Education for School Counselors

SCHOOL COUNSELORS: Providing the Direction Needed Most

One immensely important area of counseling is school counseling. Invaluable to students and the progress they make, School counselors go beyond helping people who are having problems. School counselors facilitate the process of guiding young people in the critical decision-making of choosing a career and organizing an intelligent academic game plan to help them reach their goals. School counselors help students navigate the circuitous and often challenging twists and turns of their school careers.

Another integral task performed by a School Counselor is conducting assessments and evaluations. A strong school counselor helps discover the strengths of the student and helps determine which environment maximizes the student’s opportunity to thrive. School counselors develop programs and facilitate workshops (on topics such as choosing the best college). School counselors can also be important advocates for students. School counselors can make the difference in what university a student chooses to attend and whether they even go through the process of completing their applications. A school counselor is often the greatest source of inspiration to a student.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024. Currently, The BLS reports that the median pay for a school and career counselor is $53,660 per year. 

There are different avenues through which to pursue this highly satisfying field of School Counseling.

BECOMING A SCHOOL COUNSELOR

When working as a counselor with students in a public school setting, you will usually need licensing through your state’s department of education. If you want to work entirely in this setting, the best option is quite likely a Master’s in school counseling. Remember, that the higher the education you pursue and accomplish, the more career options you will have. Education is power!

Many states require a licensing exam. This could be the Praxis, NTE, or a state exam. You’ll want to be familiar with your state board from the very beginning and understand its specific requirements. Becoming a member of the American School Counselor Association is always a good idea in order to stay up on the latest news in this field.

Are you more interested in working in a university setting or a social service setting? Figuring out your path now will save you time in the long run. In some settings, you may not need a license. It’s something to think about as you move forward in your career; though, of course, you will always be at a distinct advantage by having that license. Having the license will empower you with greater flexibility to pursue different directions in your career. If you enroll in a CACREP-accredited school counseling program, you may be eligible for licensing as a professional counselor. Requirements vary from state to state. CACREP-accredited career counseling programs are at least 48 semester hours.

Some may choose to go into private practice as a school counselor. Usually In these cases, one will likely be licensed by his, or her, state’s professional counseling board. You will want to make sure that the program meets all guidelines/standards and will qualify you to sit for the licensing exam.

There are options to combine school and mental health counseling. You can search on the CACREP site for further information on these creative possibilities.

ACCOMPLISHING LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

After graduation, you are advised to seek out additional required licenses and any other credentials that will increase your employment options. Many states require the National Counselor Examination for full credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Depending on where you want to practice, you will need to investigate what exactly is required.

If you are going for state licensure as a professional counselor, you will need to work under professional supervision, usually for at least two years. If you’re only pursuing a school counseling license, this step may not be necessary.

The National Board for Certified Counselors offers the National Certified School Counselor credential. It is also required that you attain the National Certified Counselor credential.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/school-counselors/

Education for Marriage and Family Counselors

EDUCATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELORS

In our society, marriage and family counseling is becoming more commonplace to address mental health issues within the context of the family unit. This form of therapy is considered one of the core mental health disciplines and is fundamentally based on the research that mental illness and family problems are ideally treated in a family context.

Marriage and family counselors are devoted to helping people successfully overcome their problems and restore healthy relationships. Some families need help working through a crisis or stressful time. Individuals within marriages, or families, might be dealing with a major stressor such as illness, a death in the family, or loss of employment. Sometimes there are issues of substance abuse. Many individuals are trying to save their marriages and avoid divorce.  Marriage and family counselors can assist individuals in expressing needs appropriately, making intelligent compromises, and establishing healthy boundaries. Marriage and family counselors can also assist with making appropriate assessments, as needed, to assure that individuals and family units receive the right services. Marriage and family counselors serve a very important role in our society.

If you are interested in getting the education you need in your chosen field to practice as a marriage and family counselor, there is a growing need for qualified professionals! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the marriage and family therapy field would grow over 40% between 2010 to 2020. More and more people are considering treatment for their issues. Interpersonal therapy has become more acceptable. Marriage and family counselors are often preferred, and chosen, over psychologists and psychiatrists because their services are more affordable.

Some of the divisions expected to see the most career growth are in the following areas: individual and family services, residential care, and mental health and substance abuse centers.

