Different Types of Counseling Specialties: A Guide

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)

National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)

Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)

Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)

University of Denver : Master of Arts in School Counseling (No GRE required)

Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (100% online, or hybrid format. )

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Counseling can be defined as a professional relationship in which different types of counselors and clients work together to help clients accomplish particular mental health, educational, lifestyle, or career goals.

As you consider a career in this profession, be aware that counseling takes many forms and provides diverse opportunities to make a difference in the lives of clients. A good first step for any aspiring counseling student is to survey the many counseling specialties that are available.

Counseling specializations differ in terms of salary expectations, client population served, day-to-day duties, and more. However, one constant is the need to develop core skills through a counseling degree program.

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Walden University MS in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More
Walden University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. 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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More
National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling WSCUC Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited	✔ Online	Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Online with required intensives	Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 months. Learn More
Colorado Christian University Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Bachelor's Degree	Optional program emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders. Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

What Different Types of Counseling Are There?

In considering different career opportunities, it’s natural to ask what types of counseling there are. Consider a few of the most common examples for different types of counselors.

Career Counseling

As a career counselor, you will have the opportunity to work with recent and soon-to-be graduates as well as other types of jobseekers to help them plan for their educational and vocational future.

Example job titles: Career counselor, career advisor
2020 annual median salary: $58,120 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS])
Required degree to enter the field: Bachelor's degree in counseling, although some employers will require a master's degree.
Licensure requirements: Many states require licensing, especially for private practice. Licensing is not required in every state.

Child Development

After gaining expertise in child development, you can counsel children and adolescents through a wide range of social, academic and behavioral issues, while verifying they are on a healthy developmental path.

Example job titles: Child development counselor, child development researcher, child life specialist
2020 annual median salary: $60,380 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: Master's degree in counseling with a focus on child development.
Licensure requirements: Most states require certification or licensure, which requires a graduate-level internship or other experience.

Christian Counselor

Christian counseling, a specialized subset of cultural counseling, is a fulfilling and vital career for those who seek to integrate faith into their professional practice. Christian counselors assist clients from various backgrounds, focusing on integrating spiritual, cultural, and psychological principles to promote holistic well-being.

Example Job Title: Christian Counselor
2020 Annual Median Salary: $55,760. This figure is based on the 2022 BLS data for social and community service managers, a closely related field. It's important to note that salaries can vary based on factors like location, experience, and the type of organization where the counselor is employed.
Required Degree to Enter the Field: To become a Christian Counselor in the United States, a Master's degree is typically required. This degree should ideally be in counseling, psychology, or a related field, with additional coursework or training in Christian theology and spiritual guidance. Learn more about Christian counseling degrees online
Licensure Requirements: Similar to other cultural counseling positions, state licensure is mandatory for Christian Counselors. The licensure process usually involves completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours, passing a state-recognized exam, and adhering to ongoing education requirements. Additionally, counselors who wish to emphasize their faith-based approach may also seek certification from a Christian counseling association, which can enhance their credibility and professional development.

Cultural Counseling

Cultural counseling professionals help clients from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religious affiliations manage daily stresses and obstacles according to the values that mean the most to them.

Example job title: Cultural counselor
2020 annual median salary: $69,600 (according to BLS data for social and community service managers, a closely related field)
Required degree to enter the field: A master's degree is required for cultural counselors in the United States.
Licensure requirements: State licensure is required for cultural counseling positions.

Cognitive Therapy

A degree in cognitive therapy will prepare you to study how the brain receives, stores and retrieves information and sensory data, allowing you to counsel clients who struggle responding to external stimuli.

Example job titles: Psychologist, cognitive researcher
2020 annual median salary: $82,180 (BLS data for psychologists)
Required degree to enter the field: To work as a psychologist, you generally need a master's degree or doctorate.
Licensure requirements: Licensing is required in every state, along with board certification.

College Counseling

College counselors work in an academic setting, advising students on their next educational and vocational steps.

Example job title: College counselor
2020 annual median salary: $58,120 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: To work as a college counselor you should have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Licensure requirements: Not all college counselors are licensed in every state.

Color Therapy Counseling

Color therapy, also called chromotherapy, uses different colors of light during the therapeutic process. The central idea is that different colors can have different therapeutic effects, such as lowering anxiety, increasing energy or soothing emotions.

