Addictions, divorces, and depression are all far too familiar in today’s society. Oftentimes the victims of these conditions find it difficult to deal with the events that lead to these battles and seek the guidance of a counselor.
Sadly, some locations are a counselor short. In the US alone, there are approximately 665, 500 people employed as counselors in the country of 328.2 million people. A certified counselor’s responsibility is to help these victims resolve negative patterns, rehabilitate them and improve the quality of their life.
To attain an adequate level of skills and knowledge to live up to this responsibility, graduates and counselors enroll in counseling certification courses. Equally, to be a practicing counselor, you ought to have a counseling license or certificates in counseling skills.
Take a look at the table of content below.
Why Get A Counseling Certification?
Professionally, counseling certification opens many avenues for both licensed counselors and those seeking licensure to advance their counseling careers. Similarly, they obtain specialized knowledge in counseling and gain accreditation for practicing in a particular aspect of the profession.
Counseling certification creates opportunities for you to not only develop counseling skills and knowledge but to also acquire validation in the specific field of practice.
Often counselors with a master’s degree or actively pursuing seek to enroll in counseling certificate programs for the benefits mentioned earlier. But more so to develop specialized skills for their career choices and to pursue their passion in counseling.
What Are The Types Of Counseling Certifications?
From marriage and family therapy to child psychology, a certified counselor has a wide range of specializations. He can make a selection depending on his career interests.
Counseling certifications vary depending on the specialization as described in the types of certificates in counseling below;
1. Certificate in Mental Health Counselling
This certificate in counseling skills specializes in psychotherapeutic assessment and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in individual and group settings.
It includes clinical mental health counseling and professional counseling.
In many places, a master’s degree in mental health counseling is required for state licensure. Certificate courses can be helpful to candidates with a graduate degree who don’t meet licensure requirements or to licensed counselors interested in focusing in a specific area, such as child and youth mental health, co-occurring disorders, and mental health and aging.
2. Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
This area of specialization includes couples therapy, family therapy, child and adolescent development, and systems theories. Certificates leading to licensure are also offered in marital and family therapy.
Certified counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) in this program get the opportunity to become dually licensed to provide MFT services or can bridge the gap if your master’s in MFT doesn’t meet licensing standards.
A certificate in marriage and family therapy may require students to complete supervised work experience as this is a common licensure requirement.
3. Certificate in School Counselling
Here’s one everyone is familiar with. School counselors provide guidance and support related to personal, academic, and behavioral issues and work with students of all grades.
A master’s degree is required for full licensure in most cases, but those who have a master’s degree in a subject other than school counseling may often complete a school counseling certificate to meet licensure requirements.
Some institutions may require school counselors to complete educator preparation programs and earn teaching experience before they are eligible for school counselor roles.
4. Certificate in Substance Abuse Counselling
A growing specialization field in counseling, certified counselors have specialized knowledge in substance abuse, addiction, chemical dependency, and recovery issues.
Substance abuse counselors help clients and their loved ones address these challenges and are also known as addiction counselors.
Certificates may be offered in substance abuse counseling, substance abuse studies, addiction counseling, addiction studies, and chemical dependency counseling. A high school diploma and related work experience are often acceptable to earn licensure, and certificate programs can help substance abuse counselors gain in-depth knowledge and training.
It may even provide greater employment opportunities. Some however require prospective substance abuse counselors to complete specific training in substance abuse and addiction; completing a certificate may be one way to meet these requirements.
5. Certificate in Rehabilitation Counselling
Counselors in this area of specialization focus on assessing and helping clients with disabilities adapt to daily life and develop functional abilities.
Licensing requirements vary and applicants should determine whether a certificate program meets the guidelines if they hope to earn licensure as a rehabilitation counselor.
Certificates in this field are offered in rehabilitation counseling and related fields such as rehabilitation studies and disability studies among others.
Earning a certificate in rehabilitation counseling may also increase employment opportunities or enable graduates to command a higher salary.
Read: 15 Online Schools Counseling Programs
What Certifications Can Counsellors Get?
The choice of certification and number of certifications in any of the major counseling specialties: marriage and family therapy, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, or rehabilitation counseling is open to counselors who meet the requirements to enroll in the certificate programs.
Licensed counselors can earn the license titles of Licensed Clinical Supervisor (LCS), Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counsellor (LDAC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor (LPCC), Licensed Rehabilitation Counsellor (LRC), and Licensed Substance Abuse Counsellor (LSAC).
As a licensed counselor, you can take on another certification program in a different specialization to earn dual licensure in counseling and broaden your opportunities.
What Is The Difference Between LPC And LCPC?
LCPC, short for licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor, is a licensure for mental health and psychotherapy with which one is authorized to independently practice clinical professional counseling and provide psychotherapy as well as other counseling services.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellors to help individuals and groups dealing with mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders.
LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counsellor. LPC establishes an individual as a mental health professional who provides assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment planning to patients.
A majority of the workforce in counseling are Licensed Professional Counsellors.
LCPC is a higher counseling certification than LPC that offers counselors opportunities to management and supervisory roles as well as higher salary negotiations.
LCPC has additional requirements when it comes to supervision and examination as compared to LPC.
How Do I Choose A Counselling Specialisation?
Counseling is a very wide profession with broad specializations and as such requires a commitment towards a given specialty as opposed to a generalization.
This presents a common problem many people face; making the choice of a counseling certification.
As an individual, you must consider the help and care you desire to provide to people seeking counseling.
Pursuing certification in a field of counseling you are interested in is the best choice you can make rather than basing your decision on salary and career benefits. The latter are secondary considerations because of the responsibility that comes with being a counselor.
Understanding the required skills in your area of interest is key to career growth and acts as your point of reference while making your decision on which counseling specialty you ought to pursue.
What Is The Best Counselling Qualification?
A counselor should hold at the very least a diploma in counseling. The best counseling qualification however is one that qualifies you for a high-ranking role in the area of specialization and also repays your financial input for the certifications in the long run.
A diploma, bachelors, masters, doctorate, and certifications contribute greatly and differently to the decision-making of hiring departments when considering the applicant who best fits the vacancy.
Having multiple of these in an orderly sequence is costly but beneficial if you’re looking to score desirable roles in an organization.
How Much Do NHS Counsellors Get Paid?
NHS counselors earn an average of £15 per hour in total pay or a yearly income of £30,590. This estimate compiles bonuses and additional compensation as well based on statistical methods.
The salaries range from £22,282 – £40,660 per year for a typical NHS counselor depending on the level of experience and qualifying factors such as certifications.
At a consultant level, an international consultant joining the NHS starts on a basic salary of £79,860.
Can I Work As A Counsellor Without BACP Accreditation?
Yes, in order to be a practicing counselor, you should have at least completed an appropriate diploma in counseling. However, BACP accreditation provides you with professional recognition in satisfying certain rules in training, practice, and ethics.
If you are looking to be a practicing counselor, completing a BACP accredited course is a sound option as it offers you training in practice and registration with BACP.
How Do I Become A Certified Counsellor?
While a diploma suffices as enough to become a counselor, it is important for you to pursue certification in counseling for more professional practice. Here’s a step by step guide on how to get a counseling certification;
- An undergraduate degree is the best start if you are looking to earn professional counselling licensure. Completing an undergraduate program or a psychology minor is an added advantage in meeting requirements for counselling certifications as most graduate programs require them for enrolment which takes us to the next step.
- Earn a master’s degree in a counselling specialty. A minimum of a master’s degree is required to earn licensure as a counsellor. Additionally, you may be required to take a counselling internship during the course of studying.
- Enrol in a learning institute offering counselling certification programs that match your preferences and qualifications. Register and complete the certification program in the area of specialisation you desire and you will be awarded a certificate in counselling skills.
- In some countries, you may need to register with an accreditation body in order to enjoy the benefits of accreditation as a professional counsellor. However, as much as the benefits are essential in certain fields and careers, this is optional.
The Top 10 Counselling Certificates In 2021
Building your skills and knowledge in the profession of counseling through a certificate in counseling skills plays an important role in advancing your career ambitions.
Pursuing the best certification to become a licensure counselor helps you achieve that.
Below are the top 10 counseling certifications for you to consider;
Read: Best Online Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology
#1. Mental Health Counselling Program in Lamar University
This certificate program is offered to students with a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, and other related disciplines.
The program focuses on counselors’ professional duties, client relationships, and their impact on the behavioral healthcare system in general.
It helps students identify the aetiologies, diagnoses, and treatment plans by applying the latest research while meeting the required ethical and legal standards.
Summary
- Price: $5,400 per program
- Duration: 12 months
- Requirements: Online Application, Master’s in Counselling, Psychology or related disciplines, 3.0 Graduate GPA, Transcripts
#2. Graduate Studies in Marriage, Couple and Family Counselling in Regent University
Regent University offers this post-masters program to counselors looking to earn a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counselling.
It is a licensure exam for professional counselors who present eligibility to pursue licensure and aim to advance their careers in counseling.
It explores the developmental stages of marriage and family, various addiction therapies, couples’ therapy, and sexual dysfunction therapy.
Summary
- Price: $710 per credit hour
- Duration: Self-paced
- Requirements: Complete online application with $50 non-refundable application fee, Unofficial college transcripts and Complete admissions questionnaire
#3. Certificate Program for Counselling Professionals in Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University extends its program for counseling professionals who seek to put their Master of Arts in School Counselling education into practice.
