Online Degrees

Mental Health Counselors Careers

The average value of the Master degree needed to become a Mental health counselors is $711,760.00.

Points of Interest

Educational, vocational and school counselors usually have the same academic year as teachers and are subject to their vacation schedules.

Since jobs are not as secure and employees are more likely to move or seek new careers, prospects for vocational counselors are favorable.

The high rate of divorce together with disabilities and personal problems makes school counselors in demand.

Nature of the Work

Duties of school counselors are influenced by where they are employed, their specialties and the ages of the students. Counselors may assist children and their families with a host of problems ranging from behavioral issues, family transitions, mental issues, disabilities, addictions, bullying and other conflicts. Counselors need to be able to make students and families comfortable so they can diagnose problems and facilitate conversation that will help families and students deal with change. Creating a plan to handle their problems and monitoring progress helps eliminate stress or disruption in their daily lives.

School counselors offer group and individual therapy depending on the situation of the child or adolescent. They may be consult with outside psychologists, family members, or have meetings with principals or teachers to obtain sufficient information to help the students and facilitate a plan to help them overcome their problems. School counselors serve as liaison between teachers, students and family members and are often the voice that is heard when students are unable to advocate for themselves.

Although all counselors help children channel their interests, high school and vocational counselors spend a lot of time helping students with career development. These counselors may help children identify careers that coincide with their interests, guide college selection and may be available on an ongoing basis to handle questions during the college application process. Additionally, high school counselors may be responsible for obtaining references, academic records and verification of school extra-curricular activities so they can assure that students are sent to the appropriate universities and colleges. Counselors also assist with course selection and may help coordinate entry into internships and other specialized programs that high schools may offer. Counselors help students get part-time jobs, perfect resume writing skills and learn interview techniques. Some counselors are instrumental in arranging workshops for practice interviews. Counselors may also reach out to the community for job opportunities. High school counselors also work to create anti-drug and anti-drinking programs.

Elementary school counselors are usually instrumental in assisting with child socialization, proper etiquette and personal disabilities. They also guide a child’s adjustment into the student body when appropriate. Elementary counselors often give presentations or teach classes pertaining to appropriate hygiene, bullying, being a friend and anti-drug use. They work with children in individual and small groups to promote good socialization skills. They consult with family, administration, and faculty to help children adjust academically and assist in creating behavioral plans to encourage students to make good choices. Elementary counselors often monitor students’ progress by periodically observing them in the classroom and consulting with parents, teachers, and administration.

Vocational counselors help students and adults reach their career goals and are often employed outside the school environment. They help clients explore their interests by evaluating their backgrounds and academic skills. Their chief focus is helping individuals with career decisions. Vocational counselors examine a wide range of criteria to help clients further their career objectives. They consider grade point averages, fields of study, academic institutions, interests, and work history when evaluating career goals and advising clients how to fulfill them. They will help clients locate jobs and apply for them. They may also suggest ways to increase their skill set by taking additional classes, volunteering and doing internships. They provide encouragement when clients are experiencing financial pressures or have lost their jobs.

Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement

Counselors usually need a master’s degree, but each state has their own requirements so it is important to check the licensing criteria of your state. The type of counselor and the specialty may shape many of the courses. Typically, counselors study psychology, education, human services, and mental health. Classes may discuss vocational counseling, substance abuse and addictions treatment as well as other areas that facilitate stress and transitions. Ethics are also commonly studied regardless of the type of counseling program. In addition to course work, counselors are required to complete supervised clinical work in their field. Graduate programs usually require at least 48 hours and most states require continuing education to maintain counseling certification and licenses.

Requirements for counselor licenses vary by state, but many states require public school counselors to have a degree in counseling and have a requisite amount of classroom experience teaching. State licensing requirements usually require a specific amount of continuing education. The specialty and location of the counselor’s employment may influence the state requirements.

There are also many personal attributes that are beneficial to the counseling profession. Counselors should be outgoing, have the ability to make clients comfortable, and be caring. Counselors should maintain the confidentiality of their clients or students and be ethical and honest. Qualities that help with counseling include good communication skills, excellent organization and the ability to problem-solve. Counselors should be able to remain calm while handling highly traumatic or stressful situations. School counselors usually work standard academic hours, but vocational counselors in private settings are more likely to work when clients are available to meet with them so they may have some evening hours.

Counselors can choose to be certified nationally through the National Board for certified Counselors, but it is not required to maintain a state license. Specialties can be certified through The National Board. In some states, counselors may waive the state examination if they pass the National Board certification.

Advancement depends on the field of counseling, but school counselors can move up to supervisory positions in guidance or counseling. Sometimes they take additional classes or pursue a doctorate so they can teach counseling, become psychologists or move into administration. Counselors may move into private practice, teach college or do research and writing.

Employment

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the overwhelming majority of professionals who are counselors specialize in education or vocational counseling. Counselors work in both academic institutions and private practice.

Employment for educational and vocational counselors is very favorable. The promising outlook expectsb openings to increase, but they will probably be more plentiful in rural areas.

Projections

Increased responsibilities and knowledge about disabilities and issues make educational counselors higher in demand and the field is growing at a faster than average rate. However, there is a possibility that budget issues could restrict some openings in schools if budgets are not supplemented by the federal government. Vocational counselors are used more widely as students and adults go through successive careers or job changes.

Earnings

Earnings fluctuate depending on counseling experience, occupational job setting, and school district. Geographic area also influences the pay scale. School counselors are able to supplement their income with summer work in school districts or by utilizing the time to work elsewhere.

Median salaries range between $38,000 and $65,000. Averages for elementary and secondary schools are about $57,000, junior college counselors earn about $6,000 less, and vocational counselors earn in the mid-thirties. College counselors average just under $44,000.

Related Occupations

Counselors provide support and help clients overcome traumatic stress and cope with transitions. They are also adept at problem-solving, coping with disabilities and providing support for achieving goals. Other similar professions include: nursing, psychology, social work, teaching, and working as a clergy member. These professions all require the qualities of caring and trust associated with counseling. Additionally, these professions are focused on self-healing.

Sources of Additional Interest

• http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm Bureau of Labor Statistics Counseling
• http://www.nbcc.org/ National Board of Certified Counselors
• http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=242 State Certification Requirements

Related Jobs

People with the educational background, skills, and desire to become a Mental health counselors might be well suited to work as Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors as well.