Counseling Degree Online Psychology

• Like advising people on how to deal with problems?
• Like interviewing and testing?

• Like helping with career planning?

• Like social work?

• Get asked for advice often?

If any of the above items depict you, think about a counseling degree online psychology program. Judging from your interests you will find a career of counseling and social work rewarding.

Counseling Psychologist – Where to they work?

Individuals with counseling psychology degrees work in varied environments, from university counseling centers and schools to hospitals and group practices. Most often they work in offices where they meet with clients. Due to the need for privacy and confidentiality, most of the day is spend in offices in one-on- one meeting with clients. A growing number of counseling psychologists are self-employed and work in private practices.

Counseling is a broad field and as a result, you will have to choose an area to focus on. Most common specializations include academic and scholastic counseling, substance abuse, rehabilitation, marriage or mental health counseling. The particular specialization you choose will determine where you work (school or hospital), your work hours as well as your yearly salary.

Academic/Scholastic Counselors – provide assistance and help with career and educational counseling. Students in elementary to post secondary education programs are provided and offered counseling help. In this position you would focus on promoting career as well as social development of young individuals. Your role would be to help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents, strengths and weakness, career and academic goals. You would use interviews, one-on-one meetings as well as tests to evaluate and help students.

Substance-Abuse Counselors – help people who have problems with alcohol, drugs or gambling disorders. Your main role would be to help individuals identify and acknowledge their addiction as well as the situations that trigger it. You would work with patents one-on-one or in group settings. Your main focus would be on interacting with patents and their families, offering help and support as well as developing intervention programs.

Rehabilitation Counselors – assist people with personal and social effects of disabilities. If you choose this specialization, you would evaluate patient strengths and weaknesses, assist in job placement and needed medical care. Your main goal would be to help individuals live independently.

Mental Health Counselors – treat patients with the goal of promoting mental health. You would be trained to deal with depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, problems with self-esteem and stress. In this role you would work very closely with other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers and nurses.

Education Requirements for Degrees in Counseling Psychology?

A master’s degree is the minimum education requirement for licensure in most states. A masters degree counseling psychology is a two year full time graduate program. Most often, it is composed of practical experience as well as a master’s thesis. Counseling education programs are usually found in departments of education or psychology.

Courses include adolescent psychology, counseling theories, group therapy, human sexuality, substance abuse, marriage and family systems, human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, assessment and program evaluation. Master’s degree programs are usually 48-60 semester hours and this includes a period of clinical experience in counseling. You will usually complete an internship shadowing an established counselor in your area of specialization.

Counseling Degree Online Psychology – Why Online?

While counseling is a very hands-on degree and requires hands on training, online degree programs are growing in numbers. Most of these counseling degree online psychology programs offer completion of course work online and require an internship, which can’t be completed online.

An online degree may be a perfect fit for you if you are looking for flexibility or if you have a full time job and are unable to attend class. By completing your course requirements online you would get the first portion of your training out of the way. An online degree program may also be very suitable for individuals looking to get into academics or research and not direct patent counseling.

What is the Job Outlook for Counseling Psychologist?

Employment of those with a counseling degree online psychology is expected to increase by 21% between 2006 and 2016, faster than average for all occupations (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Keep in mind that the demand for counseling psychologist depends on the specific area of specialization. The median annual earnings in May 2006 were $59,440.

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