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Profession: Mental Health & Social Services

Counselor: Counselors help people to identify and address specific challenges in their lives. Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical challenges - disabilities that come from illness, injury or birth defects. Mental health counselors help people address such issues as substance abuse, suicide, parenting or family problems, marital problems, stress, self-esteem, or aging.

Their duties depend on the individuals they serve and the settings in which they work.

Salary Range: $36,120 - $60,990

Salary Notes: A general salary range of $36,120 and $60,990 can be expected; salaries vary depending on work environment, population served, education and experience.

Where you can study:
College of Saint Joseph, Rutland, VT
Community College of Vermont, Montpelier, VT
Johnson State College, Johnson, VT
Southern New Hampshire University PCMH - Burlington, Manchester, NH
Springfield College, Springfield, MA
Springfield College School of Human Services, St. Johnsbury, VT
University of Maine at Augusta, Augusta, ME
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

Where you might work:
Colleges and Universities - Community Mental Health Centers - Correctional Facilities - Drug Rehabilitation Facilities - Halfway Houses - Hospice - Hospitals - Nursing Homes - Private Practice - Schools -

Job Outlook: Employment of counselors is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.

Education, Licensing and Certification: Most states require some form of counselor credentialing, licensure, certification or registry for practice outside of schools; all states require school counselors to hold a state school counseling certification. The state of Vermont requires that mental health counselors be licensed. High school course work should include college prep classes. Prospective counselors might choose a number of undergraduate majors in natural sciences or psychology, for example. Over half of all counselors have a master’s degree.

Professional Organizations:
American Counseling Association 800-347-6647 www.counseling.org
American Mental Health Counselors Association 800-326-2642 www.amhca.org
Careers in Substance Use Disorders 816-235-6888 addictioncareers.org
National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. 336-547-0607 www.nbcc.org