Grief Counselors serve a very important role in our society. Grief counselors guide individuals through the loss of a loved one such as a spouse, parent, or even a pet. Supportive listening is a big part of what they do. Grief counselors help individuals manage their feelings appropriately. Relationship break-ups and divorces can be difficult, too. Grief counselors can assist in these cases, as well. Grief is a reaction to any form of loss. An individual often experiences a range of feelings from deep sadness, and sorrow, to anger. One person may have an entirely different reaction to another to the same incident, depending on his or her background, beliefs, and many other factors. The American Academy of Grief Counseling delineates that traditional therapy is different from counseling. Grief counselors typically work with individuals who are experiencing normal expressions of grief. The process implemented by a grief counselor encompasses elements such as encouragement and education. Clients with more serious experiences, or challenges, will need to seek assistance from a qualified therapist with advanced credentials. Grief counselors are often found working within hospices or other places where death is not uncommon. They can be found in social service agencies, churches, or funeral homes. Those who are grieving derive much comfort and benefit from the grief counselors. Receiving the Proper Education for Working as a Grief Counselor The amount of education and training needed depends on what capacity you will be working. Obviously, you want to get the best education possible in order to expand your career horizons. A prospective counselor or therapist should ideally plan on completing an undergraduate degree and then a Master’s degree. Recommended undergraduate degree programs would be along the lines of a psychology, human services, or social work degree. If a person has a background in nursing, he or she could choose to work as a psychiatric advanced practice nurse. Many will choose to combine a desire for counseling with a particular religious calling in order to become pastoral counselors. A graduate is usually required to work under supervision for a period of two to three years, gaining invaluable fieldwork experience. The person supervising usually must perform an evaluation and recommend the counselor to the state board for professional licensing. If you are looking into degree programs that will give you a solid start, here is a great place to begin Licensing and Certification Master’s level counselors are state licensed. There are voluntary certifications in grief counseling available, as well. The certification process will usually include formal training and an examination. The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers various levels of credentialing. There are multiple eligibility categories. Though a Master’s is not always required for Certified Grief Counselor, a successful undergraduate degree in psychology or human services is usually required. In order to become a Grief Recovery Practitioner, a counselor will need a Master’s degree. Once certified as a Certified Grief Counselor, a person may do training for specialty certifications. Practitioners may also seek certification through ADEC, The Thanatology Association. Grief Counseling can prove to be a very rewarding career for those willing to put forth the effort. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/grief-counselors/
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Do you want to work with an older population of clients? Geriatric Counseling (also known as gerontological) assist individuals and families with issues that relate to the aging process. The aging process is not always easy and there are times when a trained geriatric counselor is needed. The types of issues could include one or more of the following: the retirement years; interpersonal discord; money concerns; memory loss; and illness. One of the major concerns among the elderly is losing so many friends and family.The issues of illness and death become much more common as individuals enter their older years. Many fear the future of what could happen should they become disabled in some way. It proves a challenge for many adults to face the less-than-pleasant aspects of aging. As they age, some adults may approach their “Golden Years” with the anticipation of retirement, grandchildren, and having relaxation time. Others may truly fear the possibility of physical and mental adverse effects of aging. It may also be difficult for some older adults to face mortality. Another major concern is what to do with the challenge of attending to basic needs when experiencing the ill-effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some other challenges that can present to the elderly are the following: impairments in hearing, vision, or mobility, and worsening of overall health. Nobody looks forward to the possibility of loss of independence and/or dignity. Geriatric counselors often assist the elderly with issues that are separate from, but accompanying, the aging process. Some elderly individuals have had lifelong struggles with mental illness, for instance. Often, the aging process can exacerbate mental illness. Geriatric counselors are there to help. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that jobs for Geriatric Counselors will grow 37% through 2020. The Basics on Getting The Education You Need If you feel that you want to pursue the career of geriatric counselor, you can begin the process by securing a Bachelor’s degree in a field such as counseling, social work, or psychology. Gain experience in the field! Your degree and experience will provide you an excellent foundation needed to effectively apply to a quality Master’s program. The admissions teams at the schools of your choice will know that you are serious. Many professionals choose to add to their repertoire by gaining knowledge of the geriatric population. If you already have a license in a related field, you can develop graduate certification in gerontological counseling. Continuing education is often a great idea. If your state requires continuing education for your license renewal, you might be allowed to select courses that pertain to the geriatric population, such as: depression in older adults, and clinical neuropathology and health assessments. For a viable degree plan that will set you the right course for this rewarding career, check out the following site for the Graduate School of Education and Human Development and feel free to ask questions when you call them Career Outlook and Salary Geriatric counseling is a growing field. Two factors have led to this:
