What jobs can you get with a masters in counseling? Aside from the obvious “counselor”, there are other roles that require a masters degree but you may not be aware of them. The following guide will help you learn about some of the most common career options for those with a masters degree in counseling.
The career opportunities available to you after earning a Masters in Counseling depend on the type of degree you earn.
Graduate degrees are categorized as either Master’s or Doctorate degrees. Master’s degrees tend to be more focused, while Doctorate degrees tend to be more broad. The types of careers that are available to graduates with each type of degree vary greatly.
A Master’s degree in counseling typically focuses on one area of mental health, such as marriage and family therapy or school counseling. Some may also have an emphasis in research, clinical practice, or administration. Graduates of these programs are qualified to work as counselors in schools, hospitals, private practice offices or clinics, community mental health centers and other settings where people seek help for emotional or behavioral issues.
The other option is to pursue a doctorate-level education which allows for greater scope and depth of study into various areas related to mental health like psychology and social work as well as counseling methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These programs will often require at least two years of graduate study beyond a master’s level program before awarding the degree itself but can last up to seven years total depending on how many classes are required per semester per course load each semester (usually two semesters per year).
What jobs can you get with a masters in counseling
Introduction
When you earn a Master of Science in Counseling degree, you open yourself up to a wide variety of career options. Because your graduate education teaches you valuable skills and knowledge, it’s also easier to find non-therapist jobs that require counseling skills. Here are some options for getting the most out of your degree:
Marriage and family therapist
A marriage and family therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional who works with couples and families in order to help them improve their relationships.
MFTs can also provide counseling for individuals, but they usually focus on specific issues within relationships.
The job of an MFT is very similar to that of clinical psychologists, although there are some differences between the two professions.
First off, the requirements for becoming an MFT vary depending on where you live. While it’s possible to become certified as an MFT by completing a master’s degree program and passing a licensing exam in some areas of the United States, other states require additional training like internships or postgraduate certification courses in order for you to be able to practice as an MFT professionally there without having completed any formal academic coursework towards earning your master’s degree first (or vice versa).
Mental health counselor
A mental health counselor is a mental health professional who helps people with a variety of psychological problems. The role of this job is to provide support, counseling, and therapy for those struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction, eating disorders or other mental illnesses.
The duties of a mental health counselor vary depending on their specific area of expertise (i.e., substance abuse counseling versus general psychology services). In general terms though: they will listen to you talk about your problems and thoughts; explain what’s going on in your brain; evaluate if there are any medications that can help improve your condition; recommend different types of therapy such as talk-therapy (counseling), art therapy or mindfulness meditation exercises; teach you how to manage stress better through relaxation techniques like yoga .
School counselor
School counselors are professionals who work with students, families, and faculty at schools. They can help with academic and career planning as well as personal issues. School counselors typically have a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling psychology or school counseling.
The duties of a school counselor vary by state but they often include the following:
- Helping students with college applications and financial aid
- Providing support for students dealing with bullying or other personal problems
- Working directly with teachers to improve classroom instruction
Rehabilitation counselor
There are many types of counselors, including:
- Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with disabilities and mental health problems. They may also help people who have substance abuse issues and chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. These professionals work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, businesses or other settings that offer services to those with disabilities.[1]
- Mental health counselors offer counseling services for individuals experiencing mental illness or emotional distress.[2] This field includes both licensed professionals and nonlicensed professionals who work in community settings such as schools and hospitals.[3]
School psychologist
A school psychologist is a licensed professional who works in public schools, private schools, and colleges. School psychologists are trained to assess and treat students with learning disabilities and behavioral problems. They may also work with students who are gifted and talented.
You don’t need to work as a therapist to have a good job
You don’t need to work as a therapist to have a good job.
If you’re looking for the most flexibility and variety, choosing a master’s in counseling may be an excellent choice. It’s possible to find jobs in government, non-profits, schools and private practice settings. You can work with children, adults, families or groups and serve populations from all walks of life.
Conclusion
When you’re pursuing a degree as important as your M.S. in counseling, finding a career that will make you happy is the most important thing you can do. You might be able to find happiness with an internship at a community center or working with children, but if those options aren’t right for you then don’t worry! There are lots of other options out there like becoming an addiction counselor or doing research on mental health issues at a university.
