Counseling is a collaborative process between a counselor and a client, with the goal being to help the client address personal, social, or psychological challenges. As a counselor, you'll work with your client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify issues and create coping strategies to support their growth and well-being. Counselors address many issues, such as emotional, behavioral, relational, and work-related challenges. To be an effective counselor, you must understand human behavior and psychological theories at an advanced level. Most people pursue a graduate degree in counseling to become a professional counselor.

6 Counseling Careers To Pursue With A Master's Degree

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-counseling/”]master’s degree in counseling[/hen-ui-link] or are considering pursuing one, you may be wondering what career options are available to you. There are a variety of paths you can take, depending on your interests and strengths.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do you want to work with individuals, couples, or in a specific setting? This article will explore six counseling careers you can pursue with a master’s in counseling, covering the skills and knowledge needed for each.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Reality Check: Do I Need A Master’s Degree To Become A Counselor?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed counselor, you usually need a master’s degree in counseling. Most states require a graduate degree to practice professionally. However, you can work in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-counseling/”]counseling with a bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] in roles like mental health technician or case manager. These roles, though, have limited scope and authority.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Counseling?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling is a collaborative process between a counselor and a client, with the goal being to help the client address personal, social, or psychological challenges. As a counselor, you’ll work with your client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to identify issues and create coping strategies to support their growth and well-being.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counselors address many issues, such as emotional, behavioral, relational, and work-related challenges. To be an effective counselor, you must understand human behavior and psychological theories at an advanced level. Most people pursue a graduate degree in counseling to [hen-ui-link href=”/counseling/how-to-become-a-counselor/”]become a professional counselor[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]6 Careers You Can Pursue With a Master’s in Counseling[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a master’s in counseling, you can explore many paths based on your interests. For example, if you want to help people with job searches, consider career counseling. If you prefer working with families, a marriage and family counselor focuses on relationship dynamics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling careers come with different stressors. Some people may find it challenging to work with clients dealing with addiction. Others might prefer working with families or married couples. Think about which [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/counseling-degrees/”]type of counseling degree[/hen-ui-link] and which career path suit you best.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While each counseling type has a specific focus and its own set of educational requirements, all of the following counseling careers require at least:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree (for full practicing scope)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supervised experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Careers With a Master’s in Counseling[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Type of Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Median Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Outlook (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Ideal Degree Program[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Counselor”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm” target=”_blank”]$65,140[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Outlook (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-counseling/”]Master’s in Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Clinical Mental Health Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Counselor”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-1″ target=”_blank”]$59,190[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2024)”]17%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Outlook (2023-2033)”]Master’s in Counseling[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Marriage and Family Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Counselor”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm” target=”_blank”]$63,780[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2024)”]13%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Outlook (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-family-counseling/”]Master’s in Family Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rehabilitation Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Counselor”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm” target=”_blank”]$46,110[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2024)”]1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Outlook (2023-2033)”]Master’s in Counseling[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Counselor”]$65,140[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Outlook (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-school-counseling/”]Master’s in School Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Substance Misuse Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Type of Counselor”]$59,190[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Median Salary (2024)”]17%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Outlook (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-substance-abuse-counseling/”]Master’s in Addiction Counseling[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Career Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Much Career Counselors Make:[/hen-ui-text] $65,140[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Top 10% of Earners:[/hen-ui-text] $105,870[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]What Career Counselors Do: [/hen-ui-text]Career counselors, or career coaches, help people make informed career choices. They work with clients to find their strengths, weaknesses, values, and interests and guide them to suitable career paths. Counselors also provide job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Career for You: [/hen-ui-text]If you enjoy helping others, have a passion for career development, and prefer to work one-on-one with clients[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Clinical Mental Health Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Much Mental Health Counselors Make:[/hen-ui-text] $59,190[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Top 10% of Earners: [/hen-ui-text]$98,210[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]What Mental Health Counselors Do: [/hen-ui-text]Clinical mental health counselors help individuals, groups, and families diagnose and treat mental health issues. They assess needs, create treatment plans, and provide counseling to improve their patients’ mental well-being. They also help patients manage disorders such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Career for You: [/hen-ui-text]If you have a great deal of empathy, strong listening skills, and a desire to help people overcome mental health issues[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Marriage and Family Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Much Marriage and Family Counselors Make:[/hen-ui-text] $63,780[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Top 10% of Earners:[/hen-ui-text] $111,610[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]What Marriage and Family Counselors Do: [/hen-ui-text]Marriage and family counselors help improve relationships for families and couples. They identify conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen bonds. They may also assist couples facing divorce or families dealing with trauma.