Counseling Psychology Degree Overview

Counseling psychologists offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their emotional well-being. A degree in counseling psychology prepares you to work directly with clients facing challenges, such as substance abuse, family conflicts, anxiety, and phobias.

Explore this guide to learn more about a degree in counseling psychology and career possibilities.

Degrees in Counseling Psychology

The title of counseling psychologist is generally reserved for holders of doctoral degrees, either a Ph.D., an Ed.D., or a Psy.D. Although most states require a doctorate in counseling psychology for licensure and independent practice, earning a degree in counseling psychology at the bachelor's or master's level can launch your career as a counselor, therapist, or case manager, among other roles. Admission to most doctoral programs requires either a bachelor's or master's degree in general psychology or counseling psychology.

Bachelor's Degrees in Counseling Psychology

While undergraduate degrees in general psychology are more prevalent than those in counseling psychology, most graduate programs in counseling psychology admit students who have completed either a degree or have majored in related fields, such as sociology or human services. Whatever undergraduate program you choose, your bachelor's degree should provide you with a foundation in theoretical perspectives, research methods, statistics, and counseling strategies.

Depending on your personal situation, anonline bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling psychology may offer an appealing alternative to an on-campus program. In addition to the convenience and flexibility, some online programs charge more affordable in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students. Distance learners may save in other areas, including room and board and transportation costs.

Master's Degrees in Counseling Psychology

The typical master's curriculum covers topics in counseling theories and techniques, assessment and diagnosis, and abnormal psychology. All programs require a supervised internship or practicum.

Admission requirements vary by school. Some programs require GRE scores, while others give more weight to GPA or overall academic record and personal statements. Many master's programs give preference to candidates who have completed undergraduate field placements, internships, or volunteer experiences in counseling settings.

The availability of online master's programs in counseling psychology enables you to balance work and family commitments.

Doctorates in Counseling Psychology

At the doctoral level, you may pursue a Ph.D. or an Ed.D., which emphasizes research and teaching, or a Psy.D. that prepares you for advanced clinical practice.

Doctoral students take coursework in advanced research methods; testing, assessment, and diagnosis; and multicultural counseling. Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs generally require the completion of a written dissertation based on original research. Most Psy.D. degrees require a capstone project or dissertation that focuses on applied research relating to a clinical counseling problem.

The popularity ofonline doctoral programs in counseling psychologyprovides working professionals and others with personal obligations to obtain the training required for state licensure, leadership roles in advanced clinical practice, and academic and research positions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Psychology

What is the role of a counseling psychologist?

Counseling psychologists use a variety of therapeutic techniques to provide guidance and support to individuals from all walks of life, helping them confront crises and mental health challenges.

Is a counseling psychologist the same as a therapist?

While counseling psychologists are sometimes referred to as therapists, not all therapists have the doctoral-level training for licensure in counseling psychology or provide as many client services. Counseling psychologists perform multiple roles, including psychotherapy, diagnosis, and assessment.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?

Clinical psychologists generally focus on mental health disorders through assessment, treatment, and research. Counseling psychologists use a variety of therapeutic techniques to address emotional and behavioral concerns, providing in-person counseling and developing treatment plans.

What Does a Counseling Psychologist Do?

These professionalswork with individuals, families, and groups, addressing behavioral and emotional issues. They treat clients across the lifespan and from all backgrounds, helping them confront and resolve personal challenges or interpersonal conflicts. These professionals focus on assessment and treatment, using a broad range of therapeutic techniques, counseling applications, and in-person interviews.

Counseling psychologists find employment in both nonprofit and for-profit settings, including clinics, hospitals, and social service agencies. Schools, business workplaces, prisons, and the military hire counseling psychologists to provide individual and group counseling and conduct research and analyses. Counseling psychologists may also specialize in a particular practice area, like trauma and crisis intervention, or a client population in fields, such as geriatric counseling or child psychology.

What Else Can I Do with a Counseling Psychology Degree?

Counseling psychologists can use their skills and training in careers outside the realm of psychology. Fields like marketing research, human resources, financial advising, and law and criminal justice often employ counseling psychologists or contract for their services as consultants.

In addition to state licensure required for clinical practice in most states, counseling psychologists can pursue specialized certifications that lead to broader professional opportunities within the field of psychology. This includes corporate, government, educational and other settings. Certifications in areas, such as school counseling, addiction counseling, sex offender treatment, forensic psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology, can open up new avenues for career advancement.