Four growing careers in counseling

Known as a “helping” career, individuals seeking jobs in counseling want to have face-to-face interaction with people and give compassionate, practical advice for solving problems.

If you’re considering entering this field, or are already working as a counselor but considering new opportunities, explore the growing careers below.

1. 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 8% from 2014 to 2024.
• 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 diverse 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.

2. Marriage and family therapist

Investigate and treat mental and emotional issues for individuals within marriage and family settings.

• Job outlook: Projected to grow 19% from 2014 to 2024.
• Education requirement: Students have 3 educational options to enter this field: master’s degree, doctoral degree, or post-graduate clinical training.
  Required education includes training in diversity and cultural relationships, individual and family development, and a foundational understanding of marriage and family therapy.
• Licensing requirement: This field requires licensure in 46 states and is recognized by the federal government as a distinct mental health discipline.

3. Addiction counselor

Advise individuals, families, or groups on overcoming addictions.

• Job outlook: Projected to grow 22% from 2014 to 2024.
• Education requirement: It’s not necessary to hold a bachelor’s degree to enter the field, but continued study prepares you to train and manage other practitioners. Training for this profession teaches applied techniques for intervention, prevention, and dealing with various practice settings. With these skills, graduates are prepared to create treatment plans and work on all elements of case management.
• Licensing requirement: To become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) administers a series of certifications that correspond to professional qualifications and development in 45 state affiliate organizations.

4. Rehabilitation counselor

Help people dealing with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities live independently and be effective in the workplace. Counsel clients about employment options, and assist with job training and placement.

• Job outlook: Growth is projected at 9% from 2014 to 2024.
• Education requirement: About half of the people working in this field hold a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Many also have completed a supervised clinical internship.
• Licensing requirement: All states require a license to practice, and in some locations, you also must be certified in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Because most of these careers require advanced degrees, consider the advantages of online counseling programs as an option for your education. The flexibility of online learning is something many professionals appreciate because it allows them more time for family and work while they continue to pursue their career goals.

Learn more about Capella University’sonline counseling programs. If a psychology degree is a better fit for your interests and career goals, discover fast- growing psychology careers.