Behavioral Science and Mental Health Counseling Careers Expected to Grow

Employment of psychologists and counselors isarea of psychology. Counseling professionals enjoy a
expected to grow faster than the average for allwide range of job options and the abundance of
occupations through the year 2014, according to themental health workshops and advanced college
Department of Labor. Sub-fields predicted tocourses that bolster their careers.
experience job growth include substance abuseBroad Options for Mental Health Counselors
treatment, vocational development, and marriage andMental health counselors also find a broad choice in
family counseling.working conditions. Many take governmental jobs with
Behavioral Science Programsstate, regional, or local clinics and health care
Graduates of behavioral science degree programsorganizations. There are also ample positions with
can take advantage of a broad range of careerschool districts, in private mental health practice, and
options. While almost half of today's grads arewith drug and alcohol treatment facilities.
self-employed therapists, many others work asBecause of the wide array of career options, you can
counselors, researchers, and educators withenter the mental health field following completion of
corporations, health-care organizations, governmentcertification, associate, and bachelor degree programs.
agencies, and school districts.As you gain invaluable on-the-job experience, you may
Choose a Specializationchoose to pursue a master's or PhD degree in
You can decide whether you want to learncounseling to advance your career and refine your
observation and research skills, cognitive therapy,specialty.
career or learning skills assessments, clinical treatmentOnline Education Opportunities
and interventions, or smoking cessation andFor those entering the field od psychology or for those
weight-loss advising for behavioral settings. Behavioralwho want to advance a career in behavioral science
science coursework also may cover the compilationor mental health counseling, there are self-paced,
and use of statistics, record-keeping and patientflexible online college and university degree programs
tracking software, and state and local laws concerningat the associate, bachelor, and master's levels that fit
patient ethics and confidentiality.comfortably within your current family and work
Develop Professional Techniqueobligations.
Depending on the state and community where youYou can also find accredited college certification
study and hope to practice, your degree or certificationprograms that can qualify you for wide choice of
program may arrange professional internships andprofessions from drug and alcohol counseling, school
observation opportunities where you gain criticalcounseling, family and relationship psychology, to group
hands-on experience that not only enhances yourwork and positions at community clinics.
education, but counts toward clinical hours required forWhether you want to earn certification, your first
licensing. You'll gain essential life skills as well asdegree, or advance your current degree, accredited
develop professional technique.online colleges and universities offer programs online to
Mental Health Counselinghelp you reach your mental health counseling or
Mental health counseling professionals can help changebehavioral science career goals. Programs are
people's lives. If you gain personal satisfaction fromspecifically designed for individuals ready to improve
helping others and are seeking a stable, financiallytheir opportunities or change careers completely - all
rewarding career, there are online college andwith the convenience of online learning.
university programs to prepare you for this rewarding