GETTING THE EDUCATION YOU NEED FOR THE CAREER OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPIST

In order to work as a marriage and family therapist, you should plan to complete a Master’s degree. Your program may be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some programs hold dual accreditation. The program might be titled marriage and family therapy, or marriage and family counseling. The titles are set by the school offering the program and the agency doing the accrediting. What is important is that the program adheres to the specific requirements of your state board. The title you will use professionally depends on the statutes within your state.

The marriage and family therapy field is predicted to grow 41% between 2010 to 2020, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It is advantageous to have an undergraduate degree in a field related to human services or family studies. Psychology and Social Work are two viable choices. However, it’s not usually a requirement. If your degree is not in a related field, you will probably need to take a few prerequisites prior to entering a Master’s program. Learn about undergraduate psychology degrees and undergraduate human services degrees and how they can help prepare you for a marriage and family therapy graduate education path.

Programs are competitive and will consider various indicators of academic and professional success, such as the following: grades, experience, references, and personal statement.

Your marriage and family counseling program will give you a thorough background in concepts such as marriage and family systems, psychopathology, therapy techniques, and professional ethics. An internship is also critical to your program. You will likely have the option to specialize in a treatment area such as addictions and you will be able to conduct therapy with patients under supervision. Expect to put in at least roughly 500 direct service hours before you graduate. Marriage and Family Counseling is a wonderful career choice if you are willing to put in the work. 

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

After you have fulfilled your educational requirements, the next step is to take the licensing exam. In most states, this is referred to as the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy. The exam is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards, but you will need to go through your own state board to get permission to test. The exam includes questions in five domains. California has its own licensing exam.

It is usually a requirement to work under supervision for up to two years after graduation. This typically means that a mental health professional reviews your therapy practice and meets with you regularly to offer guidance, feedback, and support. You will gain direct knowledge of what the practice of this profession entails. Your state board will provide guidelines about what constitutes an approved supervisor and details about how your experience and supervision should be documented.

When you have met all requirements, you will be licensed. At this point, you can choose to work in a variety of settings, including private practice. In most states, your title will be Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or LMFT. Some states have other titles such as Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, or Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist.

Salary and Career Outlook 

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics the median pay for a marriage and family counselor is $43,190 per year.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/marriage-and-family-counseling/

Education for Rehabilitation Counselor

WORK AS A REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Rehabilitation counselor is the important job position of assisting individuals with disabilities live independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. The clients served by rehabilitation counselors may have developmental challenges or a specific diagnosis such as autism. Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities live as independently, and work as independently, as possible. Rehabilitation counselors work with clients to empower them to overcome or manage the personal, social, or psychological effects of disabilities on their employment or independent living.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted 28% occupational growth in rehabilitation counseling between 2010 and 2020.

Some rehabilitation counselors work directly with individuals and some are primarily advocates for their clients. A rehabilitation counselor may coordinate transitional services for clients moving from the school system into the work world. A rehabilitation counselor can assist employers, or colleges, with making state-required accommodations to remain in compliance with the people they serve.

The following is a limited list of work environments usually in constant need of rehabilitation counselors: vocational rehabilitation settings, state government facilities, family and individual services, and residential care facilities.

The job prospects for rehabilitation counselors are solid. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average rehabilitation counselor earns a median annual salary of $34,390 and predicts 28% occupational growth between 2010 and 2020.

REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

Some facilities will require that one who performs rehabilitation counseling have at least a Bachelor’s degree. Usually, rehabilitation counselors will be required to have at least a Master’s degree. It can be a plus to have an undergraduate degree in a social science field or helping profession, but it’s not typically a requirement. Accreditation can be important. The notable accrediting agency is the Commission on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). CORE-accredited programs include at least 600 hours of internship. Attending a CORE-accredited program can ultimately streamline the credentialing process.

Graduates from other counseling programs can be certified in rehabilitation counseling, but they should make sure to adhere to CRCC requirements regarding the internship and/ or work experience. Individuals with degrees in related fields can go for a certificate instead of a second Master’s degree. 

Credentials

Though not usually a requirement as it is for mental health counselors, credentialing can, of course, benefit rehabilitation counselors in their career choices and opportunities for advancement. Check into the specific requirements for the place where you intend to work. Standards can also vary from state to state. Those who provide counseling services in exempt settings do not need licensure. Some jurisdictions require rehabilitation counselors to be credentialed in order to work in state programs, so make sure that you check into the specifics.