Example job titles: Color therapist, alternative therapist, holistic therapist
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for the related field of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: A bachelor's degree and certification from a color therapy program is often required.
Licensure requirements: Not all color therapists are licensed in that field, but most states require general licensing.

Crisis Intervention

As a crisis intervention counselor, you will help clients who are experiencing acute mental health crises as they process their emotions. The ultimate goal is to help keep them from harm.

Example job title: Crisis counselor
2022 annual median salary: $42,500 (PayScale)
Required degree to enter the field: A bachelor's or master's degree in a mental health field is required.
Licensure requirements: Licensing is required in every state.

Depression Counseling

One of the most in-demand counseling specialties, these counselors help clients cope with the effects of depression and manage the symptoms of this chronic mental health disorder.

Example job titles: Depression counselor, mental health counselor
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: Most mental health counselors have a master's degree, although some jobs may be available with a bachelor's degree.
Licensure requirements: Mental health counseling typically requires licensure in every state.

Developmental Counseling Psychology

Developmental psychologists assess social, emotional and behavioral development over the course of a lifetime. The field explores the influence of biology and the environment to draw conclusions about how and why individuals develop certain personalities, behaviors and practices.

Example job title: Developmental psychologist
2020 annual median salary: $82,180 (BLS data for psychologists)
Required degree to enter the field: Typically, a developmental psychologist will have a master's degree or higher.
Licensure requirements: Licensure can require exams and an internship or other work experience.

Domestic Violence Counseling

Domestic violence counselors work directly with individuals who have been victims of violence and abuse in their household, specifically from a spouse or domestic partner.

Example job title: Domestic abuse counselor
Annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: A master's degree is required.
Licensure requirements: Most states require a domestic violence counselor to be licensed.

Eating Disorder Therapy

An eating disorder therapist provides individual and group counseling for individuals who struggle with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorders.

Example job title: Eating disorder therapist
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: You'll need a master's degree to work in this field.
Licensure requirements: The majority of states require an eating disorder therapist to be licensed in that specialty.

Educational Counseling

Educational counselors may work in public or private schools, helping students navigate academic issues and also plan for their educational future.

Example job titles: Educational counselor, school counselor
2020 annual median salary: $58,120 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: A bachelor's degree is required and a master's degree is preferred.
Licensure requirements: You don't always need special licensure to work in this field.

Marriage and Family Counseling

Marriage and family therapists focus on interpersonal dynamics within a marriage or family, helping clients navigate issues and resolve conflicts.

Example job titles: Marriage and family therapist, marriage counselor
2020 annual median salary: $51,340 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: You'll need a master's degree for this specialty.
Licensure requirements: Most states require licensing for marriage and family counseling.

Genetic Counseling

A genetic counselor assesses clients’ genetic test results and provides them with important information about their propensity for certain diseases or hereditary conditions.

Example job title: Genetic counselor
2020 annual median salary: $85,700 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: A master's degree or higher is required to work as a genetic counselor.
Licensure requirements: Licensing is required in the majority of states.

Geriatric Counseling

With expertise in gerontology, geriatric counselors help their clients cope with the effects of the aging process, including grief and dementia.

Example job title: Geriatric counselor
2020 annual median salary: $37,530 (BLS data for rehabilitation counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: Most geriatric counselors have a master's degree or higher.
Licensure requirements: In most states, you'll need to be licensed for this counseling specialty.

Guidance Counseling

Guidance counselors work directly with students as they progress through emotional, physical, academic and vocational issues and challenges.

Example job titles: Guidance counselor, school counselor
2020 annual median salary: $58,120 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: You'll generally need a bachelor's degree to get into this field.
Licensure requirements: Not all states require a guidance counselor to be licensed.

Mental Health Counseling

A mental health counselor helps clients as they navigate the effects of a mental illness, whether that means anxiety, depression, trauma or another condition.

Example job titles: Mental health counselor, psychologist
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: Most mental health counselors have master's degrees.
Licensure requirements: You'll generally need to be licensed by the state if you want to work in this field.

Military Counseling

As a military counselor, you might work with active service members, veterans, or military family members to help them cope with different types of emotional impairment. Treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a big part of the job.

