About the Profession of Counseling

What is a Professional Counselor?

Counseling is a clinical profession that incorporates principles of mental health, psychology and human development into cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or systemic interventions that address wellness, personal growth, career development as well as diagnosis and treatment (American Counseling Association, 2003). The counseling process is relatively short-term and involves interpersonal, theory and research-based interventions which are guided by ethical and legal standards.

To prepare for this challenging career, professional counselors undergo extensive education and training. This includes at least a master's degree and field training with a solid foundation in human growth and development, career and lifestyle development, social and cultural foundations, group work, practice and internships (American Counseling Association, 2003). Professional counselors serve at all levels of schools and universities, in hospitals, mental health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, correctional institutions, religious organizations, community agencies and private practice.

What is a Counseling Specialization?

A counseling specialization is a concentration within the field that requires advanced knowledge and training specific to a particular area of counseling. The Counselor Education Department developed specializations to help counseling students individually cater their course of study and training to work in their most desired counseling settings. Specializations are founded on the premise that all professional counselors must first meet the requirements for the general practice of professional counseling, while specializing second (CACREP, 2001).

Professional Links
Professional Counseling Organizations
State Licensure and Credentialing Organizations
National Credentialing