Many states provide rehabilitation counselors the option of being licensed as professional counselors. Practitioners are able to take a licensing examination that’s focused specifically toward rehabilitation counseling; or, they will be required to take the National Counselor Examination, a more general counseling exam. Successful progress through the state licensing process will empower a rehabilitation counselor with new credentials. Often, the title granted is Licensed Professional Counselor. This special licensing will allow a counselor to practice independently.

Rehabilitation counselors may pursue voluntary certification through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Credentialing allows them to use the title Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, or CRC. CRCC certification must be renewed every five years. State licensed rehabilitation counselors must also adhere to the requirements of their state.

As you can see, there are many career paths that can be taken by a rehabilitation counselor. Educate yourself about what is out there and what kind of education and training you need to make your goals a reality.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/rehabilitation-counselor/

Education for Mental Health Counselor

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

(Learning about education for the job of Mental Health Counselor)

Mental Health Counselor is a job title that potentially can lead to a very rewarding career. Do you have the desire to assist individuals, couples, families, and groups in addressing and treating emotional and mental disorders? Do you want to promote the mental health of others? Most mental health counselors in the U.S. work in outpatient and residential care centers, individual and family services, and local governments. There are many options from which to choose. These specially trained therapists employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to address issues and challenges, including the following: depression, addiction, anxiety, substance abuse, problems with self-esteem, suicidal impulses, stress, and grief. Mental health counselors can also prove invaluable for issues involving family, parenting, marital, or other relationship problems. Mental health counselors can help clients with job and career concerns, educational decisions, and issues of mental and emotional health.

Recent changes in federal regulations allow qualified mental health counselors to serve as mental health practitioners, providing services without referral, under the TRICARE program. This is important to the industry, considering that TRICARE serves between 9 and 10 million service members, retirees, and family members.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that jobs for mental health counselors would grow 36% during the 2010 to 2020 decade. What an outstanding prognosis for the industry!

THE WORK OF A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Mental health counselors can help people with normal cognitive processes deal with the challenges of everyday life events, such as: physical illness, death of loved ones, and relationship problems. Other situations that mental health counselors can help people deal with involve the ramifications of severe mental disorders. Counselors must be sensitive to determining when they should refer clients or patients for other resources. Also, it is important to know how to properly identify when abuse has occurred or when there is a real risk of self-injury, suicide, or violent acts toward others. Understanding your clients is a key priority of the skilled mental health counselor.

Mental health counselors are able to specialize and work with a particular population of clients. Mental health counselors may work for multiple agencies; this includes individual and family services, hospitals, and inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. Many mental health counselors find success in private practice. The career options are almost limitless.

TRAINING TO WORK AS A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

All states require mental health counselors to have a Master’s degree. Curriculum requirements vary from state to state. Many states require that the degree program either be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or be something of comparable objective and approved standards.

Mental health counselors should be trained properly with a broad knowledge and skill base. They should become adept at effectively applying research to clinical counseling. Mental health counselors should be well-versed in common psychoactive medications, including contraindications and side effects. Though they do not directly prescribe medications, mental health counselors must be knowledgeable about the effects of medications. You must have keen insights into what your patients/clients are going through.

All jurisdictions require mental health counselors to spend time in an approved residency after completing their education. During this time, mental health counselors will work under the supervision of clinical supervisors.

Argosy University offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: https://www.argosy.edu/locations/dallas/counseling-psychology-and-social-sciences-4/master-of-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling.

CREDENTIALS OF A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

All states have specific licensing requirements for mental health counseling professionals. Some states combine requirements for mental health counselors with other professional counselors. Other states have multiple licensing levels for counselors.

You are encouraged to pursue the highest level of licensing possible in order to open up your career possibilities. Licensing levels can determine how much money you make through your career; and the more licensing you have, the greater potential for your career development.

Counselors may also choose voluntary mental health counseling certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/mental-health-counselor/

Education for Grief Counselors

Grief Counselors serve a very important role in our society.

Grief counselors guide individuals through the loss of a loved one such as a spouse, parent, or even a pet. Supportive listening is a big part of what they do. Grief counselors help individuals manage their feelings appropriately. Relationship break-ups and divorces can be difficult, too. Grief counselors can assist in these cases, as well.

Grief is a reaction to any form of loss. An individual often experiences a range of feelings from deep sadness, and sorrow, to anger. One person may have an entirely different reaction to another to the same incident, depending on his or her background, beliefs, and many other factors.

