COUNSELOR
Licensed professional counselors help people to deal with problems or conflicts that they are unable to solve alone including: substance abuse, family, parenting, and marriage conflicts, managing stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, career concerns, and problems with self-esteem. These counselors collect information through interviews, observations, and tests, and then decide on how best to treat the patient. A counselor may work with individuals, couples, families, or in group sessions made up of people with similar problems. They work closely with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers in caring for their patients. Counselors use a variety of psychotherapy methods to ease the psychological distress of their clients.
HOW DO I BECOME A COUNSELOR?
The minimum education requirement for a licensed professional counselor is a master’s degree of arts or sciences. A doctoral degree is rapidly becoming required in this field. After completing course requirements, individuals must complete an internship before graduating.
State licensure is a requirement for professional counselors. Candidates for licensure must hold at least a master’s degree, have three years of experience in mental health counseling, and pass a written exam issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
SCHOOLS IN LOUISIANA
Southern University at New Orleans
6400 Press Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
Phone: (504) 286-5000
Louisiana State University and A&M College
College of Human Sciences & Education
221 Peabody Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Telephone: 225-578-2331
Fax: 225-578-2267
Southeastern Louisiana University
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Kinesiology Building, Room 2026;
300 Mane St.; SLU Box 10781;
Hammond, LA 70402
Tel: 985-549-3772;
Fax: 985-549-5179
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
College of Education
Office of Student Services, MDD 105
P.O. Box 43722
1401 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503
337-482-6681
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Psychology and Addiction Studies
337 Bienvenu Hall
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Phone: 318-357-6594
University of Holy Cross
4123 Woodland Drive,
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 394-7744 or 1-800-259-7744
University of Louisiana at Monroe
ULM College of Health Sciences
Dean’s Office Rm. #147
Kitty DeGree Hall
Monroe, LA 71209
(318) 342-1655
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Most counselors work in private practice, group practice, counseling centers, family service centers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), hospitals, or government agencies. Although a 40-hour work week is standard, some evenings and weekend hours are required to meet the needs of clients.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Growth in this field is faster than average and professional counselors may be in even greater demand if present trends such as high divorce rate, alcoholism, drug abuse, and child abuse continue to rise. Psychology.org estimates a 10-year growth rate of 23%. Within each area of specialization, counselors can further focus into specific ages or patient populations.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION FOR COUNSELORS
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
A mental health counselor can vary depending on career path but they generally help patients work through issues including depression, anger management, suicidal thoughts, parenting, aging, relationship problems, stress, addiction, and self-image.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
A marriage and family therapist is involved in the assessment & treatment of a wide array of relationship issues including diagnosis and treatment of mental & nervous disorders & problems within families. A six-year, master’s level degree is the minimum education required to enter this field. Doctoral education in family therapy emphasizes the training of supervisors, teachers, researchers, and clinicians in the discipline.
Marriage and family therapists work not only in private practice, but also in clinics, schools, hospitals, family service centers, and agencies. Flexible hours are a must in order to accommodate families in crisis and working people who must have evening and weekend appointments.
The job outlook in this field is expected to grow by 37% over the next decade.. As more consumers, health professionals, and employers understand the skills, educational and training standards, and the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy, the profession will gain clients.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR
A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor assist patients with disabilities with their desire to obtain or maintain employment or achieve independence in their community by providing rehabilitation service by working with businesses and other community services.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
A School Counselor designs and delivers school counseling programs to help improve student outcomes. They promote equity and access for all students by connecting their schools counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school improvement plan.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR
These counselors are involved in the assessment, treatment, and advocacy of people suffering from alcoholism, eating disorders, behavioral problems, or other types of addictions. Training programs for substance abuse counselors vary in length from two to eight years. Most programs are two years and result in a certificate or an associate degree.
Substance abuse/Chemical dependency counselors work in facilities where those addicted to drugs and alcohol live while undergoing treatment. They may also work in hospitals, correctional institutions, and drug treatment centers. A 40-hour week is standard, but as with all counselors, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be necessary depending on the setting. Job growth is projected to increase 27% over the next decade.
The demand for the service of substance abuse counselors will increase if the current trends toward chemical dependency continue.
Salary:
The average salary in Louisiana is $50,919 with a salary range between $46,703 and $59,436
From the Professionals
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc.
3 Terrace Way, Greensboro, NC 27403
(336)-482-2856
cce@cce-global.org
http://www.cce-global.org/
Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors and Trainers, Inc. (LASACT)
P.O. Box 80235 Baton Rouge, LA 70898
(225)-766-2992
admin@lasact.org
Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (LAMFT)
108 Sand St. West Monroe, LA 71291
(318) 342-1281