3 answers
maddy
Student
Grafton, Ohio
5
Questions
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what training and education is needed to succeeded to be a counselor
#counseling #career #therapist
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3 answers
Matthew Armes, MS, NCC, NCSC, LPC
High School Counselor
33
Answers
Leesburg, Virginia
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Maddy,
It's a great question to consider, and I'll do my best to provide some practical information. Although Marie's answer is certainly one way to pursue a career as a counselor, I'll offer something different. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a human service or social science-related field (sociology, psychology, etc.) is certainly a bonus. However, other undergraduate degrees can work almost just as well, provided you also have some additional professional experiences within the helping fields.
For example, I earned a degree in English with a double minor in Journalism and Philosophy. Then, I worked in the field of media for three years and volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for two years before starting a master's program in Counseling Psychology and Secondary Education. From Marie's answer, pursuing a master's degree in Social Work trains you to become a social worker. Some counselor positions (school or mental health) will accept a social work degree, but some will also prefer a degree in counseling. Social work and counseling are two related but very different fields.
More importantly, when you explore masters' programs in counseling, be sure to note which programs are CACREP-accredited. That stands for the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It's a way for universities to ensure they offer the best programs in that particular field for graduate students, and it's a highly respected way of earning your degree.
In addition to the master's degree in counseling, additional training would likely include passing specific comprehensive exams and earning various certifications. For example, I had to pass a state comprehensive exam for my graduate degree program, and I also chose to take an exam to become a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC). Those are widely recognized and respected credentials within the field. You could also choose to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). The requirements for this licensure will vary by state, but it usually involves 3,000 of supervision within a private practice or other mental health setting. If you have someone who's willing to supervise you, that's a great start.
I know that's a lot of information, but hopefully this gives you a general idea of how to pursue this if you're interested!
Best of luck,
Matt
It's a great question to consider, and I'll do my best to provide some practical information. Although Marie's answer is certainly one way to pursue a career as a counselor, I'll offer something different. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in a human service or social science-related field (sociology, psychology, etc.) is certainly a bonus. However, other undergraduate degrees can work almost just as well, provided you also have some additional professional experiences within the helping fields.
For example, I earned a degree in English with a double minor in Journalism and Philosophy. Then, I worked in the field of media for three years and volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for two years before starting a master's program in Counseling Psychology and Secondary Education. From Marie's answer, pursuing a master's degree in Social Work trains you to become a social worker. Some counselor positions (school or mental health) will accept a social work degree, but some will also prefer a degree in counseling. Social work and counseling are two related but very different fields.
More importantly, when you explore masters' programs in counseling, be sure to note which programs are CACREP-accredited. That stands for the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It's a way for universities to ensure they offer the best programs in that particular field for graduate students, and it's a highly respected way of earning your degree.
In addition to the master's degree in counseling, additional training would likely include passing specific comprehensive exams and earning various certifications. For example, I had to pass a state comprehensive exam for my graduate degree program, and I also chose to take an exam to become a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC). Those are widely recognized and respected credentials within the field. You could also choose to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). The requirements for this licensure will vary by state, but it usually involves 3,000 of supervision within a private practice or other mental health setting. If you have someone who's willing to supervise you, that's a great start.
I know that's a lot of information, but hopefully this gives you a general idea of how to pursue this if you're interested!
Best of luck,
Matt
mark vellucci
Licensed Professional Counselor
38
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hi Maddy,
Marie's answer is very thorough and contains great advice! I would like to address another aspect of success, which is personal satisfaction/ sense of accomplishment. For example, one might prioritize these things above financial or status success, for example. I am saying that a healthy balance between types of ways success is measured will be very important for a satisfying career as a counselor. You decide what your priorities are and keep them in mind and adjust them as you go (if necessary) through your career and life.
I know I haven't directly addressed best forms of training, and hope you find this helpful. As mentioned, Marie's response should help you greatly with getting the education and training you will need.
Mark V.
Marie's answer is very thorough and contains great advice! I would like to address another aspect of success, which is personal satisfaction/ sense of accomplishment. For example, one might prioritize these things above financial or status success, for example. I am saying that a healthy balance between types of ways success is measured will be very important for a satisfying career as a counselor. You decide what your priorities are and keep them in mind and adjust them as you go (if necessary) through your career and life.
I know I haven't directly addressed best forms of training, and hope you find this helpful. As mentioned, Marie's response should help you greatly with getting the education and training you will need.
Mark V.
Marie Carasco, PhD, PCC
Human Resources
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marie’s Answer
There are several paths you can take to becoming a counselor. Completing an undergraduate degree in a social science like psychology, sociology or mental health counseling. Then depending on how quickly you want to get started you can pursue a graduate degree (master's level) in social work, so getting an degree that would allow you to get an LCSW, licence in clinical social work. You can also get a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. The other option is after completing you bachelor's degree, you get a PhD, PsyD or another degree to practice therapy. If you want to be able to prescribe medication and become a psychiatrist, you'll need to go to medical school, then do a residency in psychiatry. So there are MANY options. Depends on the time you want to invest in education and what you'd like to be able to do, like give medication or not.