Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed professional counselors help people deal with problems or conflicts they are unable to solve alone, including substance abuse; family, parenting, and marriage conflicts; managing stress; depression; suicidal thoughts; career concerns; and problems with self-esteem. Mental health counselors collect information through interviews, observations, and tests, and then decide how best to treat patients. The counselor may work with individuals, couples, families, or in group sessions of people with similar problems. They work closely with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to care for patients.

Work Environment
Most licensed professional counselors work in private practice, counseling centers, group practices, family service centers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), hospitals, and government agencies. A 40-hour workweek is standard, with some evening and weekend hours required for the convenience of clients.

Job Outlook
Growth in this field is faster than average. These professionals may be in even greater demand if present trends such as high divorce rate, alcoholism, drug abuse, and child abuse continue.

Length of Training/
Requirements
The minimum education requirement is a master's degree of arts or sciences. A doctoral degree is rapidly becoming required in the field. After completing course requirements, individuals must complete an internship before graduating.

Salary
Salary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $42,000 - $75,000.

Educational Programs
Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral Degrees
Angelo State University
Lamar University
Midwestern State University
Prairie View A & M University
Sam Houston State University
Southwest Texas State University
Stephen F. Austin State University
Texas A & M International University
Texas A & M University
Texas A & M University - Commerce
Texas A & M University - Texarkana
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University
University of Houston
University of Houston - Victoria
University of North Texas
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
The University of Texas Pan American at Edinburg
West Texas A & M University

Professional Associations
American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22304-3300
703/832-9800

Texas Department of Health
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756-3183
512/458-7709
1-888/963-7111