Counseling Psychology Careers and Degrees
People often require guidance and advice in dealing with their everyday problems. A counseling psychologist works with people who need help with personal, family or social issues. To excel in the art of counseling you must be emotionally sound, broad-minded and interested in human behavior. In addition to these personality traits, you'll need to earn a counseling psychology doctor degree in order to qualify for employment as counseling psychologist.
Getting your master degree in counseling psychology will give you a good foundation for a doctor degree. A good master degree program trains students on all aspects of human behavior. It includes several of the following topics:
- Human development
- Use of statistics
- Ethical and legal areas
- Psychopathology
- Theory and practice
- Team work
- Social and cultural foundations of psychology
A counseling psychology doctor degree program will build on the knowledge you gain in a master program. PhD and PsyD programs will give you the opportunity to expand your clinical experience and involvement in research as you prepare to become a practicing counselor.
Role of a Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists see patients with a wide spectrum of issues. They study and work in a variety of settings, and their training prepares them to provide help to clients struggling with issues such as:
- Aggression and anger control
- Anxiety disorders
- Community development
- Crisis intervention
- Drug abuse
- Eating disorders
- Interpersonal relationships
- Mental health issues
- Rehabilitation
- Vocational guidance
Counseling Psychology Salaries and Earnings
According to a May 2007 survey by the U.S. Department of Labor Management, the top paying industries for counseling psychologists include the following:
- Scientific and technical consulting services: $150,890 per year
- Physicians' offices: $93,330 per year
- Scientific research and development services: $88,830 per year
- Schools and instruction (other than elementary and secondary): $87,310 per year
- Employment services: $86,950 per year
The industries with the highest levels of employment for counseling psychologists include the following:
- Elementary and secondary schools: $66,040 per year
- Offices of other health practitioners: $81,160 per year
- Individual and family services: $60,030 per year
- Outpatient care centers: $60,890 per year
- State government (OES designation): $72,140 per year
Job Outlook
There are a wide range of opportunities for graduates of counseling psychology degree programs of every level. For instance, a bachelor degree in counseling psychology presents opportunities in the following areas:
- Administrative assistant positions
- Correctional programs
- Marketing research
- Research assistant positions
- Vocational rehabilitation offices
With a master degree in counseling, you can work as an industrial-organizational psychologist or a school psychologist. A master degree in counseling will also qualify you to work as an assistant to psychologists and other related professionals. Further up the rank, a PhD degree in counseling psychology will qualify you for teaching or counseling positions in universities, elementary and secondary schools. A counseling psychologist with a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree can choose to work in clinical positions or in private health care practices and hospitals.
Take the First Step Toward a Counseling Psychology Career
If you are interested in becoming a counseling psychologist, finding a good school is the first step. Find counseling programs in our directory, and choose the one that's right for you.
