Counseling Schools and Training Programs

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.

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.gov). 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.

According to bls.gov (2010), within the next ten years 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.gov 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.

Related Career Profiles on Health-Care-Careers.org :
Occupational Therapy Training Programs

Additional Resources For Professional Earning Their Counseling Degree:
American Counseling Association
American School Counselor Association
American Mental Health Counselors