| |
To
be a successful Counselor you should:
- have a strong interest in helping others
- have the ability to inspire respect, trust, and confidence
- enjoy working independently and as part of a team
|
| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Counselors receive their education through academic
programs at community colleges, colleges and universities.
Most counselors receive a 4-year bachelor's degree plus a
graduate degree. There are 2-year associate degrees that
offer certification in specialized areas of counseling.
|
Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the state of
Connecticut. In addition to an earned master's degree or
doctoral degree, a counselor must pass NBCC's, NCE or NCMHCE
exam, and participate in 3000 hours of postgraduate degree
supervised experience in professional counseling, including
a minimum of 100 hours of direct supervision by an
appropriately licensed individual.
|
| Where can I get more
information?
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Ave
Alexandria, VA 22304
(800) 347-6647
www.counseling.org
American Mental Health Counselors Association
801 N. Fairfax St, Suite 304
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 326-2642
www.amhca.org
|
What
is the salary for this career?
$35,360 - $56,160
(Source: National Health Council's Health
Careers Book)
|
.
|
What will my job be
like?
Counselors help clients solve their personal
problems or conflicts that they are unable to resolve on
their own. They may help families work through conflicts by
improving communication and relationships. Mental health
counselors work with clients who struggle with substance
abuse, other addiction, marital problems, stress, and
aging..
Counselors may specialize in the following:
Alcohol and Drug Prevention Programs
Employment or Vocational Counseling
Gerontological Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
Multicultural Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling
School and College Counseling
|
| Where could I work?
Counselors are employed in a variety of settings:
community mental health center, drug rehabilitation centers,
hospitals, schools, colleges and universities. In addition,
master's-prepared counselors may work for themselves in
private practice.
The work week is 40 hours and may include nights or
weekends for the convenience of the patients. School
counselors work the same hours and months as teachers.
Other workplace settings:
Hospice Programs
Nursing Homes
Halfway Houses
Residential Care Facilities
State/Local Government Agencies
Vocational Rehabilitation Centers
Insurance Companies
Prisons
Private and Group Practices
Social Agencies
|
| What is the future
of this career?
Overall employment of counselors is expected to grow
faster than the average through 2008. Employment of school
and vocational counselors is expected to grow as a result of
increasing enrollments, particularly in secondary and
postsecondary schools.
|
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Albertus Magnus College, New Haven
- Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
- Connecticut College, New London
- Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
- Fairfield University, Fairfield
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
- Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
- St. Joseph College, West Hartford
- Teikyo Post University, Waterbury
- Trinity College, Hartford
- University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut, Storrs
- University of Hartford, West Hartford
- University of New Haven, New Haven
- Wesleyan University, Middletown
- Western Connecticut State University, Danbury
- Yale University, New Haven
|
|
