Counselors work in a variety of settings and have a range of duties that are dependent on specific situations.  In most instances, counselors are available to help people deal with personal, family and mental health problems or issues.  It is also common for counselors to assist with educational and career decisions.  There are many different settings in which a counselor may work. 

 School counselors work with many students who may be experiencing problems concerning academic and social development.  They use a series of interviews, counseling sessions and interest and aptitude tests to determine student’s abilities, talents and interests in order to determine the most effective educational and career choices.  High school counselors may also provide information concerning college majors, admission requirements, entrance exams, financial aid and apprenticeship programs.  For students who choose to bypass college, high school counselors also help to develop job search skills like resume writing and interviewing techniques.

Elementary school counselors may primarily assist children who experience academic and social challenges and those with special needs.  They are there to observe classroom and playtime activities and work directly with teachers and faculty to develop healthy strategies.  It is also the counselor’s goal to assure the curriculum addresses the academic and emotional needs of the students.

School counselors work directly with many faculty members and administrators to ensure a successful education system.  This may mean working directly with individuals, small groups or entire classes.  The objective is to provide preventative and developmental counseling in an effort to enhance personal, social and academic growth.  In order to guarantee an effective and successful education system, it is important that the needs of the students are met.  It is essentially the job of the counselor to relay information to the correct administrator to assist in this plan. 

Vocational counselors work outside of the school system but are also focused on directing individuals on career choices.  They research job history, education, special training and interests of individuals in order to provide information on what careers would work best.  They may also specialize in counseling individuals who may have experiences job loss, job loss or career transition.

Rehabilitation counselors are responsible for working directly with people who have experienced disabilities.  These disabilities may range from personal, social or vocational and could be the result of many different issues.  Their job is to incorporate a plan that will allow the individuals to merge back into life in a stress-free way.

Mental health counselor’s work to provide assistance to families and individuals who may be experiencing mental and emotional disorders.  They are trained to use a variety of therapeutic techniques in order to work towards a resolution in mental health.  Mental health counselors will also work closely with psychiatrist and psychologists to assist individuals who may be suffering from depression, addiction, suicidal tendencies or stress related problems.

Marriage and family counselors assist individuals and couples in resolving emotional conflicts.  They are able to help modify a persons behaviors and work to develop healthy communication and conflict resolution skills.

The schooling and training necessary for a counselor varies depending on the specialty.  Training courses are specific to the interest of each counselor.  Most states require a counselor to have a completed master’s degree while there are some who require the completion of some graduate course work. 

The majority of states that hire individuals, as school counselors require them to have both counseling and teaching certificates.  It may also be necessary for these counselors to have separate teaching experience.  Upon completion of the required education, in order to become a counselor, individuals must also pass a state recognized exam, understanding and adherence to ethical codes and standards while maintaining a continued education annually.

Individuals who wish to pursue a career as a counselor but only have a bachelor’s degree may still find employment in the industry as a counseling aide, rehabilitation aide or a social service worker.  Depending on the specific interest and agency, a bachelor’s degree may be enough to qualify.  However, as mentioned before, the majority of states and agencies do prefer or require a master’s degree. 

Most counseling courses offered at colleges and universities are found in education and psychology departments.  There are a number of fields to specialize in and may include college student affairs, elementary or secondary Scholl counseling, education, erotological counseling, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, career counseling and related fields.  An accredited master’s degree program will require 48-60 hours per semester of graduate studies.  It is also necessary to undergo a supervised session.

Graduate programs are accredited by the Council for Accredited Counseling and Related Education Programs. (CACREP).  These areas of counseling are specific to career, community, mental health and marriage and family counseling.  It is not requires to complete the CACREP program but it does make the process of meeting State requirements easier to fulfill.  The Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accredits graduates specific to rehabilitation counseling.  Master’s degree programs such as these include approximately 2-years of full time study and 600 hours of a supervised clinical internship.

There is also a national certification board that grant graduated with certification of a general practice credential.  This is a program that promotes counselors to the status of  “National Certified Counselor.”  In order to obtain this title a counselor must hold a master’s degree that emphasizes counseling; they must have completed a minimum of 2 years supervised field experience or an internship and they must have two professional endorsements.  One of the endorsements must have come from the most recent supervisor.  It is also mandatory for the counselor to have passed the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.

Salaries in regard to counseling positions will range depending on the institution the counselor is employed with.  Additional factors that will affect salaries are the type of counseling, the state and the level of experience and education.  Due to increases in population and school enrollment, the need for counselors specializing in education is on the rise.  All counseling positions are increasing in demand.  Due to many different circumstances, the needs of these services will continue to soar. 

According to payscale.com, a counselor’s salary will depend on the state of residence.  The average year salary for a Mental Health counselor can range from $22,140 to $35,800.  Here are a few examples of salaries for different states.

Pennsylvania     $22,140

California     $27,820

Massachusetts     $30,820

Washington     $32,580

New York     $30,370

Michigan     $35,800

Education, Vocational and School Counselors earn considerably more of a yearly salary.
They earn anywhere from $38,220 to $47,180.  These figures are according to payscale.com

California     $45,440

Texas      $42,550

New York     $46,400

Florida      $38,220

Ohio      $45,280

Drug and alcohol counselors, or chemical dependency counselors can earn anywhere between $24,500 and $40,00 per year depending on their level of experience and education.

Counselors who work in the fields of substance abuse, mental health and as rehabilitation counselors generally earn more when they are employed by government agencies.  Counselors who are employed by hospitals and social service agencies earn the next highest wages and counselors who work in residential care facilities often earn the lowest wages.

Many counselors who go on to pursue careers as a National Certified Counselor are generally self employed and earn the greatest wages with the most flexibility.  They are able to establish schedules to meet with clients, as it is convenient for them and are able to work flexible workweeks.

Marriage and family counselors may be self employed or employed by an individual agency.  Their salaries may arrange accordingly and may also differ based on the state of residence.

New Jersey     $39,650

California     $39,360

Wisconsin     $25,840

Overall, the need for counselors in many different arenas is growing.  There are many different types of counselors who perform a variety of tasks, but have a common goal of helping.  Salaries are as varied as the jobs themselves.  Depending on the level of education, experience and service, counselors have the ability to earn a great yearly salary while giving back to people.  The rewards of offering solutions and techniques to better a person’s life are what motivate most counselors.