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Careers in Counseling
Find Counseling Schools Near You
Many colleges offer counseling degree programs online.
Click here for a list of schools with counseling degree 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 abuses, 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.
A Counselor Career: Types of Jobs and Positions
A counselor career can vary widely depending on the type of career path and the location in which the counselor works.
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, whether they are 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 helping each person understand the other family members.
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 that 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.
Next: Educational Requirements for Counselors