Counseling@NYU / Admissions / Which Master’s in Counseling Program Is Right for You?
All counselors have one thing in common – a shared drive to help people overcome challenges and thrive. However, there are several different types of counseling careers you can pursue.
Each type of counselor uses specialized knowledge and skills to serve a different population. As you decide which counseling graduate program to pursue, it’s important to explore the differences between programs to determine which counseling specialty is appropriate for your interests and career goals.
There are many counseling specialties that involve working to meet the needs of different populations. Some of the most common types of counseling include:
When you are applying to counseling graduate programs, you should research a variety of programs to choose the best possible one for you. Below are some questions you should ask that will help you find a counseling graduate program that meets your needs.
There are numerous counseling master’s programs, both on campus and online, that provide a quality education.
First, you’ll need to determine if you want to attend an online or on-campus master’s program. Online programs in particular are an excellent option for individuals who want to complete a program on a part-time schedule or attend a non-local university without relocating. There are several online options that offer similar curriculum and field training opportunities as on-campus programs, such as Counseling@NYU, with increased flexibility.
Though the exact number of hours varies by state, you must complete supervised clinical placement hours in order to become an LPC. It’s important that the master’s program you choose includes a field training requirement that provides hands-on learning opportunities that may help prepare you for licensure.
Learn about Counseling@NYU’s field training experience.
There are many different types of counselors. While considering what programs to apply to, you will want to narrow down the clients you want to work with and help. Some counseling programs may offer specializations or courses that will prepare you to work with specific populations.
Take the next step toward becoming a counselor and helping the people in your community thrive. Learn more about Counseling@NYU today.
Request More Information
Counseling@NYU offers a master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness and a master of arts in School Counseling online.
To become a school counselor, you must earn a master’s degree in school counseling and complete academic course work and field training to gain experience working with K-12 students.
To become a mental health counselor, you must earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling and complete academic course work and field training to gain experience working in the setting of your choice.
To be a successful school counselor, you must learn how to communicate and work with children and adolescents. The ability to listen, have patience, and practice empathy are also good skills to develop.
Mental health counselors are likely to use techniques such as attentive listening, empathy, reflection, and affirmation. In addition, mental health counseling professionals should be aware of counselor self-disclosure, only sharing personal information with clients that is relevant to the therapeutic process.
As a school counselor, you can expect to work in an educational setting – specifically, in an elementary school, middle school, or high school in your community.
Learn more about the career options available to you in school counseling.
Mental health counselors work in a range of settings, from outpatient care centers and hospitals to family service centers and community agencies. You may also open your own private practice.
Learn more about the career options available to you in mental health counseling.
You will work with K-12 students from diverse academic and family backgrounds. Your students may be part of the LGBTQ+ community, have mental illnesses, or have special needs.
As a mental health counselor, your client base will depend on your work setting. For example, you may choose to work with individuals or in group counseling. Counseling@NYU graduates have chosen to work in mental health programs, university counseling centers, substance abuse treatment centers, and more.
In addition to providing counseling services to K-12 individuals, school counselors can:
As you work with individuals, families, and groups to improve their mental health, you may also:
After working for several years, you may choose to further specialize in a skill, such as college preparation, or a population, such as English as a second language (ESL) students. With experience, you could pursue leadership roles that enable you to oversee counseling and resources within a school district.
To continue expanding your professional network, you could attend the ASCA Conference – an annual four-day conference that brings together more than 3,500 school counseling professionals from across the world.
Some mental health counselors choose to pursue a doctoral degree, or will advance by moving into supervisor or administrative roles. Opening a private practice may also afford you a broader range of career opportunities.
To expand your professional network, you could attend the AMHCA Conference, an opportunity for mental health counselors to connect on personal and professional issues and discuss advances in the field.
Learn how Counseling@NYU, the online counseling graduate programs from NYU Steinhardt, can help you reach your goals and make a difference in the lives of people in your own community.
Request More Information
Request More Information