The American Academy of Grief Counseling delineates that traditional therapy is different from counseling. Grief counselors typically work with individuals who are experiencing normal expressions of grief. The process implemented by a grief counselor encompasses elements such as encouragement and education. Clients with more serious experiences, or challenges, will need to seek assistance from a qualified therapist with advanced credentials.

Grief counselors are often found working within hospices or other places where death is not uncommon. They can be found in social service agencies, churches, or funeral homes. Those who are grieving derive much comfort and benefit from the grief counselors.

Receiving the Proper Education for Working as a Grief Counselor

The amount of education and training needed depends on what capacity you will be working. Obviously, you want to get the best education possible in order to expand your career horizons.

A prospective counselor or therapist should ideally plan on completing an undergraduate degree and then a Master’s degree. Recommended undergraduate degree programs would be along the lines of a psychology, human services, or social work degree. If a person has a background in nursing, he or she could choose to work as a psychiatric advanced practice nurse. Many will choose to combine a desire for counseling with a particular religious calling in order to become pastoral counselors.

A graduate is usually required to work under supervision for a period of two to three years, gaining invaluable fieldwork experience. The person supervising usually must perform an evaluation and recommend the counselor to the state board for professional licensing.

Licensing and Certification

Master’s level counselors are state licensed. There are voluntary certifications in grief counseling available, as well. The certification process will usually include formal training and an examination.

The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers various levels of credentialing. There are multiple eligibility categories. Though a Master’s is not always required for Certified Grief Counselor, a successful undergraduate degree in psychology or human services is usually required. In order to become a Grief Recovery Practitioner, a counselor will need a Master’s degree.

Once certified as a Certified Grief Counselor, a person may do training for specialty certifications.

Practitioners may also seek certification through ADEC, The Thanatology Association.

Grief Counseling can prove to be a very rewarding career for those willing to put forth the effort.

Salary and Career Expectations

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics a mental health counselor earns between $36,570 and $69,900 per year.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/grief-counselors/

Education for Geriatric Counselors

Do you want to work with an older population of clients?

Geriatric Counseling (also known as gerontological) assist individuals and families with issues that relate to the aging process. The aging process is not always easy and there are times when a trained geriatric counselor is needed. The types of issues could include one or more of the following: the retirement years; interpersonal discord; money concerns; memory loss; and illness. One of the major concerns among the elderly is losing so many friends and family.
The issues of illness and death become much more common as individuals enter their older years.

Many fear the future of what could happen should they become disabled in some way. It proves a challenge for many adults to face the less-than-pleasant aspects of aging. As they age, some adults may approach their “Golden Years” with the anticipation of retirement, grandchildren, and having relaxation time. Others may truly fear the possibility of physical and mental adverse effects of aging. It may also be difficult for some older adults to face mortality. Another major concern is what to do with the challenge of attending to basic needs when experiencing the ill-effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some other challenges that can present to the elderly are the following: impairments in hearing, vision, or mobility, and worsening of overall health. Nobody looks forward to the possibility of loss of independence and/or dignity.

Geriatric counselors often assist the elderly with issues that are separate from, but accompanying, the aging process. Some elderly individuals have had lifelong struggles with mental illness, for instance. Often, the aging process can exacerbate mental illness. Geriatric counselors are there to help.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that jobs for Geriatric Counselors will grow 37% through 2020.  

According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, general counselors make an annual average salary between $26,110 and $72,810.

The Basics on Getting The Education You Need

If you feel that you want to pursue the career of geriatric counselor, you can begin the process by securing a Bachelor’s degree in a field such as counseling, social work, or psychology. Gain experience in the field! Your degree and experience will provide you an excellent foundation needed to effectively apply to a quality Master’s program. The admissions teams at the schools of your choice will know that you are serious.

Many professionals choose to add to their repertoire by gaining knowledge of the geriatric population. If you already have a license in a related field, you can develop graduate certification in gerontological counseling.

Continuing education is often a great idea. If your state requires continuing education for your license renewal, you might be allowed to select courses that pertain to the geriatric population, such as: depression in older adults, and clinical neuropathology and health assessments.

Career Outlook and Salary

Geriatric counseling is a growing field. Two factors have led to this:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted 37% growth of counseling positions between 2010 and 2020.
• The number of individuals 65 and over is growing, and Baby Boomers seem to be more and more open-minded to the benefits of counseling.

