A career in counseling psychology can be very rewarding, no matter how you look at it. It seems that nowadays, the majority of people are always stressed, so it is no wonder that counseling jobs are so demanded. However, different careers in this field can have different educational requirements, and depending on your goal, there are different career paths that you can take. Keep on reading to learn more about the educational requirements and job opportunities of counseling psychologists.
1. What is counselling psychology?
Psychology is a complex field and counselling psychology is just one of its many branches. More specifically, this practice focuses on how individuals perform personally, but also in their relationships and in the overall society. This practice mostly addresses problems caused by daily stress, although in some situations it can also address more severe psychological problems. Aside from stress management, counseling is also great for helping people take better control of their emotions in order to overcome or be less susceptible to depression or substance abuse.
2. Job opportunities
Since counseling psychology doesn’t focus on chronical mental health issues, it can have less demanding education requirements than other psychological practices. Nonetheless, this can vary from job to job. As a general rule, with just a Bachelor’s Degree, you might be able to find work in government environments. A Master’s in Counseling Psychology will open more doors and it will make you eligible for the most common counselling jobs: career counselor, school counselor, mental health counselor and substance abuse counselor. The median salary for these jobs usually ranges between $40,000 and $50,000.
3. Choosing the right school
Counseling degrees have similar requirements at different universities. However, there are some factors that can make certain universities a better choice than others. For example, the ratio of teacher to student can show the school’s commitment to helping the students achieve their full potential. It is also important to look for programs with notable alumni. There are also some personal factors that need to be considered when choosing a university. For example, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to consider a school with good financial aid options and scholarships available. Moreover, decide if the graduation timeline is in accordance with your career goals and possible job opportunities. Also, consider choosing a university that focuses on clinical courses, as well as core courses that promote the student’s evolution in the professional practice.