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Psychology Schools and Training Programs

Note: Because schools change the programs offered at their campuses periodically, not every campus of each school will offer all programs, and program names may change slightly from campus to campus.

While we try to keep up with the programs each school offers, you should visit the school's website by following the Request Information link to verify the exact programs offered at each campus.

Counseling Schools and Training Programs

Help those in need by considering a career in mental health, vocational, family, or rehabilitation counseling. Mental health counselors are trained in a wide variety of therapies to address substance abuse, depression, emotional health, relationship problems, and other mental health issues. Mental health counselors often work hand-in-hand with other specialists, including psychologists, social workers, and school counselors.

Counseling Careers: Types of Jobs and Positions

A counselor career can vary widely depending on the counselor’s career path and workplace.

A mental health counselor works with either individuals or families to treat mental and emotional disorders such as depression, addiction, stress management, career concerns, parenting, and even low self-esteem. They work closely with psychiatrists and others involved in the mental health field.

Marriage and family counseling, on the other hand, focuses on emotional conflicts between family members -- husband and wife, parents and children, or siblings. They can work with individuals, families or even organizations. This type of therapy mainly centers on communication issues and building understanding.

Rehabilitation counselors work with disabled individuals and their families. They examine the limitations and strength of the disabled individual, and work with him or her on medical, vocational and other issues, with the goal of coming as close to independent living as possible.

A vocational or career counselor works with people who want to change careers or jobs. They evaluate a person's educational background and experience, and help determine appropriate career choices. They may also assist with developing job-search skills, and provide advice to people who have recently become unemployed.

Another type of counseling is pastoral counseling. This can cover the same issues as a mental health counselor or family counseling. The only difference is that in pastoral counseling the counselor is an ordained priest, rabbi or minister.

Where Counselors are Employed

Counselors can work in public or private establishments such as healthcare facilities, career centers, social agencies, residential care facilities, and even correctional institutions and halfway houses. A growing number are self-employed as well.

Most types of counselors work flexible hours. This allows them to meet with their clients or patients whenever there is a crisis. Many of the people who need counseling have school or work during the week and therefore need to meet with their counselor in the evening or on weekends. The counselor has to allow for this.

Training Required for a Career in Counseling

To have a counselor career, regardless of the specialty, you will need formal education, since 48 states and the District of Columbia have counselor licensure laws and programs. Typical requirements are a master's degree in counseling; two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience; and a passing grade on a state exam. Some states also have continuing education requirements throughout your counselor career.

You can begin your course work at the undergraduate level, since courses to become a mental health counselor and family counselor are often found in schools’ psychology departments. These are continued in further detail at the graduate level, and will also include courses on development, diversity, relationships, group work, assessment, and research. Most graduate counseling degree programs include some supervised clinical experience. Individuals considering school counseling as a specialty may be required to have a teaching certificate, depending on the state in which they want to practice.

To be a mental health counselor or to go into family counseling, you should consider attending a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This accreditation, while not strictly necessary, may make it easier to pass state licensing requirements. Students interested in becoming rehabilitation counselors should consider programs accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education.

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Certification Requirements for Counselors

While it is not necessary to become a certified counselor in order to obtain employment, certification may enhance a counselor's job prospects. In addition, some states permit individuals with national certification to skip state licensing examinations.

The National Board for Certified Counselors is the primary certifying organization for the profession, offering the designation "National Certified Counselor" to individuals with a master's degree that can pass the Board's National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification. In addition, two years of supervised counseling experience and other prerequisites may be required.

Pastoral counseling is unique in that you must be an ordained priest, minister, or rabbi in order to practice it. You will need to be certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counseling in order to go into this field.

Becoming certified in other specialties is voluntary, but it may widen your job opportunities. Some employers may help pay for additional training for new counselors.

To advance in a counselor career, you will generally need further education, and you can become a supervisor or administer, or move into research, consulting, or teaching.

Employment Opportunities and Salaries for Counselors

About 40 percent of counselors worked in educational or vocational counseling in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Rehabilitation counselors accounted for 19 percent and mental health counselors were 17 percent. Substance abuse counselors held 13 percent of counseling positions, and marriage and family counselors had 4 percent.

Future jobs in mental health counseling and family counseling should be plentiful. The number of job openings will most likely exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.With one of every four counselors working for state and local government, most others are in the healthcare industry. Employment for mental health counselors will grow as it is more socially acceptable to seek professional assistance for mental problems. Rehabilitation counselors are expected to be in demand due to improved medical treatments that allow independent living. With more people changing jobs and careers in mid life, and with an increase in state and local initiatives promoting welfare to work programs, a sizable increase in the number of career and vocational counselors is expected as well.

The BLS reported an average annual salary of $55,970 in 2010 for educational and vocational counselors. Marriage and family counselors made an average of $47,530, mental health counselors made $41,360, and rehabilitation counselors made $35,850. If helping others through emotional and mental issues seems like a good fit for you, pursue a career in mental health to make a difference in someone’s life.

Additional Resources:

American Counseling Association – Professional organization that offers education and networking for those working in counseling.

American School Counselor Association – Professional organization specifically focused on school counseling.

American Mental health Counselors – Mental health professional organization.

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South University - Campus

[Campus]

Locations:

Novi
Round Rock
Cleveland
Columbia
Montgomery
Savannah
Tampa
West Palm Beach
Glen Allen
Virginia Beach

Programs:

Professional Counseling (MA)
Psychology (BA)

Quick Summary: Make the most of your potential with a quality education from South University. Earn your degree online, on your own timetable, or at one of our five convenient campus locations.

North Park University

[Campus]

Locations:

Chicago
Grayslake

Programs:

Counseling Psychology

Quick Summary: North Park's School of Adult Learning offers you a convenient and affordable way to finish your bachelor's degree while working full-time.

Liberty University

[Campus]

Locations:

Lynchburg

Programs:

MA in Professional Counseling
MA in Professional Counseling - 60 Hour
PhD in Counseling - Professional Counseling
More

Quick Summary: We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university.

Argosy University

[Campus]

Locations:

Atlanta
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
San Bernardino
Nashville
Orange
Phoenix
San Diego
Honolulu
Alameda
Santa Monica
Sarasota
Schaumburg
Tampa
Seattle
Saint Paul
Arlington
Draper

Programs:

Counselor Ed & Supervision (EdD)
Counseling Psychology (EdD)
Counseling Psychology (MA)
More

Quick Summary: To succeed in today's competitive workforce, you need a solid foundation of knowledge - and the power to put it to work. And that's exactly what an Argosy University education offers.

Colorado Christian University

[Campus]

Locations:

Colorado Springs
Grand Junction
Denver
Loveland
Sterling

Programs:

M.A. Counseling
Psychology, B.S.

Quick Summary: With a heritage dating back to 1914, Colorado Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually.