What is Counseling?
Graduates from counseling degree programs may be qualified to pursue a variety of careers within the field. In fact, there are many different types of counseling professionals. Many colleges and universities offer students the ability to select concentrations, or specialties, which will further differentiate their studies from the general counseling curriculum. Choosing a concentration can greatly impact the type of work performed after graduation.
Some of the most common areas of specialization include:
- Eating Disorders
- Mental Health
It’s also possible for counseling professionals to specialize in working with specific populations such as children, teens, adults, or the elderly.
Counseling specialties aside, professionals in this field are typically highly dedicated to helping others live healthier, happier lives. They use their extensive knowledge and skills to provide assistance with a variety of social, emotional, and mental health problems. Counselors may also serve as advocates or help patients manage physical and psychological difficulties that can accompany various conditions. Counselors cannot, however, prescribe medications of any kind.
Every position is different, but some of the most common responsibilities shared by many counselors include evaluating clients and assessing readiness for treatment, developing, and reviewing treatment plans and goals and assisting in skills and behaviors development. Many jobs also require educating community members and assisting patients in developing various coping strategies. Additionally, professionals in this field regularly coordinate with other medical and mental health experts when developing and managing treatment plans.
Work settings can vary from rehabilitation facilities to private practices. Other potential employers include family services offices, care centers, hospitals, community/vocational rehabilitation facilities, outpatient mental health, substance abuse centers, service centers, hospitals, residential substance abuse facilities, and schools. Only licensed counselors may own and manage their own practices.
It’s important to realize that providing counseling services can be stressful. The job can be quite demanding, with large workloads, long hours, and the need to work or be on call during evenings, nights, and/or weekends.