Example job title: Military counselor
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: Most military counselors have a master's degree or higher.
Licensure requirements: To work as a military counselor, most states require you to have a license and certification.

Music Therapy Counseling

In this vocation, you will use music to treat various cognitive, emotional, physical and social needs on behalf of your clients.

Example job title: Music therapist
2020 annual median salary: $47,710 (BLS data for recreational therapists)
Required degree to enter the field: You may be able to start out in this career with a bachelor's degree.
Licensure requirements: Pursuing a certification in music therapy can be necessary, depending on your state.

Rehabilitation Counseling

As a rehabilitation counselor, you will work with clients who have disabilities, helping them cope with their limitations while they are also finding housing, completing school, and/or succeeding in their chosen vocation.

Example job title: Rehabilitation counselor
2020 annual median salary: $37,530 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: You need a master's degree or higher to work as a rehabilitation counselor.
Licensure requirements: Most states require licensing and certification to work in this field.

School Counseling

Like guidance counselors, school counselors work directly with students as they progress through emotional, physical, academic and vocational goals. The main distinction is that school counselors tend to be more focused on emotional and social issues, while guidance counselors focus more on academic concerns.

Example job titles: Guidance counselor, school counselor
2020 annual median salary: $58,120 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: A bachelor's degree is required, and some employers will require a master's degree.
Licensure requirements: Not all states require specific licensing or certification, depending on where you live.

Spiritual Counseling

Spiritual counselors employ the language and beliefs of particular religious traditions to help their clients navigate problems in their life.

Example job title: Spiritual counselor
2020 annual median salary: $56,560 (BLS data for members of the clergy)
Required degree to enter the field: Not all spiritual counselors have advanced degrees, but many of them do.
Licensure requirements: Depending on where you live, you may not need to be licensed to be a spiritual counselor.

Substance Abuse Counseling

One of the most in-demand counseling specialties, substance abuse counselors provide direct intervention and treatment plans for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Example job titles: Substance abuse counselor, drug abuse counselor
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS)
Required degree to enter the field: A master's degree is generally required for people who work as substance abuse counselors.
Licensure requirements: Licensing and certification is required to work in this specialty.

Transformational Counseling

By using talk therapy, transformational counselors help lead their clients toward personal growth.

Example job title: Transformational counselor
2020 annual median salary: $47,660 (BLS data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors)
Required degree to enter the field: Most transformational counselors have at least a bachelor's degree.
Licensure requirements: Not every state requires specific licensing for a transformational counselor.

MS in School Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at National University

National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)

Master's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Arts in School Counseling Program at University of Denver

University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling ( Accredited)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum Program at Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (CACREP Accredited)

FAQ: How Much do Counselor’s Make?

How to Pursue Counseling Specialties

No matter which of these counseling specializations you choose, there are some basic steps to follow.

Obtain an undergraduate degree. Most counseling psychology specializations require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology or a related field.
Consider an advanced degree. Depending on the type of counseling you want to pursue, a master’s or even doctoral-level degree may be required.
Pursue licensure. For most counseling psychology specializations, licensure at the state level is required. Some counseling professions will also require you to re-apply for licensure, showing proof of continuing education credits.
Gain work experience. Also keep in mind that gaining supervised experience is needed before licensure for most counseling professions.

Types of Counseling Styles

There are many different types of counseling styles, just as there are different types of counselors with their own thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. Finding the right style can make it easier for you to focus on how you want to help people and the goals you have for your patients. The styles include:

Psychodynamic Counseling: This counseling specialty focuses on emotional suffering and its psychological roots, through self-examination and self-reflection, leading to new ways to look at oneself and one’s struggles.
Interpersonal Counseling: The focus of this type of counseling is improving interpersonal functioning by looking at the behaviors that cause issues and the symptoms those issues produce.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: As a type of talk therapy, CBT is very commonly used with patients who have anxiety disorders or problems with depression, and who are looking to alleviate their symptoms.
Mindfulness-Based Counseling: Mindfulness-based counseling builds on the principles already taught in CBT by adding mindfulness meditation and related methods of alleviating the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Humanistic/Client-Centered Counseling: This type of counseling is focused on self-discovery, free will, and the human potential to help clients develop a better sense of self, focus on their strengths, and find more meaning in life.

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.