Cost considerations lead many insurance companies to prefer counselors over other mental health providers. There is currently a push from the American Counseling Association, and others, to allow for Medicare coverage of professional counseling. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/geriatric-counseling/ COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS Our communities have people (across the socioeconomic spectrum) that need counseling services. Many of them have one form, or another, of mental health issues. Mental illness exists in various sensitive populations such as the homeless. Often, the mental illness can exacerbate inherent situations of struggle and limited resources among these populations. Some of these populations of people are actually dealing with a combination of physical challenges with mental conditions, adding to the magnitude of their situation. These clients often rely on clinics that are understanding and can work with them, given their uniquely sensitive life struggles/demands and financial situations. COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS KNOW THEIR ENVIRONMENTS WELL Community mental health counselors are practiced at working with diverse populations in clinics and other community agencies. These counselors perform many of the duties that mental health counselors perform in private practice. Community mental health counselors go beyond the scope of a usual mental health counseling practice and get into other areas, such as: assisting clients with scheduling appointments and teaching them how to use public transit, libraries, and other community services. With these valued counselors having a keen understanding of the nuances of the populations they serve, these counselors thus serve an invaluable role in our society. EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS Community mental health counselors are usually very well educated. The level of education will vary depending on state law, as well as on the actual job responsibilities. There are community service organizations that will employ people at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, depending on the nature of the work and responsibility. Look into the job opportunities in your area to decide the right degree for you. Until recently, the CACREP agency (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited mental health and community counseling programs separately. Due to recent changes, the two have been merged. The length of mental health counseling programs has increased to 60 semester hours. LICENSING and CERTIFICATION Some states allow counselors to work under supervision in an agency or community setting without a license. Other states require licenses for all counselors who work in mental health. It will always benefit you to hold an appropriate license, whether or not it is required. Mental health counselors who have completed Master’s degrees must work under supervision for two or three years before they attain the highest level of licensing. Often this means taking a position with a community organization or agency. Bachelor’s level counselors are often certified to work in a particular capacity; in some areas, they can be certified as Qualified Mental Health Providers and in others, they may be substance abuse counselors. One interesting program is the MA in Education and Human Development in Rehabilitation Counseling through George Washington University Online Salary and Career ExpectationsAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mental Health Counselors can expect to achieve a salary of between 41,000 and 43,000 per year. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/community-mental-health-counselors/ Depression counselors are mental health counselors who specialize in the various dimensions of Depression. Depression counselors are able to conduct testing/assessments to determine diagnosis and assess the severity of each case. A common assessment is the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Depression counselors must also make a careful assessment to determine whether an individual is at risk for suicide. Patients should be monitored closely throughout the treatment process to ensure that they remain safe at all times. The word “depression” has become common in our vernacular. Depression is the condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection. Clinical depression is the more severe form of depression, also known as major depression, or major depressive disorder. Depression counselors may also treat an accompanying disorder such as anxiety. One very important facet to this type of counseling is being able to determine clinical depression apart from ordinary daily life event episodes of sadness and from normal experiences of grief. We all go through tough times; we don’t all suffer from depression. Depression counselors may implement various treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavior therapy emerged from cognitive theories of depression. Advocates of the cognitive theory of depression have theorized that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Depression is believed to be maintained by distorted and