Cost considerations lead many insurance companies to prefer counselors over other mental health providers. There is currently a push from the American Counseling Association, and others, to allow for Medicare coverage of professional counseling.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/geriatric-counseling/

Education for Depression Counselors

Depression counselors are mental health counselors who specialize in the various dimensions of Depression.

Depression counselors are able to conduct testing/assessments to determine diagnosis and assess the severity of each case. A common assessment is the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Depression counselors must also make a careful assessment to determine whether an individual is at risk for suicide. Patients should be monitored closely throughout the treatment process to ensure that they remain safe at all times.

The word “depression” has become common in our vernacular. Depression is the condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection.

Clinical depression is the more severe form of depression, also known as major depression, or major depressive disorder.

Depression counselors may also treat an accompanying disorder such as anxiety. One very important facet to this type of counseling is being able to determine clinical depression apart from ordinary daily life event episodes of sadness and from normal experiences of grief. We all go through tough times; we don’t all suffer from depression.

Depression counselors may implement various treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavior therapy emerged from cognitive theories of depression. Advocates of the cognitive theory of depression have theorized that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.Depression is believed to be maintained by distorted and biased cognitions that affect the individual’s view of himself, his future, and his environment. When depression brings on extreme thinking patterns, cognitive therapy can help bring the patient’s thinking into perspective. The therapist can help the patient mold more constructive thought processes and keep them reinforced.

The counselor may choose to implement a psychodynamic approach. There are other types of therapy, as well, that can be utilized. The therapist is able to employ a combination of techniques, as well.

Education and Licensing for Depression Counselors

A Master’s degree is usually expected for professional mental health counseling. Some states will allow individuals with lower levels of education to counsel under supervision at agency settings, but all states will require a graduate degree for private practice in mental health counseling.

Different states have varying licensing standards, so a prospective counselor will want to become familiar with his or her state board before pursuing graduate education. Pursuing the highest levels of licensing you can is always a good plan to ensure that reimbursement goes smoothly. A common requirement is 60 graduate semester hours in counseling.

Mental health counseling programs are accredited by CACREP. Often, this is the best option. A counselor can often achieve a similar level of licensing, though, by enrolling in a Master’s program in counseling psychology. Such programs are very selective.

Depression counselors should customize their supervised practice experiences toward experience that is directly related to their target population. Make sure that you get the quality experience you need.

Salary and Career Expectations

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics the average depression counselor in the US earns between $32,720 and $54,320 per year.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/depression-counselors/

Education for Community Mental Health Counselors

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Our communities have people (across the socioeconomic spectrum) that need counseling services. Many of them have one form, or another, of mental health issues. Mental illness exists in various sensitive populations such as the homeless.

Often, the mental illness can exacerbate inherent situations of struggle and limited resources among these populations. Some of these populations of people are actually dealing with a combination of physical challenges with mental conditions, adding to the magnitude of their situation. These clients often rely on clinics that are understanding and can work with them, given their uniquely sensitive life struggles/demands and financial situations.

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS KNOW THEIR ENVIRONMENTS WELL

Community mental health counselors are practiced at working with diverse populations in clinics and other community agencies. These counselors perform many of the duties that mental health counselors perform in private practice. Community mental health counselors go beyond the scope of a usual mental health counseling practice and get into other areas, such as: assisting clients with scheduling appointments and teaching them how to use public transit, libraries, and other community services. With these valued counselors having a keen understanding of the nuances of the populations they serve, these counselors thus serve an invaluable role in our society.

EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Community mental health counselors are usually very well educated. The level of education will vary depending on state law, as well as on the actual job responsibilities. There are community service organizations that will employ people at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, depending on the nature of the work and responsibility. Look into the job opportunities in your area to decide the right degree for you. Until recently, the CACREP agency (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited mental health and community counseling programs separately. Due to recent changes, the two have been merged. The length of mental health counseling programs has increased to 60 semester hours.

LICENSING and CERTIFICATION

Some states allow counselors to work under supervision in an agency or community setting without a license. Other states require licenses for all counselors who work in mental health. It will always benefit you to hold an appropriate license, whether or not it is required. Mental health counselors who have completed Master’s degrees must work under supervision for two or three years before they attain the highest level of licensing. Often this means taking a position with a community organization or agency. Bachelor’s level counselors are often certified to work in a particular capacity; in some areas, they can be certified as Qualified Mental Health Providers and in others, they may be substance abuse counselors.

