Counseling Psychologists - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Counseling Psychologist

Counseling psychologists enjoy careers in a growing field with increasing job opportunities. This specialized discipline requires both experience and the highest level of education, however qualified individuals have a wide range of opportunities in both private or institutional practices. From government agencies to educational and community involvement, the challenges and rewards of counseling psychologists are many.

Job Description

So what do counseling psychologists do, and how are they different from clinical psychologists? In today's environment, counseling psychology and clinical psychology continue to merge on several academic levels. Some experts even recommend a blending of coursework as part of the educational process. Accredited internships apply to both, and professional benefits are the same or similar in availability.
 
One major difference lies in the actual practice. Counseling psychology generally encompasses the guidance of a well-balanced population, while clinical psychologists often see a clientele with more severe emotional disturbances.
 
Career counseling is one of the major field opportunities for counseling psychologists. Professionals can find employment at the university level or in centers with vocational guidance needs. Duties may be diverse and are often dependent on the facility and scope of clientele. Other avenues include concentration on special areas of the population, such as shelter work and in prisons. A brief list of work responsibilities includes:
  • data collection
  • family counseling
  • personal growth assistance
  • relationship therapy
  • school programs
  • testing
  • vocational assessment.
Private practice is another option for counseling psychologists. Like the public sector, it typically includes individual and group interaction. While vocational guidance was historically the main focus, this is changing drastically. The field continues to expand outside this tradition all ages and clinical areas.
 
Many counseling psychologists continue to branch out, often into fields verging on clinical work. Family and marital therapy, along with business and motivational counseling, are all viable options. Often, evaluations, testing and interviewing are team efforts with other professionals such as clinicians and therapists.
 
Schedules range from regular work hours to extended evenings and weekends. A workday might be 12 hours outside of industrial and government-related jobs. Private or group practice revolves around accommodating the schedules of clients. Even those who enter the teaching and research fields may engage in private consultations on the side.

Salary Guide

The mid-range counseling psychologist salary is approximately $60,000. On the higher end, salaries easily exceed six figures. At the lowest end, salaries are about $35,000.

Education and Training

While licensed counselors are required to have Master's degrees, a counseling psychologist must hold a Doctorate from an APA (American Psychological Association) accredited institution. Undergraduate work includes a degree in psychology, although some colleges offer specific majors for counseling.
 
Internships and volunteer work weigh heavily when applying to Doctoral progarms. It is also critical to seek out an adviser who understands the goals and is able to provide guidance in selecting the proper coursework for graduate-school entry. Some coursework can involve special research or volunteer projects. Experts recommend finding a mentor whose specialty is counseling psychology.
 
The education and certification process is lengthy and intense. Typically, a Master's degree requires two years of study, followed by five to seven years to meet Doctoral requirements. Like any other graduate pursuit, application and acceptance is competitive. The standard procedures include:
  • graduate record exam (GRE)
  • personal statement
  • practical training
  • recommendation letters from professionals.
In addition, requirements for certification by the ABPP (American Board of Professional Psychology) include five years of practice. Individuals must also pass state-board tests for licensing. Practicing counseling psychologists often need to continue their education to maintain and renew licenses in most states.

Prior Work Experience

An inherent desire to help others leads many to a career in psychology. High energy and emotional stability are also assets. Stress levels often run high, and the ability to manage in these areas can prevent burnout.
 
In addition, professionals should have life and learned skills that prepare them for various situations:
  • analyzing skills
  • community commitment
  • intervention skills
  • self-awareness
  • sensitivity training
  • socialization skills
  • strategizing
  • remediation
  • thirst for knowledge.

Career Advancement

Demand for counseling psychologists appears to be increasing. Available jobs potentially continue to outnumber applicants, including those still in the educational process. Advancement opportunities range from administration to research and university teaching positions.

Related Associations and Groups

A number of professional associations are available to counseling psychologists, including:
  • ABPP (American Board of Professional Psychology)
  • APA (American Psychological Association) Division 17
  • IAAP (International Association of Applied Psychology) Division 16
  • NASP (National Association of School Psychologists).

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