biased cognitions that affect the individual’s view of himself, his future, and his environment. When depression brings on extreme thinking patterns, cognitive therapy can help bring the patient’s thinking into perspective. The therapist can help the patient mold more constructive thought processes and keep them reinforced. The counselor may choose to implement a psychodynamic approach. There are other types of therapy, as well, that can be utilized. The therapist is able to employ a combination of techniques, as well. Education and Licensing for Depression Counselors A Master’s degree is usually expected for professional mental health counseling. Some states will allow individuals with lower levels of education to counsel under supervision at agency settings, but all states will require a graduate degree for private practice in mental health counseling. Different states have varying licensing standards, so a prospective counselor will want to become familiar with his or her state board before pursuing graduate education. Pursuing the highest levels of licensing you can is always a good plan to ensure that reimbursement goes smoothly. A common requirement is 60 graduate semester hours in counseling. Mental health counseling programs are accredited by CACREP. Often, this is the best option. A counselor can often achieve a similar level of licensing, though, by enrolling in a Master’s program in counseling psychology. Such programs are very selective. Depression counselors should customize their supervised practice experiences toward experience that is directly related to their target population. Make sure that you get the quality experience you need. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/depression-counselors/ What Are Child (or Pediatric) Counselors? Child counselors become adept at making assessments of children’s individual needs and setting appropriate treatment goals. Children experience their own range of psychological challenges through the years. While adults might be proactive about going to a counselor for help with their challenges, children may need a guiding hand, and adult supervision, in seeking treatment for any of the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Child (Pediatric) counselors work with children who have experienced a wide range of issues. Examples of situations or issues may include trauma as a victim of abuse or witnessing domestic violence in the home. Some children are going through the struggles of their parents’ separation or divorce.Some are dealing with identity issues and might be subject to bullying at school. Child counselors are there to help with all of these issues and more. When working as a child counselor, you might find yourself working with clients representing many psychological issues, or you might specialize on one or two areas and make that the focus of your practice. Child counselors will often employ innovative therapies or other modalities such as play therapy. The counselor may often be a contributing member of a team that includes other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and specially trained nurses; the foremost goal is to always get the child the most appropriate treatment possible. Getting an Education to work as a Child (Pediatric) Counselor In order to be a professional child counselor, you will need to complete a Master’s degree and become state licensed. Usually your Master’s degree will be in mental health counseling or in a related field such as counseling psychology. Look for the few counseling psychology programs in the United States that have a focus on child and adolescent counseling. Know going into the process that counseling psychology programs remain highly competitive. This is not to dissuade you from applying; it is only to give you the facts so that you are prepared! Please ensure that the program you are looking at meets the licensing requirements in your state. Other avenues to further your goal (of working professionally with children) include pursuing special training in play therapy. Many reputable universities (online or in a classroom) offer graduate certificates in play therapy. Some schools will allow you to pursue play therapy as a focus in your Master’s program. Play therapy has proven very popular in the counseling milieu. Some students will choose the option of dual licensing as professional counselors and school counselors. One benefit of this approach is the flexibility of working with children in either clinical or school settings. Often, that variety and flexibility can enhance your career. If your passion is to work with children, you don’t have to wait until graduate school to start the education process. It is wise to choose an undergraduate major in a field such as child development. You can also gain valuable volunteer experience at a place such as a child crisis center. Any environment that gives you the chance to work directly with children’s issues will benefit you greatly for this worthwhile career you are choosing. This invaluable experience you gain will provide you a much better chance of getting admitted to the program of your choice. Having the right experience and academic background will help you achieve success as a professional child counselor. Certification and Licensing A child counselor must have a state license in professional counseling or a related field. You may also have attained additional certifications through another organization. In the U.S., the Association for Play Therapy certifies Master’s level mental health professionals in play therapy. You are required to be state licensed in a mental health field in order to pursue the credential. In order to get the extra credential, you must also have 150 hours of instruction in play therapy. One must also have invested 500 hours of supervised play therapy work experience. Prerequisites will also include coursework in areas such as child and adult psychotherapy