One interesting program is the MA in Education and Human Development in Rehabilitation Counseling through George Washington University Online: http://gsehd.gwu.edu/

Salary and Career Expectations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mental Health Counselors can expect to achieve a salary of between 41,000 and 43,000 per year.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/community-mental-health-counselors/

Education for Child Counselors

What Are Child (or Pediatric) Counselors?

Child counselors become adept at making assessments of children’s individual needs and setting appropriate treatment goals.

Children experience their own range of psychological challenges through the years. While adults might be proactive about going to a counselor for help with their challenges, children may need a guiding hand, and adult supervision, in seeking treatment for any of the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Child (Pediatric) counselors work with children who have experienced a wide range of issues. Examples of situations or issues may include trauma as a victim of abuse or witnessing domestic violence in the home. Some children are going through the struggles of their parents’ separation or divorce. Some are dealing with identity issues and might be subject to bullying at school. Child counselors are there to help with all of these issues and more.

While working as a child counselor, you might find yourself working with clients representing many psychological issues, or you might specialize on one or two areas and make that the focus of your practice.

Frequently, child counselors will employ innovative therapies or other modalities such as play therapy. The counselor may also be a contributing member of a team that includes other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and specially trained nurses; the foremost goal is to always get the child the most appropriate treatment possible.

Getting an Education to work as a Child (Pediatric) Counselor

In order to be a professional child counselor, you will need to complete a Master’s degree and become state licensed. Typically,  your Master’s degree will be in mental health counseling or in a related field such as counseling psychology. Look for the few counseling psychology programs in the United States that have a focus on child and adolescent counseling. Know going into the process that counseling psychology programs remain highly competitive. This is not to dissuade you from applying; it is only to give you the facts so that you are prepared! Always make sure that the program you are looking at meets the licensing requirements in your state.

Furthermore, other avenues to continue your goal (of working professionally with children) include pursuing special training in play therapy. Many reputable universities (online or in a classroom) offer graduate certificates in play therapy. Some schools will allow you to pursue play therapy as a focus in your Master’s program. Play therapy has proven very popular in the counseling milieu.

Additionally, some students will choose the option of dual licensing as professional counselors and school counselors. One benefit of this approach is the flexibility of working with children in either clinical or school settings. Often, that variety and flexibility can enhance your career. So if your passion is to work with children, you don’t have to wait until graduate school to start the education process.

It is wise to choose an undergraduate major in a field such as child development. You can also gain valuable volunteer experience at a place such as a child crisis center. Any environment that gives you the chance to work directly with children’s issues will benefit you greatly for this worthwhile career you are choosing. This invaluable experience you gain will provide you a much better chance of getting admitted to the program of your choice. Having the right experience and academic background will help you achieve success as a professional child counselor.

Certification and Licensing

A child counselor must have a state license in professional counseling or a related field. You may also have attained additional certifications through another organization.

In the U.S., the Association for Play Therapy certifies Master’s level mental health professionals in play therapy. You are required to be state licensed in a mental health field in order to pursue the credential. In order to get the extra credential, you must also have 150 hours of instruction in play therapy. One must also have invested 500 hours of supervised play therapy work experience. Prerequisites will also include coursework in areas such as child and adult psychotherapy and personality therapy.

Salary and Job Outlook

There is a growing need for child counselors, with the job outlook for child counselors looking very good. Elementary and school counselors can make as high as $63,000 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/child-counselors/

Education for Child Abuse Counselors

Child Abuse Counselors

Working with children in the role of child abuse counselor is one of the most sensitive and important careers possible.

Child abuse counselors must be licensed mental health providers with professional experience working with patients who have sustained physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse. These specially trained counselors may work with traumatized children or adult survivors of childhood abuse. Some mental health counselors will focus on counseling abusers. The methods the counselor will use depend on the clients seeking therapy.

Young children often respond well to play therapy. Parents have grown accustomed to asking for play therapy when that option is available and the counselor is agreeable. Multiple therapy modalities can be implemented, ranging from less structured play therapy to more structured interventions. Cognitive therapy may also be employed – this is, among other things, a way of helping children understand that they didn’t deserve the abuse. Children may need not only permission to discuss the abuse but the vocabulary to do so.

A counselor who works with children may use assessments like the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children or Children’s Impact of Traumatic Events Scale. The counselor will set therapy goals that are appropriate to the child’s age or development level.

