TRAITS

for Success

good listening skills

sensitive and objective

emotionally stable

organized and responsible

 
ounselors work with people to help them solve
their personal and social problems.  They help
families work through conflicts by improving
communication and relationships.  They may help
physically, emotionally, mentally, or socially impaired
people become more self-sufficient.  Counselors
work with clients who struggle with substance abuse,
other addictions, family and marital problems, stress,
and aging. They work together with other professionals
to assist patients in their recoveries.  The demand
for counselors is expected to grow significantly
over the next few years.

 
Average Starting Salary $30,930
 
Areas of Specialization
Career Counseling
Gerontological  Counseling
Marriage and Family
Mental Health
Pastoral Counseling
Rehabilitation
School Counseling
Substance Abuse
 
Work Environment
Churches
Community mental health centers
Drug rehabilitation centers
Halfway houses
Hospice programs
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Prisons
Schools, colleges, and universities
Social agencies
 
 
 
Academic Requirements
A college preparatory diploma is
recommended.  Counselors earn
bachelor's degrees, usually in
education, social work, sociology,
psychology, criminal justice, or
health sciences before entering a graduate
program.  Programs usually grant
a master's degree in psychology,
counseling, or related area.  These are
typically two-year programs including
supervised clinical work.  Some areas
of counseling require either a Ph.D.
or both counseling and teaching
certificates.
 
Licensure, Certification and
Registration
Georgia requires licensure through
the Georgia Composite Board of
Professional Counselors, Social
Workers, and Marriage and Family
Therapists.  An exam is required to
become licensed; this requires a
master's degree and three years of
experience.  Certification is available
through the National Board for Certified
Counselors, the Commission on
Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, and the
National Academy for Certified Clinical
Mental Health Counselors.  Many
employers require certification.
 
Professional Organizations
American Counseling Association
 (800) 347-6647
www.counseling.org
 
Georgia Composite Board of
   Professional Counselors, Social
   Workers and Marriage and Family
   Therapists
(478) 207-2440
www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/counselors
 
National Board for Certified
    Counselors, Inc.
(336) 547-0607
www.nbcc.org
 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
   
Master's Degree North Georgia College & State University
Albany State University Psychological Studies Institute
Argosy University South University
Augusta State University Thomas University
Brenau University University of Georgia
Clark Atlanta University University of West Georgia
Columbus State University Valdosta State University
Fort Valley State University  
Georgia Southern University Doctoral Degree
Georgia State University Georgia State University
Mercer University University of Georgia
   
 
Table of Contents

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