Counseling Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2024

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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
Social Worker – GME/FMCYuma Regional Medical Center Yuma, Arizona US11/13/2024
Work Status Details: REGULAR FULL TIME | 80.00 Hours Every Two WeeksShift: DaysPay Rate Type: HourlyLocation: ClinicsListed is the base hiring salary range offered for this position. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to skills and experience. The salary range listed is just one component of the total rewards/compensation package offered to candidates.Min = $30.67Mid = $38.34Max = $46.01Summary:Work as a non-Physician … More
Clinical Psychologist – Southern IllinoisCarleHealth Olney, Illinois US11/13/2024
Job Description Carle Health is seeking a Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)to join our expanding Behavioral Health team at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, Illinois. Practice Details Include: Individual counseling position at outpatient practice with adult and child patient base Provide psychological testing to both adults and children Join a large, multidisciplinary Behavioral Health team with … More
Licensed Veterinary Technician – Urgent CareMission Veterinary Partners Arlington, Virginia US11/13/2024
OverviewFrom the founders of Clarendon Animal Care! Urgent Animal Care of Arlington is looking for a Full-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our team!$3000 Sign-On Bonus for qualified candidatesLocation: 249 North Glebe Road, Arlington VA, 22203Shift Details: No overnights or holidays! We offer flexible schedules including 3/12’s, 4/10’s or 5/8’s. … More
Veterinary AssistantMission Veterinary Partners Bartlett, Illinois US11/13/2024
OverviewBartlett Animal Hospital is seeking aVeterinary Assistantto join our Patient Care Team!Compensation: Up to $15/hrLocation:1251 Humbracht Cir. #EBartlett, Illinois 60103United StatesClinic Hours: Monday8:00am – 8:00pmTuesday8:00am – 6:00pmWednesday8:00am … More
Senior Executive and External Communications lead, Commercial Real EstateWells Fargo New York, New York US11/13/2024
About this role:This position will design and implement an executive communication program for the leadership of Commercial Real Estate (CRE), one of the core businesses of the Corporate & Investment Banking division. The individual contributor in this role will work closely with the leader of the business, and the COO as well as the leadership team to drive employee engagement and business results. This position will also serve as the media relations strategist and … More
Psychology Postdoctoral FellowVirginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia US11/13/2024
Summary:The Department of Psychology at VCU is accepting applications for two post-doctoral fellows to begin on a rolling basis following review of applications. Successful candidates for these two-year positions will have research and teaching foci that align with the interests of one or more of our departmental faculty and encompass building thriving communities, health equity, and/or the social determinants of health.We have particular interest in postdocs … More
Assistant Professor/Clinical Assistant Professor, Associate Professor/Clinical Associate Professor, Professor/Clinical Professor (EHRA Faculty)East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina US11/13/2024
Job Description: ECU Health Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine is looking to fill a vacancy for Pediatric/clinical child & Adolescent psychologist. We are developing an integrated multidisciplinary Child and Adolescent team to serve eastern North Carolina. This position will provide leadership, evidence-based psychosocial programming, and training to ensure appropriate intervention for patients. We are specifically interested in those who specialize in early … More
Assistant or Associate ProfessorEast Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina US11/13/2024
Job Description: As a full-time, tenure track position the successful candidate will support the Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies mission with excellence in teaching, research, service, and leadership. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at all curricular levels and implement, sustain, and/or research studies, including extramural supported research, on a topic pertinent to DARS mission. The successful candidate will also engage in service/leadership … More
Position
Social Worker – GME/FMC
Work Status Details: REGULAR FULL TIME | 80.00 Hours Every Two WeeksShift: DaysPay Rate Type: HourlyLocation: ClinicsListed is the base hiring salary range offered for this position. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to skills and experience. The salary range listed is just one component of the total rewards/compensation package offered to candidates.Min = $30.67Mid = $38.34Max = $46.01Summary:Work as a non-Physician … More
Company
Yuma Regional Medical Center
Location
Yuma, Arizona US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Clinical Psychologist – Southern Illinois
Job Description Carle Health is seeking a Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)to join our expanding Behavioral Health team at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, Illinois. Practice Details Include: Individual counseling position at outpatient practice with adult and child patient base Provide psychological testing to both adults and children Join a large, multidisciplinary Behavioral Health team with … More
Company
CarleHealth
Location
Olney, Illinois US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Licensed Veterinary Technician – Urgent Care
OverviewFrom the founders of Clarendon Animal Care! Urgent Animal Care of Arlington is looking for a Full-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our team!$3000 Sign-On Bonus for qualified candidatesLocation: 249 North Glebe Road, Arlington VA, 22203Shift Details: No overnights or holidays! We offer flexible schedules including 3/12’s, 4/10’s or 5/8’s. … More
Company
Mission Veterinary Partners
Location
Arlington, Virginia US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Veterinary Assistant
OverviewBartlett Animal Hospital is seeking aVeterinary Assistantto join our Patient Care Team!Compensation: Up to $15/hrLocation:1251 Humbracht Cir. #EBartlett, Illinois 60103United StatesClinic Hours: Monday8:00am – 8:00pmTuesday8:00am – 6:00pmWednesday8:00am … More
Company
Mission Veterinary Partners
Location
Bartlett, Illinois US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Senior Executive and External Communications lead, Commercial Real Estate
About this role:This position will design and implement an executive communication program for the leadership of Commercial Real Estate (CRE), one of the core businesses of the Corporate & Investment Banking division. The individual contributor in this role will work closely with the leader of the business, and the COO as well as the leadership team to drive employee engagement and business results. This position will also serve as the media relations strategist and … More
Company
Wells Fargo
Location
New York, New York US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
Summary:The Department of Psychology at VCU is accepting applications for two post-doctoral fellows to begin on a rolling basis following review of applications. Successful candidates for these two-year positions will have research and teaching foci that align with the interests of one or more of our departmental faculty and encompass building thriving communities, health equity, and/or the social determinants of health.We have particular interest in postdocs … More
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Location
Richmond, Virginia US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Assistant Professor/Clinical Assistant Professor, Associate Professor/Clinical Associate Professor, Professor/Clinical Professor (EHRA Faculty)
Job Description: ECU Health Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine is looking to fill a vacancy for Pediatric/clinical child & Adolescent psychologist. We are developing an integrated multidisciplinary Child and Adolescent team to serve eastern North Carolina. This position will provide leadership, evidence-based psychosocial programming, and training to ensure appropriate intervention for patients. We are specifically interested in those who specialize in early … More
Company
East Carolina University
Location
Greenville, North Carolina US
Posted
11/13/2024
Position
Assistant or Associate Professor
Job Description: As a full-time, tenure track position the successful candidate will support the Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies mission with excellence in teaching, research, service, and leadership. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at all curricular levels and implement, sustain, and/or research studies, including extramural supported research, on a topic pertinent to DARS mission. The successful candidate will also engage in service/leadership … More
Company
East Carolina University
Location
Greenville, North Carolina US
Posted
11/13/2024