Online Counseling Degrees

 

The broad term “counseling” covers many specialty areas, but generally to become a counselor you will need a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with specialized counseling courses; state and occupational requirements vary so do check with them before choosing a program.

 

As the demand for counselors has risen in the past several years, so have the number of online counseling degree programs. Now, no matter where you live, you can earn your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in counseling from the comfort of your home–and even work full-time while doing so.

 

Are you ready to learn more about counseling, becoming a counselor, and online counseling degrees? Read on.

 

What do counselors do?
 

 

Counselors work in private practice, educational environments, mental health facilities, and various other settings, helping people identify and manage problems such as family, work, school, mental health, and general personal issues. Problems can range from stress management and marital trouble to clinical depression and substance abuse.

 

Counselors may work with individuals, couples, or groups, and use various techniques in their practice. Common goals for counselors include improving communication and modifying behavior; if counselors decide that medication would be advisable, they may refer their clients to psychiatrists.
 

 

Counselors’ job duties include talking with and counseling patients; analyzing problems and suggesting treatment; and keeping up-to-date on current research, literature, and information in their field.
 

 

What types of counseling specialties are there?
 

 

Counselors specialize in many areas, including:

 

• Behavioral Disorder Counseling
• Community Counseling
• Educational Counseling
   
• Marriage and Family Counseling
   
• Mental Health Counseling
• Pastoral Counseling
   
• Rehabilitation Counseling
   
• School Counseling
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Vocational, Career, and Guidance Counseling 

How do I become a counselor?
 

 

Most states and employers require counselors to be licensed, which often entails the completion of an accredited master’s degree program in counseling, up to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and the successful passing of a licensing exam. Some states and employers, though, do allow counselors to practice with a bachelor’s degree so long as they have taken approved counseling courses, particularly in the specialty they wish to practice.

 

Because of these important differences in licensure, it is imperative that you check on these requirements in your state and with potential employers before enrolling in an online counseling degree program.

 

In any event, once you become a licensed counselor, you will be required to keep up with continuing education requirements and, of course, applicable ethical standards as well.

 

What qualities are important in a counselor?

 

Aside from having a strong desire to help others, counselors should also be personable, compassionate, good listeners, and tolerant of diverse cultures, religions, and attitudes. Counselors must also be always willing to learn about new information and techniques of counseling, particularly in their specialties.

 

What types of online counseling degrees are available?

 

Online counseling degrees are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, and in various specialties. Admission requirements vary by program and by school, but generally you will need to have similar credentials as if you were applying for traditional campus programs.

 

In order to choose the right online counseling degree program for you, you should check on state requirements for licensure as well as prospective employers to determine what exactly you need in a program.

 

What are online counseling degree programs like?

 

Master’s degree counseling programs, the most common type of counseling program, require between 48 to 60 semester hours of study as well as clinical experience. Courses are usually categorized in the following areas:

 

• Assessment
• Career Development
• Group Work
• Human Growth and Development
• Professional Identity
• Relationships
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Social and Cultural Diversity

 

If you are considering a bachelor’s degree to later pursue a career in counseling, you will likely find the most appropriate courses for your intended path in the education and/or psychology departments. A bachelor’s degree in counseling, or more likely psychology, generally takes four years of full-time study to complete, as does a doctorate degree in counseling.

 

What is the salary and job outlook for counselors?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual earnings of various types of counselors in May 2006 were as follows:

 

• Educational, vocational, and school counselors: $47,530
• Marriage and family therapists: $43,210
• Mental health counselors: $34,380
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: $34,040
• Rehabilitation counselors: $29,200

Note that self-employed counselors in private practice and those involved in group practices tend to have the highest earnings.

Regarding job outlook, the BLS expects about 21% overall growth in counseling through 2016, which is “much faster than the average” for all occupations, but the increased opportunities will vary greatly by specialty. The fastest growing type of counseling is expected to be in the substance abuse and behavioral disorder fields at 34%. Educational, vocational, and school counseling and rehabilitation counseling are also expected to have a good number of available positions.

If you’re interested in a career in counseling, now is a great time to start looking at online counseling degrees and get in on one of the fastest growing professions in the country.