Counselors may be part of a unified team that includes key social workers, nurses, and doctors. Often, the family of the client is supportive and wants to be involved in the therapy process. In cases like this, therapy will be conducted while involving the family members and children.

Children who have been traumatized often will experience anxiety or separation disorders; some have post-traumatic stress, or somatization disorders (This disorder can sometimes occur, and manifest, when a person feels extreme anxiety about physical symptoms such as pain or fatigue. The person may experience intense thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms that interfere dramatically with their daily life).

Counselors can help children through teaching them methods of stress reduction and relaxation. Counselors who know that they want to specialize in abuse counseling may seek employment at clinics or centers that specialize in this area.

The Need for Counseling All Survivors of Abuse

Many survivors of abuse are now adults; this represents another major segment of the population that needs treatment. Traditionally, sexual abuse was underreported; unfortunately, the perceived stigma of reporting kept many people from doing so. Therefore, many victims have not received the treatment they need.

Very often, adult survivors may have developed a variety of mental health issues as a result of the past abuse. Often, there is the manifestation of anxiety and other neuroses. Some people are overprotective of their own children while others are detached; they may be unsure of what constitutes appropriate affection or they may simply find affection triggering. Counselors are needed to help patients discover connections, or correlations, between their current issues and abuse sustained in the past.

The Education for a Child Abuse Counselor

In order to be licensed as a child abuse counselor, it is required that an individual obtain at least a Master’s degree. Some pursue a doctoral degree to further their education and attain the highest professional clout they can.

Many candidates pursue Master’s degrees in counseling or related fields such as social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling psychology,  where the median salary in 2015 was between $41,880 and $45,900 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It takes quite a bit of education to become a licensed counselor, but a person can begin exploring the field by volunteering at a crisis shelter.

Licensing and Certification

States usually require that child abuse counselors and other mental health providers be licensed according to the standards of that state. All states usually require an examination and a period of supervised practice before the candidate ascends to the highest level of licensing. A criminal background check is usually required. Some states will allow for licensing counselors at a lower level while they are completing their supervision hours. Child abuse counselors are able to proactively pursue other voluntary certifications in areas such as play therapy.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/child-abuse-counselors/

Education for Behavior Analysts

Working as a Behavior Analyst can be truly satisfying. Many students have found great satisfaction in getting the education they need to work as a Board-certified Behavior Analyst. Applied behavioral analysis (or ABA) is becoming quite a prestigious profession. The practice of behavior analysis is the professional implementation of interventions to consumers that are guided by the principles of behaviorism and the research of both the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis. ABA has become popular for many reasons; namely, one reason for the popularization of ABA is the well-documented successes in helping children with autism, and other disorders, learn skills that are more adaptive to their environment. Though ABA is often utilized in cases of early intervention for young clients, it can be effectively implemented throughout the lifespan and for varied populations. Applied behavior analysts have been known to work with such diverse populations as autism, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and the elderly population.

Credentialed behavior analysts serve a very important role in the following tasks: working as case managers; designing and modifying treatment plans; analyzing behaviors and environmental influences; and ensuring that professional interventions for clients are performed in a consistently ethical manner.

In this ever growing field, the possibilities for employment are being created at a rapid pace, so that today’s Behavior Analysts may be employed by traditional institutions or be self-employed with a salary range between $39,000 and $77,000, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More and more states are licensing the profession. Behavior analysts have the option of pursuing Board-certification by theBehavior Analyst Certification Board. A Board-Certified professional will also complete a supervised practicum requirement and pass an examination. It remains important for behavior analysts to consistently adhere to the BACB code of ethics.

Educational

A Master’s level education is crucial for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Prospective behavior analysts may complete degrees specifically in behavioral analysis; or they may qualify with degrees in education, or psychology, provided that they also have the required coursework. Many schools offer the Approved Course Sequence (ACS).  A candidate who wants non-ACS coursework to be considered must submit an application for coursework evaluation.

This promising career of behavior analysis is presently being offered by several schools that offer Master’s degrees specifically in applied behavior analysis.

Check out this link.

