Careers in Counseling Psychology

The field of counseling psychology is for those individuals who are interested in helping others redress or alleviate their problems. Interestingly, opposed to popular belief, it is not about mental health of individuals concerned. It has more to do with advising people sort out their problems which could be excessive drinking, breaking  habits and addiction, taking career choices, school counseling and family and marriage therapy to name a few. Counseling psychologists apply a range of techniques to assist clients including testing and interviewing.

Programs in counseling psychology are offered by several institutions. These programs are available through campus and online modes spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees along side certifications and diplomas. However, as per Bureau of Labor Standards, a post graduate degree is required to practice as a counseling psychologist. These programs provide an in-depth understanding human behavior which is the corner stone for any counseling psychologist. Course content covers abnormal and developmental psychology, experimental design, memory and cognition, organizational psychology, physiological psychology, psychological tests and measurement, psychology of learning, social psychology and theories of personality. The profession has licensure requirements that need to be complied.

The job outlook for psychologists overall is robust with an expected growth of 15% through 2016, which is faster than the average of all occupations. Prospects are good with a doctoral degree with Master’s degrees facing keen competition. The median annual earnings of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2006 were $59,440. An established practice usually earns much more.

The field of counseling psychology is well serviced by quality programs offered through University of Phoenix and Strayer University. Following it are CDI College and Argosy University with both institutions offering “best in class” programs. Lastly but not the least is Kaplan University offering host of programs designed with the students’ futures in mind.