Counseling Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2024

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By psychologyjobs.com Staff Writer

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What is a Counseling Psychologist?

A counseling psychologist is a professional who specializes in facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan.

They focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns.

Counseling psychologists use a variety of techniques and interventions to help individuals cope with issues such as anxiety, stress, and life transitions, and to improve their clients’ well-being and functioning.

They often work in diverse settings such as private practices, hospitals, schools, and community agencies.

Their approach is generally more holistic and client-centered, emphasizing a supportive and growth-oriented framework rather than treating psychopathological disorders.

What is a Counseling Psychologist Responsible For?

Counseling psychologists are trained to help individuals with a range of personal, social, and emotional issues. Here are some specific responsibilities you will have:

  1. Providing therapy: provide one-on-one therapy sessions to individuals dealing with a range of personal and emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, and trauma.
  2. Conducting assessments: conduct assessments to diagnose mental health disorders, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop treatment plans.
  3. Creating treatment plans: These plans may involve therapy sessions, group therapy, or other interventions designed to improve their clients’ mental health and wellbeing.
  4. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals: work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and primary care physicians, to coordinate care for their clients.
“As a counseling psychologist, my day-to-day work typically involves providing individual counseling to clients, conducting psychological assessments, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for my clients. I also spend time preparing for therapy sessions, documenting client progress, and engaging in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field.”

Where Does a Counseling Psychologist Work?

Counseling Psychologists work just about anywhere there are people in need. Frequently, they are found working in either private or group practices, however there are a variety of settings which employ counseling psychologists:

  1. Private practice: Many counseling psychologists work in private practice, either as sole practitioners or as part of a group practice.
  2. Mental health clinics: providing a range of services to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. In these settings, they may work as part of a team that includes psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals.
  3. Hospitals: Some counseling psychologists work in hospitals, where they may provide therapy to patients who are dealing with acute or chronic medical conditions.
  4. Schools and universities: providing individual or group counseling to students, as well as consultation services to teachers and other school personnel.
  5. Government agencies e.g. Veterans Administration, Department of Defense or the Department of Health and Human Services: counsel active military or veterans, often assisting them with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dealing with loss, transitioning to civilian life, or depression.

A day in the life of a counseling psychologist

Here is a possible example of a typical day for a counseling psychologist working in a mental health clinic:

8:00 AM – Arrive at the clinic and check email for any urgent messages or updates from colleagues.

8:30 AM – Begin seeing clients. Depending on the clinic’s policies and scheduling practices, the psychologist may see clients for 50-minute sessions with a 10-minute break in between each session, or they may see clients for longer sessions with longer breaks in between.

12:00 PM – Take a lunch break.

1:00 PM – Resume seeing clients. During this time, the psychologist may conduct intake assessments with new clients, provide ongoing therapy to existing clients, or work with clients who are in crisis or need immediate support.

4:00 PM – Finish seeing clients for the day. Spend some time documenting progress notes, updating treatment plans, and responding to any urgent messages or requests from colleagues or clients.

5:00 PM – Wrap up for the day, making sure to organize any materials needed for the following day.

How do become a Counseling Psychologist

It takes 7-12 years to become a counseling psychologist, below we will walk you through the process from obtaining your degrees to obtaining your license.

Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Students in a Bachelor’s degree program in psychology will likely cover topics such as counseling theories and techniques, human development, abnormal psychology, and group therapy.

It will provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that you will build upon with a Master’s and Doctorate.

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology is a graduate-level program that typically takes 2-3 years to complete. The program covers topics such as counseling theories and techniques, human development, abnormal psychology, group counseling, assessment and diagnosis, and professional ethics and standards. Students typically gain hands-on experience through a supervised internship or practicum component. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue further education at the doctoral level.

The program should be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

 

Learn more in our guide to a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology.

Supervised Internship

After earning a Master’s degree, aspiring counseling psychologists must complete a supervised internship of at least 2,000 hours. The internship should be completed at a site that is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) .

 

Doctorate Degree

A PhD in Counseling Psychology is a doctoral-level program that typically takes 5-7 years to complete, depending on the specific program and the student’s course load. The program builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills learned in a Master’s degree program and provides students with advanced training in areas such as research methods, advanced counseling techniques, and specialized areas of counseling psychology. The program typically includes coursework, a comprehensive exam, a supervised practicum, and a dissertation. Graduates of a PhD in Counseling Psychology program are prepared to work as licensed counseling psychologists, conduct research in the field, or pursue academic careers in teaching and research.

 

Learn more in our guide to a PhD in Counseling Psychology.

Postdoctoral Internship

After earning a Doctoral degree, counseling psychologists must complete a postdoctoral internship of at least 1,500 hours. The internship should be completed at a site that is approved by the APA or the APPIC.

Licensure

Licensing requirements vary by state – consult our guide for more detail.