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Career for You: [/hen-ui-text]If you have strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a passion for working with families or married couples[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Rehabilitation Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Much Rehabilitation Counselors Can Make:[/hen-ui-text] $46,110[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Top 10% of Earners:[/hen-ui-text] $77,200[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]What Rehabilitation Counselors Do:[/hen-ui-text] Rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities or challenges reach their full potential. They assess needs, create rehabilitation plans, and guide clients in accessing resources and job opportunities. They also offer emotional support, help clients cope with the psychological impact of their disabilities or challenges, and build a sense of well-being.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Career for You: [/hen-ui-text]If you possess strong problem-solving skills, empathy, and a passion for helping individuals with disabilities[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. School Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Much School Counselors Make:[/hen-ui-text] $65,140[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Top 10% of Earners:[/hen-ui-text] $105,870[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]What School Counselors Do: [/hen-ui-text]School counselors provide various support to students but mostly focus on supporting their academic, social, and personal development. They provide counseling, develop college and career readiness programs, and collaborate with teachers. School counselors also help students with bullying, self-esteem, and academic difficulties.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Career for You: [/hen-ui-text]If you have strong communication skills and a passion for working with and supporting children through their developmental stages[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]6. Substance Misuse Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Much Substance Misuse Counselors Make:[/hen-ui-text] $59,190[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Top 10% of Earners:[/hen-ui-text] $98,210[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]What Substance Misuse Counselors Do: [/hen-ui-text]Substance misuse counselors provide counseling and support to people struggling with addiction to substances, such as alcohol or drugs. They help clients develop coping skills, manage cravings, and build support networks. While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level substance misuse counseling roles in some states, those with a master’s degree can provide a broader scope of practice, supporting those with eating disorders and providing one-on-one private services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Ideal Career for You: [/hen-ui-text]If you possess a great deal of empathy, strong communication skills, a nonjudgmental attitude, and a desire to help others overcome addiction[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Which Counseling Career Is Right for Me?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing a counseling career will depend on many factors. Reflect on your passions, the communities you want to support, and your preferred work environment. By taking these factors into account and understanding how they align with your preferences, you can make an informed decision about your counseling career path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When deciding which type of counselor you want to become, ask yourself these five questions:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What issues do I want to advocate for?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What populations do I want to help and work with?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What type of setting do I want to work in?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do I prefer individual or group counseling?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Will I be able to separate myself from my patients’ issues?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Counseling Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is mental health counseling a good career?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counseling can be a very rewarding yet challenging career. The demand for licensed counselors is on the rise. The BLS projects that jobs for mental health counselors will grow 17% from 2024-2034, much faster than the average for all jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $53,710, well above the median wage for all occupations ($48,060). However, this field can be emotionally taxing and may lead to burnout. Whether this type of counseling is right for you ultimately comes down to the type of career path and client base you’re looking to help.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a licensed professional counselor?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a trained mental health professional who has a graduate degree in counseling or a related field and is licensed by their state to practice. They help individuals, groups, and families with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. LPCs may work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, schools, or nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) is also a professional counselor. They have similar education and licensing as LPCs, and some states actually use these titles interchangeably.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can counselors diagnose patients?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, in many states, LPCs or LMHCs have the qualifications to diagnose mental health conditions. However, the scope of their practice varies by state. In some states, LPCs and LMHCs can diagnose and treat mental health conditions independently. In other states, they may need to work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, LPCs and LMHCs typically do not prescribe medication. Prescriptions are usually the responsibility of a medical doctor or psychiatrist.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How does the education of a counselor and psychologist differ?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a professional counselor requires a master’s in counseling or a related field, such as psychology or social work. To [hen-ui-link href=”/psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/”]become a psychologist[/hen-ui-link], on the other hand, you must complete a doctoral degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in counseling typically takes 2-3 years, while a doctoral [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology-degree/”]degree in psychology[/hen-ui-link] can take 5-7 years. Psychology programs often emphasize research as well as training in psychological assessments, while counseling programs focus more on the practical applications of counseling principles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is counseling psychology?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling psychology is a field that helps people, groups, and communities cope with mental health issues. Counseling psychologists work in schools, hospitals, and private practices, using proven methods and assessments to support well-being and resilience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They may also research, create programs, and advocate for policies supporting mental health and social justice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1398,27677″][/hen-ui-article-row]