Q: Can a school counselor become an LPC?

Yes, a school counselor can become an LPC. To become an LPC, a school counselor must complete the requirements for licensure by their state board, which typically includes additional coursework and clinical hours beyond the educational requirements for school counselor licensing.

Q: Can you be a counselor without a degree?

Yes, you can become a counselor without a degree. While some counseling careers require degrees at the bachelor, master, or doctorate levels, there is a way to work as a counselor without a degree.

Q: Do counselors make good money?

Yes, counselors make good money. The average salary for a counselor is around $56,310 per year ($25.54 an hour). The range in earning for a counselor, however, can range from as low as $16 an hour to as high as $42 an hour -- factors such as experience, type of counselor, and location all impact earning potential.

Q: How many years does it take to be a counselor?

It takes between two to six years to become a counselor. Paths to a counselor. No degree, at least three+ years of experience working and being mentored/learning the practice. Complete practicum and/or internship hours. Gain real-life experience in the field. Peer counselor Life skills counselor Drug and alcohol counselor Complete a four-year bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is typically required for most counseling professions. Complete a six-year master's degree program in counseling. Although not always required, online master's in counseling degree programs help aspiring counselors obtain the professional skills and knowledge necessary for practice. Obtain counseling licensure and/or certification. Meet the specific requirements for your state. The process of obtaining licensure varies from state to state, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms.

Question 1

How long does it take to become a Counselor?

Accepted Answer

It takes 2 years of professional experience to become a counselor. That is the time it takes to learn specific counselor skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 5 to 7 years years to become a counselor.

Question 2

Can a school counselor become an LPC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a school counselor can become an LPC. To become an LPC, a school counselor must complete the requirements for licensure by their state board, which typically includes additional coursework and clinical hours beyond the educational requirements for school counselor licensing.

Question 3

Can you be a counselor without a degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a counselor without a degree. While some counseling careers require degrees at the bachelor, master, or doctorate levels, there is a way to work as a counselor without a degree.

Question 4

Counselor vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A counselor is someone who tends to offer superficial or more short-term mental health care, while a therapist provides longer, more customized mental health treatment plans.

There is a lot of overlap between counselors and therapists since both professions occupy much of the same professional space. Even within the industry, you can find the terms used interchangeably in some contexts.

Question 5

Do counselors make good money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, counselors make good money. The average salary for a counselor is around $56,310 per year ($25.54 an hour).

The range in earning for a counselor, however, can range from as low as $16 an hour to as high as $42 an hour -- factors such as experience, type of counselor, and location all impact earning potential.

Question 6

How many years does it take to be a counselor?

Accepted Answer

It takes between two to six years to become a counselor.

Paths to a counselor.

No degree, at least three+ years of experience working and being mentored/learning the practice. Complete practicum and/or internship hours. Gain real-life experience in the field.
- Peer counselor
- Life skills counselor
- Drug and alcohol counselor
Complete a four-year bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is typically required for most counseling professions.
Complete a six-year master's degree program in counseling. Although not always required, online master's in counseling degree programs help aspiring counselors obtain the professional skills and knowledge necessary for practice.
Obtain counseling licensure and/or certification. Meet the specific requirements for your state. The process of obtaining licensure varies from state to state, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms.

Question 7

How to become a counselor without a degree

Accepted Answer

To become a counselor without a degree, follow these steps:

Figure out which type of counseling that doesn't require a degree you want to pursue; these include peer counselors, life skills counselors, and drug and alcohol counselors
Do some research on available certification options; these can be obtained through universities or professional institutions
Determine which certification program fits your needs
Think about working or volunteering in a related position during your certification program
After completing your certification, apply to entry-level counseling positions in your field

Question 8

What are careers in counseling psychology?

Accepted Answer

Private practice psychologists, school counselors, or clinical social workers are careers in counseling psychology. Counseling psychology focuses on how people function both individually and within the context of interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.

Question 9

What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a counselor and a therapist has to do with education, training, licenses, and treatment plans.

Counselors and therapists are umbrella terms that often refer to mental health professionals who offer counseling or therapy. It's not uncommon to refer to counseling treatments as therapy and vice-versa.

Skills	Percentages
Patients	12.90%
Crisis Intervention	11.79%
Substance Abuse	11.76%
Social Work	10.06%
Community Resources	4.26%

What is a counselor and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a Counselor?

What are the pros and cons of being a Counselor?

Newest jobs for Counselor in Ashburn, VA

Counselor career paths

Key steps to become a counselor

Explore counselor education requirements

Most common counselor degrees

Start to develop specific counselor skills

Research counselor duties and responsibilities

Prepare your counselor resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Counselor Resume templates

Apply for counselor jobs

How Did You Land Your First Counselor Job

Average counselor salary

How do counselors rate their job?

Counselor reviews

Counselor FAQs