and personality therapy. Salary and Job Outlook There is a growing need for child counselors, with the job outlook for child counselors looking very good. Elementary and school counselors can make as high as $63,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/child-counselors/ Child Abuse Counselors Working with children in the role of child abuse counselor is one of the most sensitive and important careers possible. Child abuse counselors must be licensed mental health providers with professional experience working with patients who have sustained physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse. These specially trained counselors may work with traumatized children or adult survivors of childhood abuse. Some mental health counselors will focus on counseling abusers. The methods the counselor will use depend on the clients seeking therapy. Young children often respond well to play therapy. Parents have grown accustomed to asking for play therapy when that option is available and the counselor is agreeable. Multiple therapy modalities can be implemented, ranging from less structured play therapy to more structured interventions. Cognitive therapy may also be employed – this is, among other things, a way of helping children understand that they didn’t deserve the abuse. Children may need not only permission to discuss the abuse but the vocabulary to do so. A counselor who works with children may use assessments like the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children or Children’s Impact of Traumatic Events Scale. The counselor will set therapy goals that are appropriate to the child’s age or development level. Counselors may be part of a unified team that includes key social workers, nurses, and doctors. Often, the family of the client is supportive and wants to be involved in the therapy process. In cases like this, therapy will be conducted while involving the family members and children. Children who have been traumatized often will experience anxiety or separation disorders; some have post-traumatic stress, or somatization disorders (This disorder can sometimes occur, and manifest, when a person feels extreme anxiety about physical symptoms such as pain or fatigue. The person may experience intense thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms that interfere dramatically with their daily life). Counselors can help children through teaching them methods of stress reduction and relaxation. Counselors who know that they want to specialize in abuse counseling may seek employment at clinics or centers that specialize in this area. The Need for Counseling All Survivors of Abuse Many survivors of abuse are now adults; this represents another major segment of the population that needs treatment. Traditionally, sexual abuse was underreported; unfortunately, the perceived stigma of reporting kept many people from doing so. Therefore, many victims have not received the treatment they need. Very often, adult survivors may have developed a variety of mental health issues as a result of the past abuse. Often, there is the manifestation of anxiety and other neuroses. Some people are overprotective of their own children while others are detached; they may be unsure of what constitutes appropriate affection or they may simply find affection triggering. Counselors are needed to help patients discover connections, or correlations, between their current issues and abuse sustained in the past. The Education for a Child Abuse Counselor In order to be licensed as a child abuse counselor, it is required that an individual obtain at least a Master’s degree. Some pursue a doctoral degree to further their education and attain the highest professional clout they can. Many candidates pursue Master’s degrees in counseling or related fields such as social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling psychology. It takes quite a bit of education to become a licensed counselor, but a person can begin exploring the field by volunteering at a crisis shelter. One worthwhile program is the Online Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Northwestern University. For more information, click here: Licensing and Certification States usually require that child abuse counselors and other mental health providers be licensed according to the standards of that state. All states usually require an examination and a period of supervised practice before the candidate ascends to the highest level of licensing. A criminal background check is usually required. Some states will allow for licensing counselors at a lower level while they are completing their supervision hours. Child abuse counselors are able to proactively pursue other voluntary certifications in areas such as play therapy. Explore other types of careers in counseling. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/child-abuse-counselors/ ADDICTION, OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE, COUNSELOR(Deciding to work as an addiction counselor) There are many complicated reasons why a person might abuse alcohol or drugs, and some of these reasons may be extremely powerful. No matter why people experiment with drugs or alcohol, there is a chance that they will become dependent upon them. Addiction counselors are mental health professionals tasked with helping those who suffer from addiction to alcohol or drugs. Many therapists have been through the throes of addiction themselves, and feel inspired to help others going through the same experience. Working as an addiction counselor can prove very rewarding. Substance abuse, or addiction, counseling is a type of counseling that can be used to help people overcome and conquer dependencies on substances such as alcohol and drugs. Many people feel that they are being held hostage by their addictions. They turn to Addiction Counselors to help them loosen the reins over their lives and free themselves from the negative effects