|
Counseling is a broad profession with many specialties and settings. Different types of Counselors help people resolve problems related to family, marriage, school performance and education, careers, mental health, quality of life and addiction. Job settings vary widely, depending on the specialty and group of people served. Generally, professional counselors have a master's degree and work in community health centers, agencies or private practice.
Helping people on a daily basis with their problems can be very challenging. Counselors work independently or as part of a team as well as help people individually or in a group setting. They adhere to strict ethics that include confidentiality and client welfare. Because Counselors deal with people's personal issues, they need to establish healthy counselor-client relationships and boundaries and inspire trust and respect in order to help their clientele in the best way possible.
This site profiles the following Counselor specialties:
Explore the following source for this section for more information:
Mental Health Counselors
Mental Health Counselors guide individuals, families and groups to promote mental health and treat mental and emotional disorders. As a Mental Health Counselor, you would address such issues as depression, addiction, stress, grief, low self-esteem, and suicidal tendencies. You might also work with clients who need direction in their careers, relationships, education, parenting skills and lifestyle. Whatever the area, these professionals mix traditional psychotherapy with practical problem solving to serve their clients best. They often work as part of a team with psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.
Video Description of Mental Health Counselors
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Mental Health Counselors Work
Mental Health Counselors work in a variety of settings including:
- Private Practice
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Community Health Organizations
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
- Public Administration
- Social Assistance
Educational Requirements
To become a licensed Mental Health Counselor, a master's degree is required. Those with a master's degree and related work experience have a competitive edge in the job market. See:
Licensure Requirements
Licensing requirements vary depending on employer and position. See:
Mental Health Counselor Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009 in Oregon, Mental Health Counselors earned an average hourly wage of $22.85 and an average annual salary of $47,537.
Employment Outlook for Mental Health Counselors
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 730 job openings for Mental Health Counselors in Oregon.
Factors contributing to the demand for Mental Health Counselors include statewide networks to improve services for children and families with emotional health issues and the fact that insurance companies are providing more reimbursement to Mental Health Counselors as an alternative to care from more costly providers such as psychiatrists and psychologists.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Mental Health Counselors
- All other types of Counselors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Social Workers
- Community and Social Service Specialists
- Marriage and Family Therapists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
BACK TO TOP
Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation Counselors (Rehab Counselors) help people with disabilities live more independently. Counseling clients with birth defects, illness, disease or injuries, Rehab Counselors address the personal, social and work issues affecting their clients' lives. As a Rehab Counselor, you would assess your clients' strengths and challenges, evaluate reports and confer with a health care team that might include physicians, psychologists and occupational therapists. The information you gather would help you create tailored rehab programs that you would implement, monitor and change as necessary to help your clients achieve their specific goals. As part of these programs, you might arrange medical care or long-term assistance. You might also find job training for your clients to maximize their employability and complete the circle by helping them find jobs.
Video Description of Rehab Counselors
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Rehab Counselors Work
Rehab Counselors work in a variety of settings including:
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
- Outpatient Clinics
- Individual and Family Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Educational Requirements
Rehab Counselors must have a master's degree to gain licensure and the skills necessary for this profession.
One university in Oregon offers a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. See:
Licensure Requirements
Licensing requirements vary depending on employer and position. See:
Rehab Counselor Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009 in Oregon, Rehab Counselors earned an average hourly wage of $17.98 and an average annual salary of $37,398.
Employment Outlook for Rehab Counselors
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 725 job openings for Rehab Counselors in Oregon.
Contributing factors to the demand for Rehab Counselors include advances in medical technology that permit more independence for people with injuries or illnesses. Equal employment rights will also increase the demand for counseling for people with disabilities as well as for companies on compliance with the law.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Rehab Counselors
- All other types of Counselors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Social Workers
- Community and Social Service Specialists
- Marriage and Family Therapists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
BACK TO TOP
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors assist people who have addictions and harmful behaviors. These problems include alcohol, tobacco, drug, gambling, and eating disorders. The emphasis is on prevention and identifying habits and behaviors that contribute to addiction. This type of counseling is frequently done in a group setting.
I like the fact that when people with substance abuse/dependency issues decide to stop their use, their lives change for the better very quickly. The best aspect of my job is meeting interesting people from all life areas and building a relationship that assists in their process of change.
......................
Phil Anderson
M.S. in Guidance and Counseling
Chemical Dependence Counselor
Kaiser Permanente
Video Description of Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Where Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors Work
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Residential Care Facilities
- Social Assistance Agencies
Educational Requirements
An associate degree affords the necessary skills for this occupation, but a bachelor's degree or higher gives you a competitive edge. For educational programs, see the Oregon Employment Department's (OED) page on Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Certification and Licensure Requirements
Certification requirements vary depending on employer. The Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon (ACCBO) certifies addiction professionals. See:
Oregon does not require a license to practice as a Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor. There is a state board that licenses Counselors, however, and a master's degree is required. See:
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor Earnings
The OED reports that in 2009 in Oregon, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors earned an average hourly wage of $18.15 and an average annual salary of $37,761.
Employment Outlook for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 986 job openings for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors in Oregon.
Factors contributing to the growth of treatment programs include society's increasing knowledge of solutions for addiction and acceptance as an alternative to jail time.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- All other types of Counselors
- Social Workers
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Community and Social Service Specialists
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
BACK TO TOP
|
