Therapist Job Description
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Counseling Major Careers
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Information/Strategies |
Mental Health
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Marriage and Family Therapy
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School Counseling
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School Education
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Colleges and universities:
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Career Counseling
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Rehabilitation
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Substance Abuse
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Social Services
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General Information and Strategies
- Many undergraduate majors serve as good preparation to enter counseling professions. Sometimes even seemingly unrelated majors, such as communication studies, can work. If pursuing a graduate degree, some programs require certain undergraduate coursework while other programs are open to any undergraduate degree. Research requirements at schools of interest.
- Graduate entrance exams are required for entry into a master’s or PhD program. Though most will require only the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), some may also require the GRE in Psychology.
- Graduate programs should be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in order to ensure a smooth transition towards licensure or certification.
- Most counseling PhD programs require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and/or several years of experience for admission. However, many programs accept, if not require, bachelor’s level applicants.
- Many counseling positions require credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in order to provide services or to go into private or group practice. Licensure can require an additional 2-3 years of supervised experience after graduation depending upon state requirements.
- Additional credentials may be required for specialized fields such as Marriage and Family Therapy, Career Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, or School Counseling. Refer to the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and state licensure requirements to determine which credentials are needed.
- Employment opportunities are expected to grow in each of the counseling areas due to changing legislation, expansion of services, increasing student enrollment, improved reimbursement from managed care companies, and decreased stigma surrounding seeking professional help.
- It is important to join and utilize professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association throughout your studies, as well as when looking for employment. These organizations often advertise grants, promote networking, advocate for students and professionals, and provide resources and important information regarding professional issues.
Links:
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Professional Associations
- American Counseling Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American School Counselors Association
- American Mental Health Counselors Association
- National Career Development Association
- American College Counseling Association
- Chi Sigma Iota – National Counseling Honor Society
- Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling
- American Psychological Association
- Miscellaneous Career Information
- Job Postings
* = Recommended Sites
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