Examples of entry-level counseling positions are addiction specialists, youth counselors, community service workers, supported community living agents and any variation of such jobs. Depending on the organization providing the service, the titles for entry-level counselors can vary widely. The level of counseling that can be provided with just a high school diploma is limited. An associate degree can qualify you to perform assistance or case management for higher-level counselors. Social work careers can be achieved with an associate's degree. Upon completing an associate degree in psychology, sociology, social work or human services, you can increase your degree's value and your competency by completing a certification course.
A bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, human services, sociology or any similar title further expands your ability to assist clients in the community. Within a general four-year program, you may select a core major in psychology, social work, human services, or sociology. Adding a specialization to this degree is possible in many institutions. Select a specialization that meets the needs of the clients you hope to help. For example, a counselor working in rehabilitation therapy would benefit from a bachelor's degree with an added certification in rehabilitation counseling. Of course, each state has its own requirements as far as needed education, certification and licensing. In some states, only counselors with a graduate degree are allowed to practice counseling.
Each major has a certificate that can complement it whether you have an associate, bachelor's or graduate degree. Certificates are heavily concentrated programs that focus on a specific skill. You can get a certificate in areas including rehabilitation, mental health, addiction, sexual deviance, career and school counseling. Certificate programs can prevent burnout and increase career stability for individuals who have been counseling for many years. A certificate alone is not typically enough to qualify you for counseling without at least a two-year degree.
Upon completing a bachelor's degree, you can pursue a master's degree in psychology, sociology, human services or social work. Upon completing this degree, you can obtain a license in most states. A master's in human services, with a concentration in mental health counseling, that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is highly effective in ensuring you can obtain a license to practice as a counselor. In the field of social work, you must complete a master's in social work and will be titled LiMSW (licensed master of social work) upon passing the exam. Some states do allow individuals with a master's in psychology to become associate psychologists who work under the supervision of a Ph.D.-holding psychologist. To obtain a license in school psychology, you must complete a certified school counseling master's degree program.
For most counseling positions in sociology, human services and social work, a master's degree is all that is necessary. Obtaining a Ph.D. in any of these fields is most often used for careers in education. In the field of psychology, you will most often need to complete a Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) or a Psy.D. (doctor of psychology) that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Upon completing an accredited degree, you must follow your state's requirements for obtaining a license. These can be found on the state board of health website or other related websites depending upon the state. One final way to perform counseling is to complete an M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) program and then complete at least three out of the four years of required residency in psychiatry. Psychiatrists do perform counseling but typically work closely with psychologists and their patients.