Careers in Counseling

Military and family life counselors (MFLCs) are employed at bases worldwide to provide confidential, solution-focused counseling for non-clinical issues. Service members and their families can access MFLCs outside of the traditional military medical system for help with work…

Child behavior therapists are mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists who specialize in treating children and adolescents. They have earned master’s degrees in their field and have specific education and training on how to help young clients. Professionals…

Child life specialists are educated and clinically trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury and use play, education, and other techniques to help reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for children.

Students who wish to become correctional counselors will find the best job prospects if they have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field and pass oral, written, and psychological exams. Correctional counselors may work in prisons, but they may also work in…

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, by 2030, one in five Americans will be aged 65 or over. As our country’s population ages, the demand for end-of-life counselors and palliative counselors who are skilled at aging issues will only continue to rise, making end-of-life care a…

Forensic counselors are mental health counselors with additional training and skills to work with individuals in the criminal justice system. They provide counseling services to inmates, people on probation, and those accused of crimes.

A geriatric counselor is one who works directly with older adults, typically 65 and older but possibly as young as 50. More than 55.8 million adults aged 65 and older live in the U.S., but that number is rapidly growing, and by 2050, it is expected to be almost 90 million.

Juvenile counselors are essential in helping delinquent youth change their behavior and avoid future arrests or incarceration. These specialized counselors work primarily in juvenile detention centers, although some work in social service programs with delinquent youth who have…

Pediatric occupational therapists have completed a master’s degree in occupational therapy. They are certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and are licensed to practice in their state. They work with kids of all ages, including…

Spiritual counseling is a therapeutic approach that seeks to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to achieve inner peace and harmonious balance. This mode of counseling goes beyond traditional methods, focusing on the psychological aspect and delving deep into spiritual beliefs…

Youth counselors, also often called adolescent counselors, provide guidance, support, and mentorship to young people navigating the complexities and challenges of life. They work closely with youth, assisting them in comprehending their emotions, resolving conflicts, and…

Not to be confused with college admissions counselors, who help students gain admission to a college or university and are not licensed, school counselors are licensed through state boards of education and have met stringent education and testing requirements. Graduate-level…

A guidance counselor (or career counselor) works closely with students to help them succeed in school. This includes supporting students and professionals in making decisions about their career path and teaching job search and workplace skills.

Because of the specialized nature of elementary school counselors’ work, they must have education and training in not only counseling but also education, child development, and learning strategies. To be licensed, elementary school counselors must, at a minimum, complete some…

Because of the specialized nature of middle school counselors’ work, they must have completed schooling and training in counseling, education, child development, and learning strategies. To be licensed, middle school counselors must, at a minimum, complete some graduate-level…

In high school, school counselors are typically called “college prep counselors” or even “guidance counselors.” At this stage, counselors often help students make successful career choices and ensure their education is on track to prepare them for college.

College counselors have an important role to play in preparing students for their university or technical school careers and their post-college work lives.

While the medical treatment of physical diseases reaches back into prehistory, the field of mental health as a formal discipline is relatively new. However, people have long sought to address these same issues, be it through philosophy or religion. For many people, prayer,…

The goals of crisis counseling are more immediate than ongoing mental health counseling. The first goal is to ensure that the immediate threat has passed. Second, the crisis counselor should ensure that the affected individual is stable and has a short-term plan. Third, they…

Genetic counselors help patients and families understand genetic testing, the ramifications of testing, and what to do with the test results. They are skilled allied health professionals with extensive training in science, genetics, and mental health counseling.

The integrative approach holistic health counselors use can help clients obtain optimal wellness rather than just treating one symptom at a time. For example, a client with cancer will need care from an oncology team but can also benefit from a nutritionist, alternative medicine…

A life coach, or as they are sometimes called, a transformational counselor, is a counselor who works with people to bring about the changes they want to see in their lives to feel fulfilled or meet their goals. Pursuing this career is often an individual path, as there is no…

Occupational therapists and counselors work with the mental and physical health challenges that people may face following an illness or injury. Occupational therapy services typically include working with an individual to create a plan that is unique to their needs.

A recreational therapist uses recreational activities, which can vary quite a bit in scope, as a tool for helping their clients reach a therapeutic goal. In addition to, or instead of, traditional talk therapy, recreational therapists utilize activities such as playing a musical…

Sports and rehabilitation counselors are highly trained specialists who work for sports teams and individual athletes to help them avoid and recover from minor and major injuries. They also help them keep their focus and mental health sharp.