Counseling – Online Schools & Degree Programs

Counselors are professionals that assist individuals with problems they may be experience relating to their career, mental health, educational options, and family situations. Counseling is a noble career path that demands a basic desire to help people design approaches to obstacles. Unique among professions for its completely altruistic aims, counselors can find employment in a wide range of workplaces and in both the public and private sectors. Individuals who want to go into counseling must themselves be sensitive, empathetic, and altruistic.

Duties

The tasks of a counselor vary depending on their area of expertise. In general, a skilled counselor will help individuals approach and solve problems that are curtailing overall satisfaction with their lives. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the most common types of counseling currently practiced:

• Vocational counseling – Known as career counseling, counselors in this area will provide educational and career counseling to groups or individuals. They also act as advocates for students by evaluating their abilities and interests to better match them with an appropriate workplace. Many vocational counselors work with individuals who have mental or social disabilities that prevent them from entering the workforce immediately after their education.
• Rehabilitation counseling – A highly specialized type of counseling, these professionals assist individuals with disabilities resulting from genetic defects, accidents, disease, or other trauma. Rehabilitation counselors work with such individuals in order to help them find a place in mainstream society.
• Mental health counselor – Counselors with rigorous psychological training work with individuals suffering from mental and emotional disorders such as depression, suicidal impulses, excessive stress, and self-esteem deficiencies.
• Substance abuse counselors – Counselors with education in substance abuse rehabilitation work with individuals who suffer from any type of addiction, such as as alcoholism, gambling, and drug abuse.
• Marriage and family therapist – Another highly specialized form of counselors, professionals who work as marriage and family therapists treat couples and families who are experiencing stress and emotional conflict in their relationships. This career path requires a strong academic background.

Education and Licensing

The educational requirements for a counselor depend entirely on the area they wish to work. In general, a master’s degree is the preferred credential to become licensed by the state. Some employers only require a bachelor’s degree supplemented by educational training or certification.

Most counseling programs are conducted within departments of education or psychology. Students can focus on certain areas of counseling such as marriage and family therapy, substance abuse, vocational counseling, mental health counseling, and many others. The units and classes required will differ based on the student’s focus, however most courses are generally found in the following core disciplines: human growth and development, relationships, group work, career development, assessment, research and study, social and cultural diversity, and program evaluation. Students may also be required to complete a set number of hours in a clinical setting for graduation.

In order to practice professionally as a counselor, individuals must become licensed by the State. Licensing is mandatory in 48 states, but the nature of the license will differ based on the area of counseling. In general, most States require a master’s degree and a certain number of hours in practice to receive a license. All prospective counselors should research the specific requirements of their area before beginning practice.

Employment Outlook

The overall demand for counselors in all disciplines is expected to grow 21% over the next few years, faster than average for most professions. The percentage changes based on the area of counseling with substance abuse and rehabilitation counseling expected to grow the fastest. Counselors can find work in a large number of workplaces, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and in private practice. Counselors with doctoral degrees can move into research and clinical settings, as well. The salary for counselors ranges from $26,000 to $80,000 depending on the level of experience and education. Counselors who start their own private practice are the highest earners in the field.