of chronic addiction. In our courts, people are being sentenced to treatment in lieu of, or in addition to, jail time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites court-ordered treatment as one of the main reasons that the demand for substance abuse and addiction counselors has steadily increased. It is also becoming more common for people to proactively seek treatment to help them overcome the nefarious effects of addiction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 27% growth of the profession of addiction counseling between the years 2010 and 2020. Those who are interested in working as an addiction counselor are becoming aware that there are several options for entering the field. The positions range from those that require less than an Associate’s degree to ones that require a Master’s degree. A Master’s degree will provide another viable option that proves appealing to many: the option of private practice. In private practice, you are able to work with many clients who have chosen to be there. ADDICTION COUNSELOR EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Researching your own state’s legal requirements is always a great first step. Some states have an addiction treatment board that is separate from counseling. Candidates may be licensed at several levels. Master’s level counselors are usually licensed by the board of professional counseling. The details will vary from state to state. Find educational programs that are in line with your interests. If you don’t have a degree yet, consider attaining a degree in addiction studies. If you do have a degree, consider improving your candidacy for a Master’s level program in addictions counseling. You can accomplish this by gaining experience in the field. Find agencies and groups in your community that need some help! You also will benefit by discovering what level of licensing/ certification various programs will equip you for at the best levels. Another viable option is to enroll in a general professional counseling program that provides you the chance to specialize in addictions counseling. Ask pointed questions from admissions departments to ensure that you are properly following your passion for the right career path. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27% growth in job opportunities for addiction counselors from 2010 through 2020. When seeking full licensure, you should prepare to work under supervision for a period of at least two years after you attain your degree. Walden University offers a viable program: the M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling – Addiction Counseling. Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2001 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and CACREP accreditation is a requirement for licensure in many states. For more information ADDICTION COUNSELOR CREDENTIALING Many states require that all of their professional counselors in various disciplines take the National Counselor Examination, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Another exam that might be required is the Examination for Master Addiction Counselor, also offered by the NBCC. You will need to have certification as a professional counselor through the NBCC. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate that you have had at least twelve graduate semester hours in addictions (500 CEs hours can be substituted). In order to take the exam, you will also need to have the experience of having worked under supervision at least 20 hours a week for a total of three years, two of them at the post-Master’s level. Passing the exam will provide you the prestigious title of Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). If you have this credential, you can seek Substance Abuse Professional status with the federal government, effectively opening up even more opportunities to advance your career. The MAC is a voluntary national certification intended for professionals working within substance use disorder/addiction-related disciplines wishing to demonstrate their skills gained through supervised work experience and specific graduate course work. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/addiction-counselor/ BOARD-CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST: Behavior Analysts, and their importance to the therapy process Many students have found great satisfaction in getting the education they need to work as a Board-certified Behavior Analyst. Applied behavioral analysis (or ABA) is becoming quite a prestigious profession. The practice of behavior analysis is the professional implementation of interventions to consumers that are guided by the principles of behaviorism and the research of both the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis. ABA has become popular for many reasons. A primary reason for the popularization of ABA is the well-documented successes in helping children with autism learn skills that are more adaptive to their environment. Though ABA is often utilized in cases of early intervention for young clients, it can be effectively implemented throughout the lifespan and for varied populations. Applied behavior analysts have been known to work with such diverse populations as autism, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and the elderly population. More and more states license the Behavior Analyst profession. Credentialed behavior analysts serve a very important role in the following tasks: working as case managers; designing and modifying treatment plans; analyzing behaviors and environmental influences; and ensuring that professional interventions for clients are performed in a consistently ethical manner. Behavior analysts may be employed by traditional institutions or be self-employed. More and more states are licensing the profession. Behavior analysts have the option of pursuing Board-certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. A Board-Certified