All About Counseling Psychologists
Counseling Psychologist Job Description Assess and evaluate individuals’ problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.
What Do Counseling Psychologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Refer clients to specialists or to other institutions for noncounseling treatment of problems.
- Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
- Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
- Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients’ interests, abilities, or needs.
- Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.
- Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
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Counseling Psychologist Skills
These are the skills Counseling Psychologists say are the most useful in their careers:
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Healthcare Science Specialist
- Group Counselor
- Chemical Dependency Therapist
- College Counselor
- Family Psychologist
Job Opportunities for Counseling Psychologists
In the United States, there were 147,500 jobs for Counseling Psychologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 21,000 new jobs for Counseling Psychologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,100 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Counseling Psychologist are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Counseling Psychologist
The average yearly salary of a Counseling Psychologist ranges between $44,040 and $129,310.
Counseling Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Counseling Psychologists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $69,070 |
| Alaska | $91,450 |
| Arizona | $66,040 |
| Arkansas | $69,000 |
| California | $108,350 |
| Colorado | $85,470 |
| Connecticut | $90,870 |
| Delaware | $78,850 |
| District of Columbia | $95,500 |
| Florida | $76,190 |
| Georgia | $89,190 |
| Hawaii | $94,550 |
| Idaho | $64,270 |
| Illinois | $75,180 |
| Indiana | $73,350 |
| Iowa | $85,260 |
| Kansas | $65,320 |
| Kentucky | $64,330 |
| Louisiana | $86,630 |
| Maine | $75,620 |
| Maryland | $79,820 |
| Massachusetts | $86,490 |
| Michigan | $83,210 |
| Minnesota | $85,860 |
| Mississippi | $67,570 |
| Missouri | $76,480 |
| Montana | $63,720 |
| Nebraska | $66,510 |
| Nevada | $83,760 |
| New Hampshire | $84,270 |
| New Jersey | $98,470 |
| New Mexico | $73,600 |
| New York | $94,140 |
| North Carolina | $77,470 |
| North Dakota | $87,090 |
| Ohio | $75,710 |
| Oklahoma | $60,760 |
| Oregon | $103,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,610 |
| Rhode Island | $83,030 |
| South Carolina | $63,050 |
| South Dakota | $73,900 |
| Tennessee | $69,510 |
| Texas | $73,650 |
| Utah | $80,920 |
| Vermont | $77,670 |
| Virginia | $80,380 |
| Washington | $73,840 |
| West Virginia | $59,200 |
| Wisconsin | $83,420 |
| Wyoming | $78,360 |
What Tools do Counseling Psychologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Counseling Psychologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Spreadsheet software
- Google Docs
- Statistical software
- Google Sheets
- Testing software
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- ICANotes
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- O*NET OnLine
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- TheraManager
How do I Become a Counseling Psychologist?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Counseling Psychologist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Counseling Psychologists Are Employed
Counseling Psychologists work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Counseling Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: BruceBlaus via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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