how to became a counseller?

Hi,

The first step to becoming a counselor is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. You are free to study any subject you like before moving on to a master’s program. However, a degree in psychology or human services lays a solid foundation for further study.

The next step is to enroll in a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program to obtain your master’s degree. These programs have been certified to meet the standards of quality established by a consensus of counseling professionals. The major benefit for students like you is that these programs meet requirements set by the state licensing board, thereby streamlining the process of getting a professional license. There are CACREP available across the country and in both classroom and online settings.

Most master’s degree programs will take two years to complete if you attend full time. Coursework will focus on psychology, sociology, statistics, research and counseling techniques, and training specific to the type of counseling you hope to pursue.

After earning a master’s degree counselors, will need to obtain supervised clinical experience. How much and what type of experience you are required to get varies by state. Afterwards, you are eligible to sit for most state licensing exams, but some students elect to delay this step and pursue a doctorate.

Counselor Licensing

As with many specialized and sensitive professions, counselors will need to earn a license before they are legally allowed to practice. Typically, counselors are required to have a prescribed level of education and experience, and to pass a comprehensive exam administered by the licensing body. The specific requirements vary depending on the state you want to practice in and the type of counseling you are pursuing.

After becoming licensed to practice, counselors bolster their training and credentials by earning additional licenses relevant to specialized patient populations, clinical settings and treatment methods. Examples of advanced credentials include the following:

Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
Forensic Health Evaluators (FHE)
Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF)
Certified Family Therapist (CFT)

No matter what type of counseling you hope to pursue, the most important preparation is to pick an accredited program of study that offer rigorous and specialized training, clinical experience opportunities, and expedited access to licensing procedures. The right program can prepare you to become a better counselor faster so you can begin serving your community and helping people.

More specific information in:

http://www.allpsychologyschools.com/counseling/how-to-become-a-counselor/

Good luck in your choices!