Counselors assist
individuals and groups with their personal problems in order to help them
become more self-sufficient. They provide support, consultation, and
therapeutic approaches to help people deal with difficulties such as
marital problems, substance abuse, suicidal feelings, stress management,
and self-esteem issues. Counselors may specialize in several different
areas including mental health, school and career, substance abuse,
employment/vocational, rehabilitation, marriage and family, and genetic
counseling. Beginning with the interview process, counselors make
observations that help them determine a treatment plan that will
accomplish the client's goals. They often use personality, aptitude, and
psychological tests to determine more precisely the needs of a particular
patient. Counselors often work closely with other mental health
professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers
to ensure that all of the patient's needs are being met. They are also
responsible for maintaining records of tests and counseling services, and
making sure that all records are kept confidential. Counselors often
conduct research and report their findings in professional and trade
journals. Anyone interested in a career as a counselor should be
emotionally stable, sensitive to people's feelings, and have excellent
oral and written communication skills.
Work Environment:
Counselors are employed in a variety of settings including private
practice, hospitals, correctional institutions, mental health clinics,
schools and universities, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, halfway
houses, residential care facilities, job training and vocational
rehabilitation centers, and public assistance agencies.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in a career in counseling should take high school
courses in biology, geometry, algebra, English, health occupations/medical
professions education, sociology, literature, psychology, computer skills,
social studies, and speech.
College Requirements:
Individuals must first obtain a bachelor's degree in counseling,
psychology, education, sociology, or social work. Most employment
opportunities for counselors require a master's degree or a doctoral
degree. An internship or other professional experience is usually required
after receiving a degree. Graduates must then pass an examination given by
the Mississippi Counseling Association or The National Board of Certified
Counselors to become licensed.
Students interested in counseling should contact schools for information
on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for counselors are expected to grow faster than
the average for all other occupations through the year 2010. Educational,
vocational, and school counselors are in greatest demand due to increased
student enrollments and new state laws that require counselors in
elementary schools. Counselors are becoming increasingly involved in
crisis management and preventative counseling as it relates to young
people. There will also be demand for behavioral, mental health, and
marriage and family counselors due to a variety of reasons. Employment
will also increase as many counselors retire or leave the profession for
other reasons.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$37,200
Salary Range
$25,600-$50,400*
*Varies greatly on education and specialty
Professional Organizations:
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone: (703) 832-9800
Phone: (800) 347-6647
www.counseling.org
American Mental Health Counselors Association
801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 304
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (701) 548-6002
Mississippi Counseling Association
PO Box 5565
Brandon, MS 39047
Phone: (601) 992-3666
www.mca.web.com
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