Counseling: Becoming a Professional Counselor

Mometrix Academy5 minutes read

Becoming a counselor involves obtaining a Master's degree, completing supervised clinical experience, passing a state exam, and adhering to specific standards and ethical codes in order to secure licensure for practice in the field, along with the need for additional credentials depending on the counseling role. Professional counselors must possess a wide range of competencies, including counseling theories, assessment skills, leadership abilities, ethical understanding, and proficiency in technology, ensuring they meet state authorization requirements through licensure or certification.

Insights

  • The credentialing process for becoming a counselor involves obtaining a Master's degree in Psychology or Education from an accredited school, with internship positions requiring accreditation from various institutions.
  • Professional counselors are required to possess competencies in counseling theories, assessment skills, leadership abilities, ethical understanding, research skills, and technology proficiency, with state authorization granted through licensure or professional certification based on specific regulations.

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Recent questions

  • How many hours of supervised clinical experience do counselors need?

    3,000 hours or 2 years

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Summary

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Becoming a Counselor: Requirements and Licensure

  • The credentialing process for becoming a counselor involves obtaining a Master's degree of 48-60 semester hours in Psychology or Education from an accredited school, with internship positions typically requiring accreditation from hospitals, community mental health centers, clinics, and schools.
  • Eight core areas of study for counselors include human growth and development, relationships, assessment, social and cultural diversity, career development, group work, program evaluation and research, and professional identity, with supervised clinical experience of 3,000 hours or 2 years and two professional endorsement letters required.
  • Licensure for counselors varies by state, with candidates needing to pass a state exam and fulfill annual continuing education credits, while also adhering to specific standards and ethical codes, with additional credentials sometimes necessary for certain counseling roles.
  • Professional counselors must possess competencies such as extensive knowledge of counseling theories, techniques, and models, assessment skills, management and leadership abilities, respect for diversity, ethical understanding, research skills, and proficiency in using technology, with state authorization granted through licensure or professional certification, depending on the state's regulations.
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