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. We may earn a referral fee from some links.

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
Behavioral Health ConsultantUndisclosed Broad Top, Pennsylvania US07/24/2024
We’re hiring! Broad Top Area Medical Center, operating 12 medical offices in Huntingdon County, PA, is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Consultant to perform the following job duties: Provide mental health screenings and initial assessments to medically-referred and other clients. Provide short-term, structured, evidence-based psychotherapy as part of an appropriate care plan. Coordinate and collaborate … More
Licensed Behavioral Health Clinic Program ManagerSan Diego Youth Services San Diego, California US07/23/2024
San Diego Youth Services JOB ANNOUNCEMENT … More
Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health ServicesBehavioral Health Services Yakima, Washington US07/23/2024
Position Title:Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health ServicesCity:YakimaState/Territory:US-WAEmployment Duration:Full timeOffer Relocation:YesExcempt Status:ExemptID:13258Description: … More
Pediatric Assessment PsychologistPrevea Health Green Bay, Wisconsin US07/23/2024
Join a well-established comprehensive neuroscience … More
Mental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)Salud Medical Center Woodburn, Oregon US07/23/2024
Join our team as aMental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)atSalud Medical Center in Woodburn, OR. In this role, you will work in collaboration with a care team to assess risk level and develop a care plan with the goal of promoting healthy birth outcomes. If you’re a compassionate, caring therapist who understands social determinants of health, have the desire to work with maternal clients, and are passionate … More
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Mental Health CounselorUCP of Western Massachusetts North Adams, Massachusetts US07/23/2024
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Mental Health Counselor Job Type: Full Time Schedule: 37.5 hrs/wk Location: North Adams, MA $2,500 Sign-on Bonus Position Description This position provides … More
Licensed Psychologist – Burlington, MA – HybridUnitedHealth Group Burlington, Massachusetts US07/23/2024
For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. We don’t just have a mission statement…we have a mission.At Family Counseling Associates our commitment to optimal mental health and steadfast support isn’t just for our clients; it extends to every team member.Family … More
Join an Award Winning Mental Health Counselor Team (High School)Thrive Therapies Group Nashville, Tennessee US07/23/2024
We are hiring a High School Mental Health Counselor position for the 24-25 School Year!Full-time or Contract Options AvailableDesired Start Date: August 2024This job description provides a quick overview of Thrive Therapies Group’s ethos. This isn’t your typical healthcare job posting. That’s because we aren’t your typical healthcare company. The Thrive Therapies Group team is dedicated to … More
Position
Behavioral Health Consultant
We’re hiring! Broad Top Area Medical Center, operating 12 medical offices in Huntingdon County, PA, is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Consultant to perform the following job duties: Provide mental health screenings and initial assessments to medically-referred and other clients. Provide short-term, structured, evidence-based psychotherapy as part of an appropriate care plan. Coordinate and collaborate … More
Company
Undisclosed
Location
Broad Top, Pennsylvania US
Posted
07/24/2024
Position
Licensed Behavioral Health Clinic Program Manager
San Diego Youth Services JOB ANNOUNCEMENT … More
Company
San Diego Youth Services
Location
San Diego, California US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health Services
Position Title:Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health ServicesCity:YakimaState/Territory:US-WAEmployment Duration:Full timeOffer Relocation:YesExcempt Status:ExemptID:13258Description: … More
Company
Behavioral Health Services
Location
Yakima, Washington US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Pediatric Assessment Psychologist
Join a well-established comprehensive neuroscience … More
Company
Prevea Health
Location
Green Bay, Wisconsin US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Mental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)
Join our team as aMental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)atSalud Medical Center in Woodburn, OR. In this role, you will work in collaboration with a care team to assess risk level and develop a care plan with the goal of promoting healthy birth outcomes. If you’re a compassionate, caring therapist who understands social determinants of health, have the desire to work with maternal clients, and are passionate … More
Company
Salud Medical Center
Location
Woodburn, Oregon US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Mental Health Counselor
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Mental Health Counselor Job Type: Full Time Schedule: 37.5 hrs/wk Location: North Adams, MA $2,500 Sign-on Bonus Position Description This position provides … More
Company
UCP of Western Massachusetts
Location
North Adams, Massachusetts US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Licensed Psychologist – Burlington, MA – Hybrid
For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. We don’t just have a mission statement…we have a mission.At Family Counseling Associates our commitment to optimal mental health and steadfast support isn’t just for our clients; it extends to every team member.Family … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Burlington, Massachusetts US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Join an Award Winning Mental Health Counselor Team (High School)
We are hiring a High School Mental Health Counselor position for the 24-25 School Year!Full-time or Contract Options AvailableDesired Start Date: August 2024This job description provides a quick overview of Thrive Therapies Group’s ethos. This isn’t your typical healthcare job posting. That’s because we aren’t your typical healthcare company. The Thrive Therapies Group team is dedicated to … More
Company
Thrive Therapies Group
Location
Nashville, Tennessee US
Posted
07/23/2024