The counseling certificate’s focus is to offer more advanced learning that helps those looking to pursue standard certification.
The emphasis of this certificate program is on areas that are fundamental to school counseling such as counselor accountability, crisis prevention, and intervention practices. It is also for those who do not have a teaching certification.
Summary
- Price: $299
- Duration: 12-credit hour
- Requirements: Complete online application, Official transcript, 2.75 overall GPA, Master’s degree, Copy of teaching certificate and One-page rationale essay
#4. Client-Directed Counselling for Nutritional Professionals in Cornell University
As a higher learning institution, Cornell University offers a certificate program of client-directed counseling for nutritional professionals.
The program is designed for registered dietician nutritionists (RDNs) who wish to learn proven techniques to refine their counseling skills to help them promote positive client behavior change.
It focuses on Understanding the Person, Understanding the Problem, Eliciting New Behaviours, and Blending the Art of Counselling with the Science of Nutrition.
Summary
- Price: Varies per credit unit
- Duration: Two months
- Requirements: Complete online application form and enrol online
#5. Clinical Mental Health Counselling in Johns Hopkins University
This is a Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Clinical Mental Health Counselling that helps students complete their required academic requirements while seeking a license as professional clinical counselors.
It is created for those who hold a master’s degree and intend to pursue specialized aspects of counseling further.
Summary
- Price: $833 per credit hour
- Duration: 1 -3 years
- Requirements: Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities, Evaluated academic records and Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for non-native speakers
#6. Introduction to Psychology by University of Toronto (Coursera)
The University of Toronto is offering this comprehensive introductory course on Psychology on Coursera.
It is a beginner’s course that you can sign up for to understand human nature, thoughts, feelings, and their impacts on behavior.
This course teaches you about the history and development of psychology and its scientific methods.
It offers different modules on history, scientific methods, brain structure, and its processes, social psychology, mental illness, and its treatments, and the likes.
Summary
- Price: Free
- Duration: Self-paced
- Requirements: None
#7. Counselling Children & Adolescents on Udemy (Accredited Certificate)
This is an accredited Udemy certification course that will enable you to practice children and adolescent counseling.
Relating to and understanding young children and teenagers is a task in itself, and providing counseling to them differs from that for adults.
The certificate program focuses on providing skills to counselors who deal with this age group often to treat their psychological problems.
You will learn the right language and approaches to consider when counseling them.
Summary
- Price: $94.99
- Duration: Self-paced
- Requirements: None
#8. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) on Udemy (Practitioner Certificate)
This is an online training that seeks to impart the skill set to help people deal with destructive thought chains and provide alternative growth options.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certification is a beginner’s counseling program on Udemy that focuses on techniques and practices used in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and understanding human needs and behavior.
Summary
- Price: $94.99
- Duration: Self-paced
- Requirements: None
#9. Fully Accredited Professional Counselling on Udemy (Diploma Course)
This is a comprehensive training program for anyone looking to pursue a beginner’s counseling practice. This accredited course helps students learn the important skills required to help others as a counselor.
Students get to understand the roles and responsibilities of a counselor, develop the necessary skills and obtain a professional counseling diploma certification. It provides both useful and relevant resources for study.
Summary
- Price: $94.99
- Duration: Self-paced
- Requirements: None
Read: 15 Online Schools Counseling Programs
#10. Counselling Skills Certificate Course on Udemy
This is a certification course for beginners and is designed for anyone who wants to understand themselves better or wishes to establish themselves as counselors.
Additionally, it helps you develop your self-awareness and better your relationships as you also help others in need.
It is an introduction to the theoretical and practical sides of becoming a counselor.
Summary
- Price: $94.99
- Duration: Self-paced
- Requirements: None
Frequent Questions and Answers
Less than a month for some counseling certifications. It depends on the institution and the counseling certification being offered with advanced certifications taking longer.
Yes, it does. Globally recognized learning institutions offer certifications you can use in the study and job applications in several countries.
Yes, therapists have a similar background if not the same as counselors.
Yes, there are several counseling certification programs that are offered for free especially for beginners.
No, there are beginner’s certificate programs you can pursue with no background requirements.
Conclusion
The shortage of counselors across the world is an opportunity for many counselors and students aspiring to be to work towards filling this gap in the different areas of need.
Certificates in counseling skills and counseling licenses avail the much-needed tools to enhance your skills and contribute towards bridging the gap. We selected the counseling certifications based on an evaluation of reviews and popularity to best suit your needs.
Let us know about your experience with licensed counselors and counseling certifications by leaving a comment.
References
- https://www.counselingdegreeguide.org/degrees/certificate/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/
- certifiedcounsellors.org/