Top Counseling Careers with a Masters Degree in Counseling
After pursuing your bachelor’s degree in psychology, you may be considering the possibility of earning your master’s in counseling. In fact, earning a higher degree not only advances the depth of your knowledge and discipline, but you will also be better prepared to enter the professional world and make informed decisions for your clients. It also opens the door to more counseling careers and similar opportunities.
If you’re interested in working in academic or mental health environments, earning your masters in counseling online is a great way to reach your career goals. While counseling is not a one-size-fits-all path, there are many different counseling careers you can pursue once you invest in your master’s degree.
Counseling careers discussed below include:
- School Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Mental Health Counseling
Masters in Counseling Degree Career Paths
Are you wondering which type of counselor you should become? Earning your masters in counseling degree will not only widen your counseling career options but also the possibility to open your own private practice down the line. It also allows you to remain competitive within the industry.
Depending on your interests and expertise, there are a variety of career opportunities in psychology and counseling you can explore, such as:
Guidance Counselors and School Counselors
In modern times, guidance counselors work far beyond making schedule changes or passing out college applications. Guidance counselors make a true impact on students by helping them in all areas of academic achievement and social/emotional development, along with ensuring students are prepared for the future. As a guidance counselor, you are the student’s advocate and act as a valuable resource for their advancement.
Guidance Counselors work in a variety of school settings including elementary schools, high schools, private and public school systems, community colleges and 4-year colleges.
Guidance Counselor jobs are expected to grow between 2019 to 2029 by 8%. With schools expecting enrollments to grow each year, so will the need for more Guidance Counselors and School Counselors. The average salary in the United States is around $57,000.
Learn more about how to become a school counselor.
To find schools offering a Masters in School Counseling, please check our School Counselor program page
Mental Health Counselors
Did you know that one in five Americans currently struggle with mental health? As a mental health counselor, you will work with patients in a variety of areas like trauma or youth services to help them achieve emotional wellness. The work is mostly clinical and many professionals operate in hospitals, inpatient facilities, and rehabilitation centers as part of an ongoing treatment plan.
Mental Health Counseling jobs are expecting a 22% growth through the year 2024. The average annual salary for this profession is $45,000.
Learn more about how to become a Mental Health Counselor.
To find schools offering a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, please check our our Mental Health Counseling program page.
Substance Abuse Counseling Careers
A substance abuse counselor specializes in working with clients who suffer from chemical dependency on alcohol or drugs. Your goal when counseling addicts is to help clients overcome their dependency on the substances and become self-sufficient. Along with the client, you will also counsel the addict’s family as substance abuse inexorably affects them as well. If you have a desire to help those in need, this career path is both challenging and rewarding.
Substance Abuse Counseling jobs are expected to grow the most at around 25% through 2029. As many people continue to struggle with addiction and substance abuse, especially through times of uncertainty, the need will continue to rise for educated, competent and empathic counselors to help them overcome their issues and heal. The annual average salary is around $46,000.
Learn more about how to become a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Marriage and Family Counselors
Couples and families often experience difficulty handling stressful situations and may seek the guidance of a marriage and family counselor. As a form of psychotherapy, these counselors help individuals and family units cope with emotional and mental issues. Your sessions will increase awareness and communication between all members involved.
Marriage and Family Counselors can work in their own private practice or be part of a larger group of practicing licensed counselors. Marriage and Family Counseling jobs are expecting a 22% job growth each year through 2029. The average yearly salary is around $54,000 as of 2019.
Career Counselors
Interested in working with professionals to unlock their potential? Career counselors advise clients who are struggling to make their next professional move. As a career counselor, you don’t act as a recruiter or promote specific jobs for the individual. Instead, you help identify what drives them to succeed and discover potential opportunities that play on their strengths, personality, and goals. Career Counselors are also known as Life Coaches or Professional Coaches.
Career Counselors are typically self-employed, can create their own schedules and can work from anywhere. Given the accessibility that the video conferencing offers, having a physical office may not be necessary. The average annual salary is around $55,000 and is expecting to exceed 8% in job growth through 2029.
Counseling Careers within Your Reach
While licensing and education requirements vary by state, there are many counseling careers you can pursue with a master’s degree in counseling. It’s important to determine what your own needs and strengths are so you can find the perfect type of counseling career for your future.
Ready to unlock your future as a counselor? Start your research by discovering the best online degrees in counseling and career paths. Learn more today!