There are numerous educational opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling career as a Behavioral Analysis with most universities offering both a Master’s and Graduate Certificate programs that are approved by the BACB and assist with the BCBA examination.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst will have, at the minimum, 270 hours of instruction in Board-mandated areas, so make sure that you pay attention to the following requirements:

• 45 hours of Principles of behavior analysis
• 45 hours of Ethical and professional conduct
• 45 hours of Elements and procedures of behavior change
• 30 hours of Problem identification and assessment

Included on the following list are many of the techniques being taught that have proven important to the profession:

• Modeling and imitation training
• Shaping and chaining
• Prompts and fading
• Positive and negative reinforcement
• Self-management strategies
• Augmentative communication
• Incidental teaching
• Token economies

Requirements

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board can accept 1,000 hours of practicum or 750 hours of intensive practicum. Approval by the BACB is required for acceptance of practicum experience. Prospective students who do not complete practicum experiences through their schools can qualify on the basis of supervised work experience (will need to be a full 1,500 hours). The BACB maintains a registry to help candidates find the right professionals to supervise their practice.

Additional Resources

The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts offers a link to state licensing boards and professional organizations. Many states have their own APBA chapters. This is an excellent resource.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/behavior-analysts/

Education for Addiction Counselors

ADDICTION, OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE, COUNSELOR

(Deciding to work as an addiction counselor)

There are many complicated reasons why a person might abuse alcohol or drugs, and some of these reasons may be extremely powerful. No matter why people experiment with drugs or alcohol, there is a chance that they will become dependent upon them. Addiction counselors are mental health professionals tasked with helping those who suffer from addiction to alcohol or drugs. Many therapists have been through the throes of addiction themselves, and feel inspired to help others going through the same experience. Working as an addiction counselor can prove very rewarding.

Substance abuse, or addiction, counseling is a type of counseling that can be used to help people overcome and conquer dependencies on substances such as alcohol and drugs.

Many people feel that they are being held hostage by their addictions. They turn to Addiction Counselors to help them loosen the reins over their lives and free themselves from the negative effects of chronic addiction.

In our courts, people are being sentenced to treatment in lieu of, or in addition to, jail time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites court-ordered treatment as one of the main reasons that the demand for substance abuse and addiction counselors has steadily increased. It is also becoming more common for people to proactively seek treatment to help them overcome the nefarious effects of addiction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 27% growth of the profession of addiction counseling between the years 2010 and 2020.

Those who are interested in working as an addiction counselor are becoming aware that there are several options for entering the field. The positions range from those that require less than an Associate’s degree to ones that require a Master’s degree. A Master’s degree will provide another viable option that proves appealing to many: the option of private practice. In private practice, you are able to work with many clients who have chosen to be there.

ADDICTION COUNSELOR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Researching your own state’s legal requirements is always a great first step. Some states have an addiction treatment board that is separate from counseling. Candidates may be licensed at several levels. Master’s level counselors are usually licensed by the board of professional counseling. The details will vary from state to state.

Find educational programs that are in line with your interests. If you don’t have a degree yet, consider attaining a degree in addiction studies.

If you do have a degree, consider improving your candidacy for a Master’s level program in addictions counseling. You can accomplish this by gaining experience in the field. Find agencies and groups in your community that need some help!

You also will benefit by discovering what level of licensing/ certification various programs will equip you for at the best levels. Another viable option is to enroll in a general professional counseling program that provides you the chance to specialize in addictions counseling. Ask pointed questions from admissions departments to ensure that you are properly following your passion for the right career path.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27% growth in job opportunities for addiction counselors from 2010 through 2020.

When seeking full licensure, you should prepare to work under supervision for a period of at least two years after you attain your degree.

Walden University offers a viable program: the M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – Addiction Counseling. Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2001 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and CACREP accreditation is a requirement for licensure in many states. For more information: http://www.gradschools.com/form/475/291583.

ADDICTION COUNSELOR CREDENTIALING

Many states require that all of their professional counselors in various disciplines take the National Counselor Examination, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Another exam that might be required is the Examination for Master Addiction Counselor, also offered by the NBCC. You will need to have certification as a professional counselor through the NBCC. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate that you have had at least twelve graduate semester hours in addictions (500 CEs hours can be substituted). In order to take the exam, you will also need to have the experience of having worked under supervision at least 20 hours a week for a total of three years, two of them at the post-Master’s level.

Passing the exam will provide you the prestigious title of Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). If you have this credential, you can seek Substance Abuse Professional status with the federal government, effectively opening up even more opportunities to advance your career. The MAC is a voluntary national certification intended for professionals working within substance use disorder/addiction-related disciplines wishing to demonstrate their skills gained through supervised work experience and specific graduate course work.

Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/addiction-counselor/