The licensing exam for counseling psychologists is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

Continuing Education

Counseling psychologists, as is the case for all licensed psychologists, are required to engage in ongoing continuing education to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field.

Learn more about continuing education requirements by state.

How Much Does a Counseling Psychologist Earn?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary is $81,000 in traditional settings. Many practitioners work in private practice where there are opportunities to earn more.

Geographic location and level of degree factor prominently in income potential with urban counseling and doctorate degrees in higher demand. Experience is a significant element in determining compensation.

Latest Counseling Psychologist Job Listings

PositionCompanyLocationPosted
Mental Health Services Assessment ClinicianJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland US09/10/2024
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Mental Health Services Assessment ClinicianJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland US09/10/2024
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Mental Health Services Assessment ClinicianJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland US09/10/2024
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Mental Health Services Assessment ClinicianJohns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland US09/10/2024
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Clinical Psychologist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Mental Health ProgramThe University of Chicago: Biological Sciences Division: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience Chicago, Illinois US09/10/2024
Clinical Psychologist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Mental Health Program The University of Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience is searching for a full-time faculty member at any rank. The appointee will provide assessments and brief, evidence-based interventions for adolescent, young adult, and adult patients in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG), interact with team members to inform shared treatment plans, and deliver clinical and consultative services … More
Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen Co. School Based Mental Health LiaisonHelen Ross McNabb Center Morristown, Tennessee US09/10/2024
Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen Co. School Based Mental Health LiaisonHelp Others, Make a Difference, Save a Life.Do you want to make a difference in people’s lives every day?Or help people navigate the tough spots in their life?And do it all while working where your hard work is appreciated?You have a lot of choices in where you workmake the decision to work where you are valued!Join … More
Veterinary TechnicianWest Hills North Veterinary Clinic Huntington, New York US09/10/2024
Veterinary TechnicianDepartment: Veterinary TechniciansEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Huntington, New YorkCompensation: $25.00 – $32.00 / hourDescriptionAre you passionate about providing top-notch care to our furry friends? West Hills North Veterinary Clinic is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our dynamic team! If … More
Behavioral Health Clinician- Per DiemAtlantic Health System Hackettstown, New Jersey US09/10/2024
JOB DESCRIPTIONAtlantic Health System is seeking a per-diem Behavioral Health Clinician to join the newly developed Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program. This is a clinical opportunity to be at the ground floor in shaping services for adolescent clients in a DBT-oriented IOP program. As a clinician in the DBT IOP Program, you will be integral in running groups, with direct supervision in the milieu with our clients, conducting individual and family therapy sessions and participating … More
Position
Mental Health Services Assessment Clinician
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Company
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Mental Health Services Assessment Clinician
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Company
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Mental Health Services Assessment Clinician
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Company
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Mental Health Services Assessment Clinician
Student Health and Well-Being (SHWB) Mental Health Services at Johns Hopkins University seeks an energetic, organized, and motivatedMental Health Services Assessment Clinicianto work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment focused on delivering innovative mental healthcare and supporting the well-being of a diverse community of learners. This position is an excellent opportunity for a pre-licensed practitioner … More
Company
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Clinical Psychologist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Mental Health Program
Clinical Psychologist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Mental Health Program The University of Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience is searching for a full-time faculty member at any rank. The appointee will provide assessments and brief, evidence-based interventions for adolescent, young adult, and adult patients in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG), interact with team members to inform shared treatment plans, and deliver clinical and consultative services … More
Company
The University of Chicago: Biological Sciences Division: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience
Location
Chicago, Illinois US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen Co. School Based Mental Health Liaison
Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen Co. School Based Mental Health LiaisonHelp Others, Make a Difference, Save a Life.Do you want to make a difference in people’s lives every day?Or help people navigate the tough spots in their life?And do it all while working where your hard work is appreciated?You have a lot of choices in where you workmake the decision to work where you are valued!Join … More
Company
Helen Ross McNabb Center
Location
Morristown, Tennessee US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary TechnicianDepartment: Veterinary TechniciansEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Huntington, New YorkCompensation: $25.00 – $32.00 / hourDescriptionAre you passionate about providing top-notch care to our furry friends? West Hills North Veterinary Clinic is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our dynamic team! If … More
Company
West Hills North Veterinary Clinic
Location
Huntington, New York US
Posted
09/10/2024
Position
Behavioral Health Clinician- Per Diem
JOB DESCRIPTIONAtlantic Health System is seeking a per-diem Behavioral Health Clinician to join the newly developed Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program. This is a clinical opportunity to be at the ground floor in shaping services for adolescent clients in a DBT-oriented IOP program. As a clinician in the DBT IOP Program, you will be integral in running groups, with direct supervision in the milieu with our clients, conducting individual and family therapy sessions and participating … More
Company
Atlantic Health System
Location
Hackettstown, New Jersey US
Posted
09/10/2024