Start your career path to becoming a certified counselor today. Learn about the steps, classes and educational options you will need to become a successful counseling specialist. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for counseling in the Distric of Columbia (Washington D.C.)
What is Counseling?
Counseling is a process that helps individuals identify and work through personal challenges. Counselors can find work in a variety of settings including schools, mental health clinics, and private practices. There are many different types of counseling, including but not limited to, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, and career counseling.
If you're interested in becoming a counselor, you'll probably need to complete a master’s degree in psychology or a related field. In D.C., you’ll have the option to work as a substance abuse counselor with only an associate degree, but this is unique among counseling positions. All states also require counselors to be licensed before they can begin practicing, which requires an education, the passing of pertinent tests, and hands-on work experience under an already licensed counselor.
There are many different types of colleges and universities that offer degrees in counseling. Some schools offer traditional on-campus programs, while others offer online or hybrid programs that allow students to complete some coursework online and some in classrooms.
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Online Counseling Education in District of Columbia
A counseling professional is a mental health specialist who may help people manage their emotions and work through personal problems. Counseling professionals work in a variety of settings including private practices, hospitals, schools, and community organizations.
Counseling professionals generally must have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Counselors can help people with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and substance abuse. They use techniques such as talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy to help their clients, but they cannot prescribe medications, though they might work with psychiatrists if their patients need medication as part of their treatment.
If you are considering becoming a counseling professional, you should be prepared to work with people who have a wide range of emotional issues.
Online Associate Degree in Counseling (AS)
Getting an associate degree in counseling can help you prepare for a career in counseling by providing you with an overview so you can decide which specialty you would like to enter and whether or not counseling is for you at all. Specialties include counseling children and families, helping people overcome addictions, working in mental health settings, or assisting in rehabilitation.
An associate degree in counseling can be an inexpensive way to prepare to enter the work force and start a new career, though you will need more education in order to work in most psychology-focused positions. Even so, with an associate degree, you might find entry-level roles as a psychiatric technician or aide, a secretary for a psychiatric clinic or practice, and more.
Many associate programs feature a comprehensive curriculum, while others focus on a single aspect of the counseling field. Some programs feature an innovative curriculum involving real clients in practicums, though these are more common at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
A two-year associate degree in counseling can provide you with the foundational skills you need, no matter what specialty you eventually choose. It can prepare you for entry-level positions or can be the first step in your pursuit of a bachelor's degree in the field.
Online Bachelors Degree in Counseling (BS)
Earning a bachelor's degree in counseling can help you gain the skills you need to work in social services or counseling organizations, though you will still need more education for most counselor positions. Social services professionals help people solve their problems and connect them to resources that can help them reach their full potential. They can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and substance abuse treatment centers.
Students at this level take coursework in a variety of areas including psychology, sociology, and human development. Classes in counseling cover subjects such as trauma, mental health, and emotions, and students also learn about subjects such as the biology of behavior and how the brain affects actions.
National rankings - best 25 online counseling bachelors schoolsOnline Masters Degree in Counseling (MA or MC)
Whether you are interested in school counseling, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling, a master's degree will help you prepare for your career and enable you to obtain full licensure in your field. Counselors work in a variety of settings including community centers, hospitals, and private practice. They provide important services and support to people dealing with mental health issues.
Counseling master's programs provide students with the knowledge and practical experience required to become licensed professional counselors. They include core courses and specialized courses for those who decide they wish to focus on a specialty. The classes at this level may also incorporate evaluation, lab work, and scientific research. The programs' core curriculum includes general counseling theories and practices, as well as guidelines for ethical professional practice.
National rankings - best 25 online counseling masters schoolsOnline PhD Degree in Counseling (PhD)
Choosing the right PhD in counseling colleges and degree programs will allow you to develop the skills and expertise you need to be successful in the counseling profession. There are many different kinds of programs in this field, and you need to choose the one that best fits your needs and goals.
In order to qualify for a PhD in counseling, you must first have a master's degree in counseling. You also need to have a few years of experience in the field. The majority of schools require a standardized test score, and you may be asked to submit letters of recommendation and a resume. Most programs at this level require an independent research project and a dissertation for all graduates.
Doctoral programs are usually a three- to five-year commitment. Depending on the program, you may have to take classes on-campus or online. In addition, you may be required to take part in some on-campus events. If you are a working professional, you can complete your degree part-time.
Online Counseling Certifications
If you want to become a counselor, you need to know about the different counseling certifications. The most common counseling certification is the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To be eligible for the NBCC, you must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited institution. You will also need to pass an examination and have at least three years of professional experience.
The American Counseling Association (ACA) also offers a certification program. To be eligible for this program, you must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited institution and pass an examination. You must also have at least two years of professional experience.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers a certification program for school psychologists. To be eligible for this program, you must have a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution and pass an examination.
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Become a Counselor in District of Columbia
Counseling is a rewarding career that allows you to help others through difficult times. If you are interested in becoming a counseling professional, here are some steps you can follow.
