wages of rehabilitation counselors in May 2008 were $30,930. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $24,110 and $41,240. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $20,150, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $56,550.
Median annual wages of marriage and family therapists in May 2008 were $44,590. The middle 50 percent earned a salary of between $34,840 and $56,320. The lowest 10 percent earned a salary of less than $27,810, and the highest 10 percent earned a salary of more than $70,830.
Self-employed counselors who have well-established practices, as well as counselors employed in group practices, usually have the highest earnings.
What is a Counselor? || What does a Counselor do? || Job Descriptions -Top of Page-
Educational, vocational, and school counselors provide individuals and groups with career, personal, social and educational counseling. School counselors assist students of all levels, from elementary school to postsecondary education. They advocate for students and work with other individuals and organizations to promote the academic, career, personal, and social development of children and youth. School counselors help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents, and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals.
Vocational counselors, also called employment counselors or career counselors, usually provide career counseling outside the school setting. Their chief focus is helping individuals with career decisions. Vocational counselors explore and evaluate the client's education, training, work history, interests, skills, and personality traits.
Rehabilitation counselors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with both physical and emotional disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or disease, accidents, or other causes. They evaluate the strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and vocational counseling, offer case management support, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement.
Mental health counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote mental health. They are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, and grief.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. They counsel individuals to help them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction.
Marriage and family therapists apply family systems theory, principles, and techniques to address and treat mental and emotional disorders. In doing so, they modify people's perceptions and behaviors, enhance communication and understanding among family members, and help to prevent family and individual crises.
Working Conditions for Counselors -Top of Page-
The work environment can vary greatly, depending on the occupational specialty. School counselors work predominantly in schools, where they usually have an office but also may work in classrooms. Other counselors may work in a private practice, community health organizations, day treatment programs, or hospitals. Many counselors work in an office where they see clients throughout the day, although counselors may frequently be required to provide services out in the community.
How to become a Counselor || Counselor Classes and Degree Programs -Top of Page-
Education requirements vary with the occupational specialty and State licensure and certification requirements. A master's degree usually is required to be licensed or certified as a counselor. Counselor education programs in colleges and universities often are found in departments of education, psychology, or human services. Fields of study may include college student affairs, elementary or secondary school counseling, education, gerontological counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse or addictions counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, clinical mental health counseling, career counseling, and related fields.
all 50 States and the District of Columbia have some licensure requirement for marriage and family therapists. Requirements for both counselors and marriage and family therapists typically include the completion of a master's degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy, the accumulation of 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master's degree level, the passage of a State-recognized exam, adherence to ethical codes and standards, and the completion of annual continuing education credits.
Where are the Counselor Jobs? -Top of Page-
Counselors held about 665,500 jobs in 2008. A growing number of counselors are self-employed and work in group practices or private practice, due in part to laws allowing counselors to be paid for their services by insurance companies and to the growing recognition that counselors are well-trained, effective professionals.
Counselor Job Opportunities and Outlook -Top of Page-
Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Projected job growth varies by specialty, but job opportunities should be favorable because job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs, especially in rural areas. Job opportunities should be favorable because job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs, particularly in rural areas. Substance abuse counselors should enjoy particularly good job prospects.