Looking for a Counseling Career?

I decided to gather some information about the Human Services field and make a blog for those that are trying to make career decisions.  It can be extremely confusing when you don't know where to look for the right information. Some of this information is general, but most only pertains to the state of Illinios as each state incorporates different standards.    

If you are just graduating high school, the first step is finding an undergrad program that includes a psychology degree or a degree in the human services field.  You will want to complete the degree, or at least your last two semesters, with a 3.0 GPA.  After completing a bachelors degree, search for a masters program that meets the requirements of the field that you desire to work in.

**Before you drop $20,000-$50,000 on a degree, make sure it will take you into the field you want to work in the most and for the longest period of time.  A psychology degree is very broad and can open up opportunities in a vareity of human services fields for you.  Seek out your guidance counselor to take a career test or search for a local career counselor to explore what drives you to be successful.  You also need to consider what kind of lifestyle you want to live.  Can you afford to be a therapist? Look up websites: www.payscale.com or Indeed Salary for LCPC to get an idea of a professional counselor's salary.

There are several fields within human services to choose from:

If you want to provide individual, family, and group counseling, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters degree would be best.  Look for a degree with at least CACREP standards.  Though, it's best to look at your states requirements.  I know that a counseling student in Indiana will need to take an internship with 1000 hours whereas other states, such as Texas, only require 300 internship hours. Illinois requires a graduate student in counseling to take classes in 13 differenent competencies, including a practicum or internship, and the degree must be at least 48 credit hours.  In Illinois, CACREP is the preferred accreditation, but it is not yet the official state standard. A CACREP degree requires 700 internship hours.  There are ten Universities in Illinois that have a CACREP accreditation for Clincial Mental Health Counseling: click here for the ten Illinios Universities.  The University I graduated from in 2015 is now one of those ten: LCU Counseling webpage. 

If you want to provide individual and group counseling for those with substance abuse disorders, then a Masters degree in Addictions Counseling would be your choice.  Keep in mind, that a social worker with a LSW and a counselor with a LPC can also work with substance abuse clients.  The University of Illinois has a top rated Masters in Social Work.  Check it out: UofI MSW Program.

If you primarily want to focus on counseling couples and families then a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy would suit you best.

Often times when people have setbacks, whether it's substance abuse or physical ailments, people will need a counselor to help them recover.  If this is the population you want to work with then a Rehabilitation Counseling degree would be best for you.  Southern Illinios University- Carbondale has one of the best programs in the country: http://ehs.siu.edu/rehab/

The above positions have their own licensure standards and exams, below are links about exams and licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (LPC) in Illinois.

Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois                            NCE and NCMHCE Test-Prep

Professional Counselor Info                                                       National Counselor Exam official site

After attaining a masters degree, you will want to take the National Counselors Exam to finally apply for a License in Professional Counseling.  After two years of counseling experience under the supervision of a LCPC, then you can take the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE).  A LCPC license will allow you to meet the Illinois standard to supervise other counselors and to work in your own private practice.  A LCPC licensure application with state qualifications is here.

Many organizations, especially those that receive funding from the state, will want their therapists to be a Qualified Mental Health Professional.  The standard is explained in Section 132.  Meeting this standard will open a lot more opportunities for you and your future.

I hope this helps you find the career that will provide the most fulfilling experiences in your life.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Tony Nichols

I enjoy helping others experience hope and joy in their life!