Counselor Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although humans don’t often like to admit it, sometimes the circumstances of our lives can be so overwhelming or stressful that the normal things that we do to cope stop working, and we start to feel lost, depressed, frantic or anxious. When these feelings are on the rise, it can really help to get an outside perspective on your situation from someone that is objective and calm. No matter what the issue is, the professional counselor is someone that you can turn to for help in developing new strategies for living a self-sufficient, healthy life. Counselors are trained to equip people with strategies for dealing with depression, trauma, abuse, substance addiction, mental illness, stress management, and self-esteem issues. Counselors use different methods for administering their treatments, and are often responsible for conducting mental evaluations, diagnosing medicines, and working with psychiatrists and social workers.

Salary Outlook

It is important to note that the education, experience and specialties of counselors can affect salary earned greatly.

Average Annual Salary
$37,200
Salary Range
$25,600 - $50,400

Work Environment

Counselors operate in a very versatile profession, and they are often called upon to perform their services in a variety of settings. Most often, counselors work at mental health clinics, private psychiatry practices or counseling groups, however, they are also employed by correctional facilities, social services departments, schools and colleges, addiction rehabilitation centers, schools and hospitals.

High School Preparation

Those students who think that they might enjoy a career as a professional counselor should concentrate on reading, writing and speaking skills in high school, as well as basic math, social studies, literature, sociology, and basic psychology. It can also be helpful to take any available courses in health occupations/medical professions as well.

Requirements

After graduation from high school with satisfactory academic marks, those interested in pursuing a career in professional counseling are required to attend an accredited university or college where they will receive an undergraduate degree in psychology with an emphasis on counseling. Degrees that focus on sociology, social work or general education can also be used to pursue a career in counseling. Some people seek out an internship at a counseling practice or clinic in order to get hands on experience before continuing their education at the post-graduate level. Many counseling positions require that individuals receive a master’s degree or higher in order to practice on their own.

Career Outlook

Future counselors will be happy to hear that the demand for professional counselors is expected to grow at rates that are faster than the national average for all occupations. Many states have passed new laws that require counselors to be present in all educational facilities, meaning that counselors that choose to specialize in children and education will be in especially high demand.

Professional Organizations

American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: (800) 347-6647
www.counseling.org