professional will also complete a supervised practicum requirement and pass an examination. It remains important for behavior analysts to consistently adhere to the BACB code of ethics EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS A Master’s level education is crucial for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Prospective behavior analysts may complete degrees specifically in behavioral analysis; or they may qualify with degrees in education, or psychology, provided that they also have the required coursework. Many schools offer the Approved Course Sequence (ACS). A candidate who wants non-ACS coursework to be considered must submit an application for coursework evaluation. This promising career of behavior analysis is presently being offered by several schools that offer Master’s degrees specifically in applied behavior analysis. One viable program is at Penn State. Penn State Offers Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Study and Practicum This 18-credit, five-course sequence is designed for people who seek advanced knowledge in the field of applied behavior analysis. The curriculum is intended to prepare you to sit for the BCBA certification examination sponsored by the BACB. The program consists of five online courses plus one face-to-face course. This is a weeklong seminar held every August at Penn State University Park in conjunction with the National Autism Conference. Go to this link for this very exciting program A Board Certified Behavior Analyst will have, at the minimum, 270 hours of instruction in Board-mandated areas. The following represents many of the requirements:
REQUIREMENTS The Behavior Analysis Certification Board can accept 1,000 hours of practicum or 750 hours of intensive practicum. Approval by the BACB is required for acceptance of practicum experience. Prospective students who do not complete practicum experiences through their schools can qualify on the basis of supervised work experience (will need to be a full 1,500 hours). The BACB maintains a registry to help candidates find the right professionals to supervise their practice. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts offers a link to state licensing boards and professional organizations: . Many states have their own APBA chapters. This is an excellent resource. Source : http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/behavior-analysts/ Counseling PhD Programs
A career as a Counseling PhD can be both rewarding and gratifying. You will be able to work with a wide range of clients and have the professional clout for which you have worked so hard. Professional counselors are usually licensed at the level of a Master’s degree. Some professionals choose to take their careers to an even higher level by studying at the doctoral level. The (CACREP), Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, contains a comprehensive list of the vast array of doctoral programs available. CACREP Accredited PhD in Counseling Program: Capella University offers four online CACREP – Accredited Graduate Programs in Counseling including the CACREP accredited PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Click here to contact Capella University and get information about its programs. For many who want to be professional Counselors at the highest level, the doctoral degree proves to be the logical continuation of counseling studies that will propel them to the highest level of success. It’s important to remember that many counseling PhD programs require that applicants possess at least a Master’s degree in counseling or another related field before getting started. The following paragraphs explain some of the effective routes one can pursue on the PhD in Counseling career path. PhD Programs in Mental Health Counseling The PhD in Mental Health Counseling allows you to specialize in a specific area of the field, giving you the chance to evolve into an expert within the clinical setting. Perhaps autism is the population that is your calling. You are able to choose a focus and develop your skills accordingly. PhD Programs in Counselor Supervision and Education Counselor supervision and education is an interesting path. The PhD level internship for this specialty usually includes hours spent supervising Master’s level candidates and teaching graduate level courses. Sometimes educational requirements for counselor supervisors are set higher than those for counselors. A PhD in counselor supervision and education can be an opportunity to not only attain the highest degree level, but also lead and guide other leaders in the counseling field. An additional possible benefit is moving into a secure faculty position while maintaining the option of conducting research within the counselor education field. Capella University offers one of the very few online General Counselor Education and Supervision PhD programs. Click Here to contact Capella University and learn more about their program. Pastoral Counseling PhD and PhDs in Related Fields For those who feel the calling, a Master’s level practitioner can pursue a PhD degree in counseling and pastoral care, or pastoral counseling. This spiritual path toward counseling has proven satisfying to many who have chosen it; and there are clients who prefer to only see pastoral-based therapists. Choices of Online Counseling PhD Programs Source: http://counselor-education.com/counseling-phd-programs/ Professional Counseling Certifications
The Importance of Certification Certified Counselors are mental health professionals who have usually not only passed rigorous exams, but have voluntarily gone beyond the average to achieve excellence in certification. Many counselors choose to pursue certification through third party (nongovernmental) agencies. All states use third party examinations as part of the licensing process for professional counseling. Third party examinations are often used for school counseling, as well.
