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Training Required for a Counselor Career
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To have a counselor career, no matter which specialty you choose, you will need formal education since 48 states and the District of Columbia have counselor licensure laws and programs.
Usually, to have a counseling career, you will need a master's degree in counseling, 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and you will need to pass 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 counseling are often found in school's 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 in the field. Individuals considering school counseling as a specialty may be required to have a teaching certificate, depending on the state where 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 (CACREP) since this, while not strictly necessary, may make it easier to pass the 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.
Next: Employment Opportunities and Job Outlook for Counselors