Becoming a Counseling Psychologist

The general field of psychology studies the cognitive, behavioral, and social factors of the human mind and human behavior. The field contains numerous branches, including various forms of application such as counseling. A counseling psychologist provides advice, guidance, therapy and support to people with temporary problems too great for them to solve alone. These problems can be personal, or might concern the individual's family, education, mental health, or career decisions.

Education, Training & Degrees for Counseling Psychologists

A doctoral degree is usually a requirement to work as an independent psychologist, in either the clinical or counseling disciplines. Psychology students have a choice of doctorates: a traditional Ph.D. or, alternatively, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.

In addition to a doctoral degree in the field, all 50 states (and the District of Columbia) require that psychologists in independent practice or who treat patients must be certified or licensed. Requirements vary from state to state, but most frequently include an examination which must be passed before the psychologist is legally allowed to practice. In some states and positions, a master's degree is a sufficient qualification to obtain licensing as a counselor. School counselors must also be certified.

Some counselors who hold a master's degree apply for national certification by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC), which grants the credential "National Certified Counselor." This voluntarily credential, however, is not a substitute for the mandatory state licensing. There are a number of additional counseling organizations which offer certification in specific counseling specialties.

Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills for Counseling Psychologists

Counseling psychologists help people understand the basis of their problems, phobias, fears, crises and anxieties, and provide guidance on how to cope with and resolve them. They administer psychotherapy and counseling to individuals of all ages, as well as to families, groups, and organizations. Counseling psychologists assist people in gaining control of their lives, using techniques such as interviewing, testing, dialog, and behavioral modification.

Counseling psychologists often specialize in a specific field, such as career, vocational or guidance counseling; school or college counseling; community counseling; gerontological counseling; health counseling; bereavement counseling; mental health counseling; rehabilitation counseling; substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling; genetic counseling; or marital, couple and family counseling, among others.

The successful counseling psychologist in any specialty will possess certain key character traits. Among these are the emotional traits of as stability, empathy, compassion, sound judgment, discretion and patience, as well as such intellectual characteristics as good communication skills for both explaining and active listening.

Counseling Psychologist Salary Range and Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 179,000 people were employed as psychologists in 2004. Nearly one-quarter of these positions were in the health care field, including counseling psychology. Nearly 40 percent of psychologists are independently employed, compared with a national average of ten percent of all professionals.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of psychologists of all types is expected to grow faster than average well into the next decade, due to an increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private industry. The Bureau further predicts that the occupation of counseling psychologist will be among the most in-demand positions in the psychological field, with excellent employment opportunities.

Although no specific figures are available for the position of counseling psychologist, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2004 the median annual salary of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists was $54,950, with a range running from less than $32,280 to a high of more than $92,250.

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