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Step 1: Complete an accredited college program
If you want to become a counselor, you will need to complete an accredited college program. This usually takes four years for a bachelor’s and another two for a master’s degree, although some programs may be shorter or longer. During your studies, you will take classes in psychology, sociology, and other related subjects. You will also learn about different counseling techniques and how to apply them. After completing your degree, you will need to pass a state-licensed exam before you can start practicing. And you’ll need to complete many hours of work experience before you can earn a license in the field and go into private practice.
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Step 2: Obtain a license in order to practice
In order to practice counseling, one must first obtain a license. This can be done by completing an accredited college or university program and passing the required exams. There are four main types of licenses in the state: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Each state has different requirements for licensure, so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing board before beginning a program. Once you have obtained your license, you will be able to work in a variety of settings such as private practice, hospitals, clinics, schools, and businesses.
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Step 3: Join a professional organization
As a counseling professional, it can be very important to be a part of a professional organization. There are many benefits to joining a professional organization such as chances for networking, continuing education, and advocacy. Joining a professional organization can help you meet other counseling professionals and expand your network. This is valuable for finding mentors, colleagues, and jobs. It can also help you stay up to date on the latest news and research in the field of counseling. Continuing education is another benefit of joining a professional organization. Many organizations offer discounts on conferences and workshops. This can help you maintain your license and improve your skills as a counselor.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Counseling?
A bachelor's degree in counseling can lead to many different career paths. graduates with this degree can become certified substance abuse counselors, social workers, or work in another field that will make use of your knowledge of human behavior, such as marketing or human resources. Those with a bachelor's degree in counseling can pursue a variety of job titles including case manager, client advocate, guidance counselor, job coach, and substance abuse counselor. With expanded education after a bachelor’s and the right credentials, some can even open their own private practice.
Potential Careers for Counseling Graduates in D.C.
- Career Counselor:
A career counselor provides guidance to individuals on choosing or changing careers. They assess interests, values, skills, and abilities to help individuals identify their strengths and match them to careers. Career counselors also assist individuals with job search skills, such as writing resumes and preparing for interviews.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field
- Licensed as a professional counselor
- Experience in career counseling
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors in the US in 2021 was $60,510
- The mean annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in the District of Columbia is $69,520
- Community Health Worker:
A community health worker (CHW) is responsible for providing direct services to individuals and families in the community. A CHW will work with clients to develop a plan of care and provide referrals to community resources. They will also provide health education and promote wellness within the community.
Necessary Requirements:
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must have at least one year of experience working with the public in a human service capacity
- Must be able to pass a background check
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for community health workers in the US in 2021 was $47,780
- The mean annual wage for community health workers in District of Columbia is $69,370
- Clinical Therapist:
A clinical therapist is responsible for providing psychotherapy to patients. They will assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental and emotional disorders. A clinical therapist will create treatment plans and provide individual and group therapy. They will also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field
- Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or Professional Counselor (LPC)
- 2+ years of experience working as a Clinical Therapist
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists in the US in 2021 was $99,640
- The mean annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists in District of Columbia is $99,890
- Psychiatrist:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They use a variety of techniques to help people manage their mental health and improve their quality of life.
Necessary Requirements:
- Must be a licensed medical doctor
- Must have completed a residency in psychiatry
- Must be board certified in psychiatry
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for psychiatrists in the US in 2021 was $249,760
- The mean annual wage for psychiatrists in District of Columbia is $149,570
- Mental Health Counselor:
A mental health counselor is responsible for providing counseling and support to patients with mental health conditions. They will work with patients to develop treatment plans and help them to cope with their condition.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field
- A master’s degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or a related field
- A license to practice counseling in the state in which you work
- Experience working with patients with mental health conditions
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in District of Columbia is $64,920
- Educational Counselor:
An educational counselor is responsible for providing guidance and counseling services to students in order to help them achieve their academic goals. This counselor will work with students to develop academic plans, provide career counseling, and offer support in dealing with personal issues that may impact their academic performance.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master's degree in counseling or related field
- Experience working with students in an educational setting
- Ability to develop relationships with students and families
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for school and career counselors and advisors in the US in 2021 was $60,510
- The mean annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in District of Columbia is $69,520
- Marriage and Family Therapist:
A marriage and family therapist is responsible for providing counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. They will work with clients to help them resolve personal issues, improve communication and relationships, and cope with life changes.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field
- Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist
- 2-5 years of experience working as a Marriage and Family Therapist
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists in the US in 2021 was $49,880
- The mean annual wage for counselors (all other) in District of Columbia is $60,710
- Behavioral Therapist:
A behavioral therapist is a professional who helps people change their behavior. This can be done through individual therapy, group therapy, or other means. The therapist will work with the patient to identify the behaviors that need to be changed, and then help them develop a plan to change those behaviors. They may also provide support and guidance to the patient as they go through the process of changing their behavior.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field
- Certification as a behavioral therapist
- Experience working with patients with behavioral issues
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in District of Columbia is $64,920