What Type of Positions Are Held With a Masters Degree in Counseling?
If you have an empathetic streak, enjoy listening to and helping people, maybe you're destined to be a counselor. If you're considering post-graduate work, start with your Master's degree for a wide variety of opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for counselors expect to increase by 18 percent until the year 2018. Duties of counselors vary greatly, depending on their specialty. If you are thinking about choosing a career in counseling, there are many areas from which to choose.
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School Counselors
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School counselors no longer just make schedules for students or hand out college applications, they also help students achieve at school and talk to them about any issues they have. Certified or licensed educators with the minimum of a Master's degree in school counseling, school counselors provide students with individual or group counseling, consultation with parents, teachers and other educators. Professional school counselors find employment in elementary, middle and high schools. As of May 2008, school counselors make a median annual salary of $51,050 states the BLS.
Marriage and Family Counselors
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Marriage and family counselors have graduate or postgraduate degrees and many choose to become credentialed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (Mayo Clinic). They help change people's perceptions and behaviors, improve communication and understanding among family members and help to prevent family and individual crises. In addition, they may make proper referrals to psychiatric resources, perform research and teach courses in human development and interpersonal relationships. Marriage and family counselors as of May 2008, make a median annual salary of $44,590 as per the BLS.
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Mental Health Counselors
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Mental health counselors treat individuals and families with mental disorders. They help people who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma and grief. They also help people with career and school concerns and relationship problems. Mental health counselors frequently work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and school counselors. As of May 2008, mental health counselors make a median annual salary of $36,810.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
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Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors treat people who have issues with drugs, alcohol, gambling and eating disorders. They help patients identify the reasons behind their addictions. Specifically trained to assist in developing individual recovery programs that help teach healthy behaviors and coping strategies, they also work with relatives affected by the addictions. Several counselors lead programs and community outreach directed at preventing addiction and educating the public. BLS reports that substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors make a median annual salary of $37,030 as of May 2008.
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References
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