Counseling Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2024

Search thousands of counseling psychology jobs across the country Counseling Psychology Jobs

What’s in this guide?

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

Our career guides are produced by staff writers in conjunction with our expert career coaches.

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
Substance Abuse Counselor (116544)Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland US12/18/2024
Cornerstone at Helping Up Mission is seeking a Casual (10-12 hrs/week) Substance Abuse Counselor to be responsible for providing counseling and coordinating counseling activities according to protocol for clients age 18 and over. Duties and Responsibilities Provide rehabilitation counseling to clients with a substance use disorder using multiple treatment modalities including Reinforcement-Based Treatment which is an evidence-based treatment approach that … More
Staff CounselorEast Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina US12/18/2024
Job Description: Staff Counselors employed by the Center for Counseling and Student Development provide therapeutic and developmental services to enrolled students at East Carolina University. Staff Counselors report to either the Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director of the Center for Counseling and Student Development.Position Duties:Counseling individuals and groups regarding personal, social, career and academic development.Provide crisis intervention … More
Physician Psychiatrist Outpatient (Assistant Clinical Track)University of Minnesota Physicians Minneapolis, Minnesota US12/17/2024
The University of Minnesotas Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking an Outpatient Psychiatry Physician for a clinical track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level. This is a unique opportunity to combine delivery of care with education on effective outcomes and development of care delivery systems. The faculty member in this role will exercise creativity in clinical care and clinical programming, will teach and supervise outstanding … More
Pediatric Neuropsychologist (PhD, PsyD)LifeStance Health Port Chester, New York US12/17/2024
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day. It’s a lofty goal; we know. But we make it happen with the best team in behavioral health. Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us. As the fastest growing behavioral health … More
Adjunct Instructor – Counselor EducationVirginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia US12/17/2024
Position Responsibilities: The VCU School of Education’s Department of Counseling and Special Education is committed to fostering a positive, diverse and inclusive environment for faculty, staff and students. We are excited to invite qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives for the position of Adjunct Instructor for the undergraduate and graduate degrees in Counselor Education. Required Qualifications: Master’s … More
Pediatric Psychologist F71080- Department of PsychiatryVirginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia US12/17/2024
Mission or Goal of Unit: The mission is to improve the mental health of individuals and families through clinical care, research, education and public awareness as part of the Comprehensive Autonomic Center (CAC). Chief Purpose of this position: Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) is seeking a full-time pediatric psychologist to provide … More
Pediatric GI Psychologist M67290, Department of PsychiatryVirginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia US12/17/2024
Mission or Goal of UnitChildren’s Hospital of Richmond of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has committed itself to transforming the GI Pediatrics Division into a model academic unit devoted to excellence in clinical care, teaching, and clinical, translational, and basic research.Chief Purpose of this positionVCU Medical Center and Children’s Hospital have joined together, forming Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. … More
Bilingual (Spanish-English) Mental Health Therapist. (116354)Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland US12/17/2024
The Department of Pediatrics is seeking a part time Bilingual (Spanish-English) Mental Health Therapist . The successful candidate will work with the Refugee Health and Asylum Collaborative (HEAL) program in the Hospitalist division to provide assessment, evaluation, and treatment of clients participating in Steps to Success – a federally funded project aimed at expanding access to mental health and other supportive services for limited English proficiency Spanish speaking youth who … More
Position
Substance Abuse Counselor (116544)
Cornerstone at Helping Up Mission is seeking a Casual (10-12 hrs/week) Substance Abuse Counselor to be responsible for providing counseling and coordinating counseling activities according to protocol for clients age 18 and over. Duties and Responsibilities Provide rehabilitation counseling to clients with a substance use disorder using multiple treatment modalities including Reinforcement-Based Treatment which is an evidence-based treatment approach that … More
Company
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
12/18/2024
Position
Staff Counselor
Job Description: Staff Counselors employed by the Center for Counseling and Student Development provide therapeutic and developmental services to enrolled students at East Carolina University. Staff Counselors report to either the Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director of the Center for Counseling and Student Development.Position Duties:Counseling individuals and groups regarding personal, social, career and academic development.Provide crisis intervention … More
Company
East Carolina University
Location
Greenville, North Carolina US
Posted
12/18/2024
Position
Physician Psychiatrist Outpatient (Assistant Clinical Track)
The University of Minnesotas Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking an Outpatient Psychiatry Physician for a clinical track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level. This is a unique opportunity to combine delivery of care with education on effective outcomes and development of care delivery systems. The faculty member in this role will exercise creativity in clinical care and clinical programming, will teach and supervise outstanding … More
Company
University of Minnesota Physicians
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
Pediatric Neuropsychologist (PhD, PsyD)
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day. It’s a lofty goal; we know. But we make it happen with the best team in behavioral health. Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us. As the fastest growing behavioral health … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Port Chester, New York US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
Adjunct Instructor – Counselor Education
Position Responsibilities: The VCU School of Education’s Department of Counseling and Special Education is committed to fostering a positive, diverse and inclusive environment for faculty, staff and students. We are excited to invite qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives for the position of Adjunct Instructor for the undergraduate and graduate degrees in Counselor Education. Required Qualifications: Master’s … More
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Location
Richmond, Virginia US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
Pediatric Psychologist F71080- Department of Psychiatry
Mission or Goal of Unit: The mission is to improve the mental health of individuals and families through clinical care, research, education and public awareness as part of the Comprehensive Autonomic Center (CAC). Chief Purpose of this position: Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) is seeking a full-time pediatric psychologist to provide … More
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Location
Richmond, Virginia US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
Pediatric GI Psychologist M67290, Department of Psychiatry
Mission or Goal of UnitChildren’s Hospital of Richmond of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has committed itself to transforming the GI Pediatrics Division into a model academic unit devoted to excellence in clinical care, teaching, and clinical, translational, and basic research.Chief Purpose of this positionVCU Medical Center and Children’s Hospital have joined together, forming Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. … More
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Location
Richmond, Virginia US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
Bilingual (Spanish-English) Mental Health Therapist. (116354)
The Department of Pediatrics is seeking a part time Bilingual (Spanish-English) Mental Health Therapist . The successful candidate will work with the Refugee Health and Asylum Collaborative (HEAL) program in the Hospitalist division to provide assessment, evaluation, and treatment of clients participating in Steps to Success – a federally funded project aimed at expanding access to mental health and other supportive services for limited English proficiency Spanish speaking youth who … More
Company
Johns Hopkins University
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
12/17/2024