Specialty certifications can often indicate expertise in counseling disciplines that are often not recognized separately by state licensing boards. Capella University offers three online CACREP – accredited Master’s programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and School Counseling. Click here to contact Capella University and request information about their programs. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING In some states, the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination is used as part of the licensing process for clinical counselors. Counselors in other states may choose to take it as part of the certification process for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential. REHABILITATION COUNSELING The Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification grants a national credential to rehabilitation counselors. The best path to ensure eligibility is to attend a CORE-accredited program in rehabilitation counseling. Other programs can be considered acceptable if coursework and experience requirements are met. Candidates will eventually take an examination. The George Washington University Graduate School of Education & Human Development Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program ranked 6th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is Accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Click Here to request information about the Master’s of Arts in Education and Human Development in Rehabilitation Counseling program. SCHOOL COUNSELING School counselors have two certification options. “National Board certification” is through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In order to pursue this certification, a school counselor must have acquired three years’ experience working under license. NBPTS certifications implement a portfolio review process to determine that an applicant has a high level of proficiency. The other option for school counselors is through certification via the National Board for Certified Counselors. This option will involve taking a school counseling examination. In order to receive the school counseling credential through the NBCC, a counselor must also hold NCC status. This route is exclusive to school counselors who have completed a graduate counseling program of at least 48 semester hours. NYU Steinhardt’s online MA in Counseling and Guidance, Counseling@NYU, prepares aspiring school counselors to become transformative leaders and critical resources for pre-K-12 students in public and private schools across the country. Request information. CACREP-accreditation can be important to a counselor who is seeking NBCC credentials. If a school counselor attended a CACREP-accredited program, s/he will not need to meet post-graduate supervision requirements set by the NBCC. ADDICTION COUNSELING The NBCC offers the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential in collaboration with the International Association of Addiction and Offenders Counselors. Antioch University offers a new Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that is in the CACREP accreditation process and mirrors the CACREP-accredited program delivered on campus. Specializations are available in the following: Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling (SAAC) and Counseling Military Service Personnel and their Families (MSPF). Click here to contact Antioch University and request information about their programs. There are many organizations that will certify individuals with less than a Master’s degree to work with people with addictions. The process will vary from state to state due to varying standards among states for people who work with drug or alcohol offenders in state agencies. MAC certification is a more advanced level of substance abuse certification. Master Addictions Counselors must meet all standards for the NCC credential, plus some others, as well. These counselors must demonstrate that their graduate counseling education consisted of 12 semester hours in addictions or that they had 500 CE hours in the field. The counselors need at least two years of post-Master’s supervised experience in the addiction arena. Total experience of three years is usually required. EXPRESSIVE ARTS COUNSELING THERAPIES Some counselors attend programs that combine counseling with expressive arts therapies. Art therapy specialists become eligible for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential through a combination of qualifying education and supervised experience. Board certification for a Registered Art Therapist is an additional step and requires an exam. Music therapists are certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Dance therapists are certified through the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board. PASTORAL COUNSELING The American Association of Pastoral Counselors offers certification for Pastoral Counseling. There are several certification categories available. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors provides a full roster of counselor licensing boards throughout the U.S. To review the roster, please click here. For information on licensure relevant to clergy and pastoral counselors, it’s best to contact your state’s counselor licensing board directly. Source: http://counselor-education.com/counseling-certifications/ |
About Joshua MongeI am passionate about the school counseling profession. I strive to provide all of my students with a quality, comprehensive school counseling program to help them grow in the areas of academic, social/emotional, and career development. I read a lot of blogs about this. Currently working as part time blogger at counselor-education. I hope you guys like my posts. Joshua Monge Link
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