Areas of Concentration in Online Counseling Doctoral Programs
Counseling is a broad field, and many counseling students and professionals opt to focus on a specific area. This could be a certain type of counseling, method of therapy, patient population, or professional roles. Many of these areas of specialization may be reflected in online counseling doctoral programs via concentrations or electives. Listed below are several examples you might consider.
Potential Counseling Licensure Requirementsi
In most states, the titles counselor, therapist, and psychologist may each carry with them unique licensing requirements. While some limited counseling roles may not require licensure, students may choose to seek those credentials anyway.
Because licensure requirements are generally administered on a state-by-state basis, when choosing an online program, it may be useful to compare the program components with the requirements in the state where you plan to live and work. Once you earn your professional credentials, you may additionally be required to maintain it through continuing education every year.
Internships in Online Doctorate Programs in Counseling
Students attending more clinical counseling doctoral programs online may still be required to complete some program elements in person, particularly internships and practicum requirements. This type of experience may be incorporated into a doctoral program or offered as a post-doctoral element. Depending on your level of experience, the type of online counseling program you’re attending, your experience and professional goals, this may even be a requirement for licensure.
For more information about practicum and internship requirements in online counseling doctoral programs, direct your questions to the school you want to attend.
Example Psychology and Counseling Career Info
In many cases, students in online counseling doctoral programs may already have begun their careers. They may even have chosen to study online to accommodate the schedules and needs of their patients and their private practice. Whether you’re already invested in your career path or you’re hoping to use your online doctorate in counseling as a launch pad for new opportunities, an array of options may be in front of you.
Several career options that may be of interest to students in online doctoral programs in counseling include the ones listed here. Keep in mind that each type of role may have unique education and licensure requirements, which could go beyond what is covered by your selected counseling doctorate program.
- Psychologists: 2016 Median Salary $75,230i
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral, and Mental Health Counselors: 2016 Median Salary $42,150i
- Marriage and Family Therapists: 2016 Median Salary $49,170ii
- University Professors: 2016 Median Salary $75,430iii
Find Online Counseling Doctoral Programs
Review the sponsored program listings here, and click on the names of any you may be interested in to find out more. Then contact the school for more information, set up a meeting, and start your application!
[i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm| bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm| [ii] bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm | [iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
