Help Finding Counseling Degree Programs
Want to find counseling degree programs and learn how start your career in counseling or psychology? Our featured counseling psychology and mental health counseling schools offer a wide range of professional Counseling Degree Programs including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificates and doctorates. Earn your counseling degree online or on campus.
Counseling degree programs prepare students to diagnose, administer therapy, create educational programs and develop treatment plans. Counselors work in a variety of settings such as schools, rehabilitation centers, jails, employment facilities and family services. Counselors focus on an individual’s overall well-being, vocational and educational guidance and advice, whereas clinical psychologists focus primarily on the treatment of psychological disorders.
Education is extensive, taking at least four to six years. The job market is promising as the public increasingly seeks therapy with counselors. The mental health field is multifaceted. There are several types of professions, each with different types of training. You can read more on how to become a psychologist or if you are looking for the differences of a PsyD Vs PhD.
Schools with Counseling Programs
Argosy University – The American School of Professional Psychology Graduate Programs
Argosy’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences is where you will receive the training to become one of tomorrow’s clinical practitioners through practical training, internships and small class size.
Northcentral University
By providing you with a unique one-on-one faculty/student learning experience based on a proven educational model, NCU allows you to achieve your goals using your own style of learning.
University of Phoenix
Get the education you want, the way you want it at the University of Phoenix. They have helped thousands of students get the higher education they need to achieve success in their careers. They can help you too.
Capella University – The Harold Abel School of Psychology
Capella University offers a perfect combination of a traditional classroom education with the ability to fit your educational experience around your work and home life. Capella University is properly accredited and a highly respected university.
Many Universities Offer Degrees in Counseling and Therapy
Training as a social worker is a valid alternative to training to become a psychologist. Social work programs are an alternative to psychology training. Programs focused on clinical social work prepares students to work in the welfare and mental health environments. Programs that train psychotherapists or counseling are typically not as in-depth as a doctorate level education. A bachelor’s degree can procure a recent graduate an entry-level position.
Many state boards require the attendance at an American Psychological Association accredited program. A bachelor degree in psychology is obtained before advancing to master’s or doctoral degrees in counseling and therapy. Masters degree programs include clinical and counseling psychology. Typically, these programs educate students in basic counseling skills. Specialties in counseling are:
- Educational, vocational, and school counselors
- Elementary school counselors
- High school counselors
- Vocational counselors
- Counseling in mental health
- Counseling in rehabilitation
- behavioral disorder and substance abuse counseling
- Marriage counseling
Educational, vocational and school counselors treat individuals with personal, social, career and education counseling. Elementary counselors observe children while in class and at play to evaluate their strengths, problems or developmental needs. High school counselors assist students with college planning, develop job search skills like resume writing and interviewing techniques. School counselors give importance to preventive and developmental counseling, enhancing students’ personal, social and academic growth as well as providing students with skills required to deal with every-day problems.
Employment or career counselors provide career counseling by evaluating a client’s education, training, skills, work history, interests and personality. Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical and/or emotional disabilities by evaluating their strengths and limitations. Mental health counselors offer a variety of services including diagnosis, therapy, educational programs and development of treatment plans.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors aid those who have alcohol, drug, gambling and eating disorders. Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, families, couples and groups with a focus on screening and understanding their clients’ symptoms and interactions within their existing environment.
Graduate programs prepare students to understand and identify cultural diversity, problem-solving and ethical practice. Licensed professional counselors, or LPCs, generally complete a graduate degree program in psychology, counseling psychology or mental health and obtain a state license to practice.
Job outlook for graduates of counseling degree programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state licensure requirements vary with the occupational specialty. Students generally must complete a master’s degree in counseling in their chosen specialty. Courses studied might include:
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Theology
- Therapy and Counseling
In addition to the educational requirements, experience in related work is required for licensing. Before taking the exam to become licensed, graduates from counseling degree programs must work in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed or certified mental health professional.
The BLS reported the annual mean wage for all counselors in 2015 was $43,190. Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors earned $55,970, while rehabilitation counselors made $45,850. Employment of counselors as a general group is expected to increase by 18 percent through 2024, with the field for mental health counselors predicted to grow by 24 percent.
