Counselor
Field of Study — Counseling
Counselors aid people with social, educational, personal or medical problems. They help individuals and groups work with many issues, including mental health, school, college, career, employment, rehabilitation, aging, substance abuse and marriage and family conflicts. A variety of specialties are available within this field, including school and career counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, mental health counseling and genetic counseling.
Generally, counselors:
- help individuals deal with problems such as: addiction and substance abuse; family conflicts; suicidal feelings; stress; self-esteem; aging; and job or school concerns.
- use interviews and observations to determine problem areas and the focus for counseling.
- conduct personality, aptitude, achievement and psychological tests.
- formulate treatment plans and link clients with professional/community resources.
- conduct workshops in special subjects, such as assertiveness, career development, interpersonal relationships, stress management, coping skills and illness.
- maintain records of tests and counseling sessions.
- teach counselor education classes at universities and colleges.
- conduct research and report results in professional journals.
- work with other mental health specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers).
Counselors work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, health care facilities, job training and vocational rehabilitation centers, correctional institutions, residential care facilities, schools, public assistance agencies and substance abuse facilities. Many are employed in private practice and by health maintenance organizations and group practices.
Educational Requirements
Students interested in becoming counselors should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, English and psychology, including advanced placement courses.
Counselors must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. To move beyond entry level, postgraduate training is usually necessary. Some fields require a master’s degree and licensure or certification by taking a national exam. Contact the National Board for Certified Counselors for the most recent requirements. In Virginia, licensed professional counselors also must pass a written examination and have two years of postgraduate, full-time supervised experience.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
Central Michigan University, Centreville Center
Central Michigan University, Richmond Center
College of William & Mary
Eastern Mennonite University
George Mason University
James Madison University
Liberty University
Lynchburg College
Radford University
Regent University, Alexandria
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VaTech)
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia Community Colleges
Germanna Community College, Locust Grove Campus
Professional Associations
- Virginia Board of Counseling
6606 W. Broad St.
4th Floor
Richmond, VA 23230-1717
(804) 662-9912
http://www.dhp.state.va.us/counseling - Virginia Counselors Association
317 Brook Park Place
Forest, VA 24551
1-800-225-8103
http://www.vcacounselors.org