Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
University of Southern California : Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling (No GRE required)
Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University : Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees (GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. LPC/MFT emphases available.)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)
University of Southern California : Master of Social Work (Earn your MSW in under one year. No GRE required. Accredited by the CSWE. ) Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required)Different Types of Counselors
The general category of counselors can be broken into many different specializations. Each type of counselor is trained to address specific challenges and disorders.
Mental Health Counselors
With extensive knowledge of different conditions, mental health counselors provide diagnosis and therapy to individuals and groups. They conduct assessments and evaluate patient behaviors and patterns to identify potential mental health problems. They also develop treatment plans and monitor a client's progress over time.
School and Career Counselors
Counselors who specialize in school or career counseling typically focus on social and behavioral challenges, goal setting, and planning rather than mental health conditions. They administer aptitude assessments, educate clients about essential skills, and address issues such as bullying, child abuse, and substance abuse.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Addiction Counselors
Counselors who specialize in substance abuse or addiction often work in community health centers, substance abuse centers, and hospitals. They support clients who are facing challenges caused by drugs, alcohol, and addictive behaviors. They also assist clients with modifying their behaviors so that recovery is feasible.
Marriage and Family Therapists
Rather than working with individuals, marriage and family therapists provide services to multiple members of relationships or families. They address problems such as divorce, domestic abuse, and substance abuse. They also help clients develop better conflict-resolution skills.
Rehabilitation Counselors
Clients with mental, physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities often receive support from rehabilitation counselors. These counselors help clients gain access to necessary services, develop critical life skills, and adapt to their limitations.
Genetic Counselors
The work of genetic counselors typically centers around inherited conditions. They evaluate patients' medical histories and family backgrounds and evaluate their genetic risks for conditions such as birth defects. With this information in hand, they help clients make decisions about their future plans and health.
Salary and Job Outlook for Various Types of Counselors
Salaries and job growth are strong for counselors of every kind. There are some areas of counseling that offer higher earnings or more accelerated growth.
Salary Comparisons for Different Counseling Roles
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are the median annual salaries for specific counseling positions:
- Genetic counselors, $80,150
- School and career counselors, $60,510
- Marriage and family therapists, $49,880
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, $48,520
- Rehabilitation counselors, $38,560
Keep in mind that these salaries are not guaranteed and differ significantly based on your employer, education, experience, and location. For example, BLS data shows that marriage and family therapists who work in outpatient care centers have median annual salaries of $57,930, whereas those employed by state governments earn $77,960 per year.
Additionally, some roles require a higher level of education than others. Mental health counselor positions may be available for job candidates with bachelor's degrees, while the highest-paying counseling jobs typically require a master's degree or doctorate.
Job Outlook and Growth Rate
Due to the growing demand for mental health treatment, most areas of counseling are expected to have ample job opportunities over the next several years. The BLS reports these projected growth rates for counseling positions between 2022 and 2023:
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, 18%
- Genetic counselors, 16%
- Marriage and family therapists, 15%
- Rehabilitation counselors, 2%
- School and career counselors, 5%
With the exception of psychologists, all of these job growth rates are much faster than the average for all occupations, which is 3%. This means that thousands of counseling jobs will likely be available in the coming years.
How to Become a Counselor
Counseling is rewarding and fulfilling work, but it requires several years of academic and professional preparation. The specific steps depend on your area of expertise and career aspirations, but most professional counselors follow similar paths.
Educational Pathways
The journey toward a career as a counselor begins with a bachelor's degree. Students who know that they intend to become counselors often complete degrees in psychology.
After completing their undergraduate studies, the next phase for many future counselors is a master's program. Although a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling may be necessary to enroll in some programs, others are willing to accept applicants from any major as long as they have met certain prerequisites or GPA requirements.
In many states, a master's degree is sufficient for licensure, but some mental health professionals pursue a doctorate so that they can enhance their skills and narrow their specializations. A PhD also gives students the opportunity to participate in more extensive practical experiences.
Gaining Practical Experience
In addition to taking classes, counseling students take part in internships, residencies, and supervised hours as part of their degree programs. Practical experience is an essential requirement for licensure, and it also helps students identify where they might want to work and what area of counseling they prefer.
Navigating the Licensure Process
Every state has a unique set of licensure requirements that individuals must meet before opening a private practice or working as licensed counselors. In most cases, they include:
- Passing a comprehensive exam
- Providing evidence of supervised professional experience
- Submitting official transcripts from a graduate program
- Passing a background check
After granting licensure, states usually require professional counselors to participate in ongoing training or education.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More |
| University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Prepares you for school counseling credential |
✔ Live, online classes
No GRE requirement |
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
| Fordham University
Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE. |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| University of Southern California
Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE |
✔ Campus, Online
No GRE Required |
Tailor your degree with specializations in mental health, children and families, or social change and innovation. Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Degree Options for Prospective Counselors
Education is a critical component of establishing a career as a counselor. Depending on what type of work you want to do, you can choose from several different degree levels and programs.
Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or Related Fields
A bachelor's degree is the foundation for a career in counseling. Students who are interested in this field typically enroll in degree programs related to human behavior, such as:
- Counseling
- Social work
- Psychology
- Sociology
While these are popular degree options for prospective counselors, most master's programs will accept students from any major as long as they have demonstrated their academic abilities.
Licensure generally isn't an option for students who have only completed a bachelor's degree. However, some employers hire graduates of bachelor's programs as substance abuse counselors, social workers, youth counselors, and case managers.
Master's Degree in Counseling
To become eligible for state licensure and qualify for opportunities with a broader pool of employers, it's usually necessary to obtain a master's degree. Graduate schools offer degrees focused on a range of concentrations, including:
- Clinical mental health counseling
- Mental health and wellness
- Child and adolescent therapy
- Addiction counseling
- School counseling
If you attend graduate school full-time, you can expect to complete a master's degree in counseling in around two years.
Doctoral Degrees in Counseling
Pursuing a doctorate is an ideal opportunity to specialize in a certain area of the field, develop original research, and gain practical experience. Common specializations for counseling doctorate degrees include:
- School counseling
- Mental health counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
If you choose to enroll in a doctoral program, you will have to choose between a PhD and a PsyD. Both degree programs are related to mental health counseling, treatment, and diagnosis. However, PhD programs typically place more emphasis on research, while PsyD programs involve more intensive clinical training and lengthier internships or residencies.
Doctoral degrees are a requirement for most clinical work, laboratory research, and tenured academic roles. They may also help you qualify for a position as a healthcare administrator in a hospital or mental health facility.
What Skills Do Counselors Need?
Successful counselors have a balance of soft, technical, and professional skills. During their academic and professional experiences, they become adept at connecting with clients, managing sensitive situations, and upholding high ethical standards.
Soft Skills
Many counselors have an innate ability to empathize with others. This is crucial because it enables them to understand their clients' problems, fears, and anxieties.
However, empathy alone isn't enough to serve as a counselor. Active listening and communication skills are equally important. Counselors must be able to focus on their clients during assessments and therapy sessions and respond to their statements and questions clearly.
Technical Skills
Much of the training for students in mental health counseling degree programs focuses on technical expertise. The responsibilities of a counselor include:
- Assessment: Counselors administer a variety of assessments to clients and interpret the results.
- Diagnosis: Based on a patient's history, assessment outcomes, and interview responses, a counselor diagnoses conditions and obstacles to wellness.
- Treatment planning: After diagnosis is complete, a counselor develops a detailed plan for treatment, which may include therapy, medical care, and access to additional support services.
Counselors who excel in these areas are able to provide well-rounded care to patients with different backgrounds and needs.
Ethical and Professional Skills
Working as a counselor carries a high level of responsibility. As a result, a counselor's ability to provide appropriate services to clients rests on certain ethical and professional skills, such as:
- Confidentiality: When clients meet with counselors, they reveal sensitive information that legally and ethically cannot be shared with any outside parties. Counselors must know how to keep this information to themselves and securely store client records.
- Professional boundaries: When sharing deep emotions and experiences, the lines between clients and counselors can become blurred. Effective counselors know how to establish and maintain firm boundaries so that the client's treatment isn't compromised.
- Ethical dilemmas: In the course of treating a client, a counselor may encounter challenging situations, such as discussions of violent or dangerous behavior. Knowing how to navigate these issues is vital to the safety and comfort of the client and the counselor.
If a counselor violates their ethical or professional obligations, they can face serious consequences, including losing a job or license to practice.
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
University of Southern California - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Licensing Associated With Counseling Roles
The licensing process is a stressful and sometimes confusing aspect of becoming a counselor. Although not all counseling positions require licenses, many roles are only open to individuals who have met the criteria set by state licensure boards.
State Counseling Licenses
A state counseling license is necessary for many careers and makes it possible to open a private practice. Some states use different titles for licensed counselors, such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP)
Although states may refer to their licenses in different ways, they typically grant the same permissions in terms of providing care. However, some licenses indicate higher levels of training or education. For example, an LAPC is a counselor who has not yet met the requirements for full licensure. In contrast, an LCPC often has more experience and is qualified for supervisory or management roles.
Specialty Certifications
Counselors who want to provide specialized services to certain client populations can obtain certifications in their areas of interest. Common certifications include:
- Master Addictions Counselor
- National Certified School Counselor
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
The certification process generally involves passing an exam issued by a certification body, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors.
The Importance of License Renewal and Continuing Education
Counseling licensure isn’t issued on a permanent basis. Practicing counselors must periodically renew their licenses to continue providing service to clients. Although the frequency differs by state, most counselors have to apply for license renewal every two to three years.
In most cases, the renewal process is contingent on a counselor participating in continuing education or professional development. This may include taking a certain number of graduate-level courses or attending training sessions. Taking additional courses is necessary to ensure that your license remains in good standing. It also helps you stay up-to-date on new counseling theories, practices, and strategies, which empowers you to offer the best possible service to your clients.
