Master’s in counseling programs

A master's in addiction counseling equips you with the techniques necessary to understand the unique needs of clients managing substance use conditions. These programs typically cover addiction neurobiology, treatment planning, and the multicultural aspects of addiction counseling. These programs tend to include opportunities for substance use-specific clinical fieldwork.

• Common job titles for degree-holders: Addictions counselors, substance use counselors, licensed mental health counselor, licensed professional counselor

A master's in family counseling — sometimes called marriage and family therapy — focuses on the psychological aspects of interpersonal relationships. programs teach concepts like conflict resolution, social psychology, and crisis intervention. In addition to coursework, students must complete a set number of practicum hours working under a licensed family counselor.

• Common job titles for degree-holders: Marriage and family therapist, family counselor, marriage counselor, marriage and family counselor

A program can prepare you to identify various conditions, perform evaluations, and work with clients from diverse backgrounds. After completing your master's program coursework, you will participate in mental health-related fieldwork under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor.

• Common job titles for degree-holders: Licensed professional counselor, licensed mental health counselor, mental health counselor

A program can equip you with the unique skills needed to become a K-12 school counselor. Curriculum topics typically include child development, multicultural approaches, and academic/career coaching. Once you finish your coursework, expect to complete hands-on, supervised fieldwork under a licensed school counselor.

• Common job titles for degree-holders: School counselor, career counselor, guidance counselor, college advisor

• Job description: Sometimes called clinical counselors, LPCs work directly with a diverse array of clients to evaluate and treat their behavioral and emotional conditions.
• Licensure considerations: Typically requires LPC licensure
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary in 2023:$53,710
• BLS projected job growth from 2023-33: 19%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

• Job description: MFTs work with individuals, couples, and families to resolve interpersonal conflicts and work through relational issues.
• Licensure considerations: Typically requires Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure
• BLS median annual salary in 2023:$58,510
• BLS projected job growth from 2023-33: 16%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

• Job description: School counselors work with children and adolescents in school settings. They typically advise on academic, career, and mental health concerns.
• Licensure considerations: You must pass the Professional School Counselor exam to practice. Check with your state's counseling board for additional licensure requirements.
• BLS median annual salary in 2023:$61,710
• BLS projected job growth from 2023-33: 4%, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

To become an LPC, you typically need a bachelor's degree, master's degree in counseling from an accredited program, hands-on clinical experience, and a passing score on the national counseling licensing exam. Exact requirements vary by state.

A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree while a counselor usually has a master's degree. Additionally, counselors help clients work through life challenges using a holistic, conversational approach. Psychologists focus on a client's thoughts, behaviors, and emotions as they relate to long-term patterns and potential mental health conditions.

Counseling is a humanistic form of talk therapy that helps clients resolve the challenges they currently face in their everyday lives. Therapy tends to explore how a client's past informs their present through the lens of behavioral psychology.

According to the BLS, the lowest-earning 10% of substance use and mental health counselors made less than $36,700, and the highest-earning 10% made more than $89,920 in 2023. The median annual salary for this group was $53,710 in the same year. LPC salaries depend on your location, experience, and specialty.