Counseling Psychology Masters Programs
Counseling psychology masters programs provide the framework in counseling psychology theory. The degree allows people to receive hands-on training in a counseling environment, while learning various counseling psychology techniques. A graduate of the counseling master’s program can choose from a wide variety of mental health positions. Here are some reasons why returning to school to study the counseling psychology master’s program might be the best career decision that you’ve ever made.
Background and Salary Information of a Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists are responsible for administering mental health care to adults and children by giving advice based on the individual’s mental, physical and emotional situation. Counseling psychologists assist with providing guidance to individuals after acquiring information from interviewing, or administering assessment tests. The psychologist can offer a wide range of treatments and can create and implement programs that to modify the behavior of patients when and if it is deemed necessary.
Counseling psychologists can work in a variety of environments and niches including substance abuse clinics, child development, anxiety treatment, personal relationships, sport psychology, vocational psychology, anger management, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, health psychology (e.g. patients with life threatening illnesses) and many more. After completing the counseling psychology masters programs a counselor can also work in college counseling centers, hospitals, law firms and other private organizations, and government organizations to name a few.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is 15% growth expected in the employment rate of counseling psychologies. Students who obtain a doctoral degree in a particular specialty such as health might experience the best results in future growth opportunities. Many counseling psychology masters programs graduates experience increased numbers of people in the job market competing for the small number of available jobs.
Counseling psychologists made an average of $59,440.00 in the year 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to inflation and increases in salary to meet living conditions, the average salary of a counselor should have increased significantly in the year 2011. With an estimated wage higher than $60,000.00 to begin, this career should appeal to many people seeking higher starting salaries.
Admission and Job Requirements for a Counseling Psychologist
To enroll in a counseling psychology program a bachelor’s degree is required at minimum, from an accredited college or university, or an international college or university. The undergraduate and graduate grade point average requirements are usually 3.0 or higher. A major in psychology is also necessary to enter the program, or the completion of twelve college credits in psychology with an average grade of “C” at minimum.
A Masters in counseling allows a person numerous job opportunities to choose from as psychologists at the master’s degree level cost less to employ than psychologists with doctorate level degrees. After obtaining a degree in counseling psychology Masters programs an individual will usually work while supervised by a PhD level psychologist.
Completing the counseling psychology Masters programs can take between two and three years. One of the main factors that can affect the time needed to complete the degree program is the amount of hours dedicated to taking the needed courses. Students that choose the programs requiring full time enrollment will finish quicker, while students the enroll in the part time programs will take longer to complete the degree. Licensing to become a psychologist varies depending on state licensing requirements, so obtaining a license in one state will possibly require going back to school to be licensed in a different state.
Employers searching for graduates of counseling psychology masters programs usually require excellent listening skills, strong analytical skills, a license in the state in which the person is applying, and a master’s or doctorate degree. The counseling psychologist should be well versed in the methods, procedures and principles that are necessary to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate a patient suffering from mental and physical problems. The counselor should also be highly proficient in providing career guidance to patients as part of the job description.
A counseling psychologist should understand individual and group-based human behavior on an expert level. Having a strong ability to provide excellent customer service and personal skills as well as being comprehensive and able to think and act quickly. A counselor must be highly adept to communicating through writing or orally, as well as being highly perceptive at all times. For those looking to research and find the best counseling psychology Masters programs, the reward upon completion will be well worth the investment of time and money.
