{"id":2808,"date":"2023-10-24T16:21:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T20:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=2808"},"modified":"2023-10-24T16:21:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T20:21:13","slug":"high-paying-jobs-with-a-masters-in-counseling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/high-paying-jobs-with-a-masters-in-counseling\/","title":{"rendered":"Five High-Paying Jobs with a Master’s in Counseling Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/a>, the employment growth rate for mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to expand and grow by eighteen percent by 2032, faster than average for all occupations.<\/p>\n

This growth will result in an average of about 42,000 job openings each year out of the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire and exit the labor force.<\/p>\n

Both of these statistics demonstrate that counseling careers are in high demand and worthwhile if you are passionate about helping and advising others in leading longer, happier, and healthier lives.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at this career path and some of the high-paying jobs you can pursue with a Master\u2019s in Counseling degree.<\/a><\/p>\n

What is a Counselor?<\/h2>\n

A counselor, officially called a licensed professional counselor (LPC)<\/a>, works and administers mental health counseling and psychotherapy to clients in one-on-one or group therapy settings. Counselors treat a variety of issues and mental health disorders, including mental disorders, emotional disorders, behavioral problems, and addiction disorders.<\/p>\n

Individuals can also be licensed as clinical mental health counselors<\/a> who, like licensed professional counselors, are trained and licensed professionals who provide services and treatment to clients.<\/p>\n

However, unlike licensed professional counselors who often focus on a variety of issues, clinical mental health counselors focus and specialize in diagnosing, treating, and helping individuals, groups, families, and even communities suffering from psychological distress and other mental issues.<\/p>\n

How Do You Become a Counselor?<\/h2>\n

At minimum, candidates must earn a master\u2019s degree in order to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). Students often pursue their master\u2019s degree after completing a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology<\/a> or a Bachelor\u2019s in Human Services.<\/a><\/p>\n

Candidates should ensure their graduate program and degree of choice meets the special accreditation and education requirements their state requires for counselors and Counseling degrees, as requirements vary by state.<\/p>\n

Most students choose either a Master\u2019s degree in Psychology or a Master\u2019s degree in Counseling<\/a>. Counseling students study the professional aspects and practical skills in working with patients on health communication, coping mechanisms, and interrupting trauma cycles, whereas Master\u2019s in Psychology students will focus on the scientific approach to psychology through subjects like psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and psychoanalytic therapy.<\/p>\n

In addition to earning a master\u2019s degree, candidates must:<\/a><\/p>\n