Three growing careers in counseling

By: The Capella University Editorial Team 

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Disclaimer: Job growth projections and salary figures are drawn from Lightcast data and reflect national trends. Actual outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, industry, location, skills and economic conditions, and are not representative of Capella University graduate results.

Every counseling career starts with the same goal: helping people through life’s hardest moments.

That shows up differently across the field – in mental health, relationships, school, addiction, rehabilitation and more – but the foundation is always assessment, support and evidence-based treatment.

The job titles and employment settings below are examples. Each comes with its own education, supervised experience and state licensure requirements. Capella cannot guarantee any specific job title, promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. Readers should research the requirements of the state that they intend to practice in.

1. Addiction counselor

Advise individuals, families or groups on overcoming addictions.

• Job outlook: Projected to grow 20% from 2025 to 2035.
• Education requirement: Entry-level requirements vary by state and employer. A bachelor’s degree can open the door to entry-level roles, while counseling positions that require licensure typically call for graduate education, supervised experience and state-specific approval.
• Licensing requirement: State requirements for addiction counseling credentials vary. Applicants may need specific education, supervised experience, an examination and continuing education. The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) offers professional certifications, while state licensing boards and credentialing agencies set the requirements to practice.

2. Marriage and family therapist

Treat mental and emotional issues within the context of marriage and family relationships.

• Job outlook: Projected to grow 16% from 2025 to 2035.
• Education requirement: Students have three educational options to enter this field: master’s degree, doctoral degree or postgraduate clinical training. Required education includes training in intrapersonal relationships, individual and family development and a foundational understanding of marriage and family therapy.
• Licensing requirement: State requirements for marriage and family therapy credentials vary. Applicants may need specific education, supervised experience, an examination and continuing education.

3. School counselor

Guide students within K-12 settings in both educational goals and personal behavior.

Primary areas of focus include helping students to develop social skills and make informed career decisions.

• Job outlook: Projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035.
• Education requirement: Master’s degree in school counseling with specific training in individual and group counseling with children and adolescents within the context of many cultures and backgrounds. Coursework also includes models of consultation, child and adolescent development, data-informed decision-making, and program development and evaluation. Supervised field experiences provide the knowledge and skills for meeting the needs of all students.
• Licensing requirement: Typically, a state-issued credential in school counseling is required. Some states have additional experience requirements and may require a licensure exam

Graduate education, supervised experience and state-specific licensure show up across every one of these careers. Online counseling programs make that path possible for adults balancing work and family along the way.*

*Capella University cannot guarantee that successful completion of degree programs will permit a student to obtain licensure. It is important that students research their state requirements for professional licensure.

 

Learn more about Capella University’s online counseling programs. If a psychology degree is a better fit for your interests and career goals, explore psychology programs.