Licensed counselors with a master's degree take continuing education (CE) courses to meet licensure renewal requirements and stay informed of best practices. One option involves earning a certificate in counseling, which may offer one or more specializations. Students with a specialization learn new skills, allowing counselors to treat a broader range of patients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the need for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors should grow 25% between 2019-2029. This figure tremendously exceeds the median projected growth for all professions. The average counselor makes an annual median salary of $46,240. Professionals may increase their salary potential by earning certificates.
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| #1 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL |
| #2 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL |
| #3 | Hobe Sound Bible College Hobe Sound, FL |
| #4 | Clarks Summit University South Abington Township, PA |
| #5 | William Jessup University Rocklin, CA |
| #6 | Johnson University Knoxville, TN |
| #7 | Brigham Young University-Provo Provo, UT |
| #8 | Converse College Spartanburg, SC |
| #9 | Lincoln Christian University Lincoln, IL |
| #10 | Mississippi College Clinton, MS |
FAQ
Best Online Certificates in Counseling 2021
Certificate in Counseling Specializations
Licensed counselors earn an online certificate to broaden their professional horizons and earn a higher salary. The following specializations accomplish this goal while meeting licensure renewal requirements.
Addiction Counseling
Addiction counselors work with people experiencing addiction to drugs or alcohol. They help individuals find new, healthier ways to deal with stress and life's challenges. These interventions promote mental and physical health.
Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage and family therapists work with married couples and families experiencing difficulty. Counseling sessions involve allowing individuals to voice their concerns and developing recommendations benefiting all family members.
Mental Health Counseling
People turn to mental health counselors when they experience depression, anxiety, grief, or similar emotions. Mental health counselors work with these individuals one on one or in small groups to discover underlying issues and recommend a treatment plan.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation counselors assist people with a physical, mental, or emotional disability live their best life. They locate resources suited to their clients' needs and develop a long-term treatment plan promoting well-being and independent living.
School Counseling
School counselors help young adults identify and remedy issues affecting their academic performance and social development. They collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure students' short- and long-term success.
Courses in a Certificate in Counseling
A typical online certificate requires 5-6 courses and involves honing analytical and communication skills. Course format mirrors what students experienced in their master's in counseling program. However, graduation requirements do not include a thesis. Please keep in mind that course titles and requirements vary by university and the specialization certificate-seekers select.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
Ethical and legal issues in professional counseling trains counselors to perform their job with an ethical mindset. Students examine different ethical dilemmas and methods to address them. Other coursework involves meeting the unique needs of diverse groups. Professors gauge learners' mastery of these topics through examinations and written assignments.
Interventions for Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Substance abuse counselors must apply treatment best practices when they work with individuals or small groups. Interventions for substance-related and addictive disorders feature these techniques, long-term care plans, and the latest treatment intervention research. Marriage and family therapists-in-training also take this course, as addiction negatively affects family relationships.
Crisis Intervention and Trauma Response
Crisis and trauma counselors work on the psychology field's front lines, treating people who recently experienced major emotional or physical trauma. Crisis intervention and trauma response emphasizes psychological first aid, a set of best practices crisis and trauma counselors use when working with individuals. The class also features coursework in self-care and ethical principles.
Career and Salary Outlook for Counselors
Licensed counselors choose from various career paths. Professionals in the following four careers work toward the same goal: improving clients' lives. Each position requires either specializing during a master's program or earning an online certificate after graduation.
The BLS projects strong job growth for different counseling professions. A certificate in counseling program prepares students well for exploring the various job opportunities in the field. Median to high median salaries allow counselors to live comfortably in most parts of the United States.
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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide similar counseling services to different populations in need. They develop treatments and meet with clients multiple times to gauge progress. Other responsibilities include referring clients to other mental health resources. Primary work locations include mental health centers, hospitals, and residential mental health facilities. -
School and Career Counselor
School and career counselors work in K-12 schools and colleges. They meet with students to discuss long-term career goals. Students experiencing poor academic performance turn to these counselors to discover the root causes and find remedies. The profession involves detailed recordkeeping and collaborating with teachers and administrators. -
Rehabilitation Counselor
Some people have a disability from birth, while others begin living with a disability later in life. Rehabilitation counselors work with both groups, helping clients adjust to life with their disability. Like their peers in other counseling subfields, rehabilitation counselors create treatment plans and work with other professionals to provide clients with the resources they need. -
Marriage and Family Therapist
All families experience conflict on some level. Couples and families who cannot resolve their differences meet with marriage and family therapists. These counselors ask clients to express their frustrations and emotions, indicators of what causes conflict within a family. They help families develop and use techniques to reduce friction and live happier lives.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | $46,240 | 25% |
| School and Career Counselor | $57,040 | 8% |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $35,950 | 10% |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $49,610 | 22% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Certifications and Licensure for a Certificate in Counseling
After completing a counseling certificate program, graduates must also obtain a state-issued counseling license and renew it by completing CE courses to keep practicing. Counselors can increase their career and salary potential by earning one or more certifications from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Like certificates, certifications require proving mastery of specific topics and involve periodic renewal.
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Counselor Licensure
Counselors need to meet their state's licensure requirements to practice independently. Different counseling positions all follow unique licensure steps. All candidates should earn a master's degree in counseling, pass an examination, and gain supervised work experience. -
National Certifie
Licensed counselors earn the NCC credential to show their mastery of counseling techniques and best practices. Candidates must possess an advanced degree, attain 2,400 hours of supervised work experience over two years, and pass an examination. Renewal requirements include completing 25-50 CE credits annually. -
Specialty Certifications
NBCC awards two certifications in addition to NCC: certified clinical mental health counselor and national certified school counselor. NBCC does not currently offer the master addictions counselor certification. Candidates should already possess the NCC credential. These specialty certifications require an advanced degree, professional experience, and satisfactory examination scores.