What Can I Do with a Doctorate (PhD) in Counseling?

<h3 id="section---Overview">Overview</h3> <p>Graduates of a Ph.D. program in Counseling are able to work in three main areas: academia, administration, and clinical practice. Which area you choose to enter depends on your interests and your skillset. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts about this Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th>Postsecondary Psychology Teacher</th><th>Postsecondary Education Administrator</th><th>Mental Health Counselors</th></tr> <tr><td>Median Pay (2021)*</td><td>$77,860 </td><td>$96,910 </td><td>$48,520</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)*</td><td>10% </td><td>7% </td><td>22%</td></tr> <tr><td>Licensing/Certification</td><td>Is voluntary, may be required for some positions</td><td>None needed</td><td>License necessary in most cases</td></tr> <tr><td>Key Skills</td><td>Communication, writing, resourcefulness, critical thinking</td><td> Problem-solving, interpersonal skills, organized, computer literate</td><td>Compassion, interpersonal skills, listening and speaking skills</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---Academia">Academia</h3> <p>As a graduate of a doctoral program in counseling, you could teach at a public or private college or university on the undergraduate or graduate level. In addition to leading classes, you might help develop curricula for various certificate and degree programs, evaluate counseling programs and serve as a mentor for aspiring counselors. You also might write textbooks and/or engage in original research. </p> <h3 id="section---Administration">Administration</h3> <p>With a Ph.D. in Counseling, you could become a clinical supervisor in a hospital or other medical setting. You may also find work as a director or coordinator with a mental health agency or rehabilitation facility. </p> <p>Outside of the healthcare arena, one option is director of career counseling with a college or university. You might also oversee family counseling services for a nonprofit or social service agency, such as a division of child and family services, or for a corrections facility or religious institution. </p> <h3 id="section---ClinicalPractice">Clinical Practice</h3> <p>With a Ph.D. in Counseling, you could work in public or private practice as a licensed professional counselor. Depending on your area of specialization, you might work in mental health counseling, pastoral counseling, substance abuse counseling, family and marriage counseling, or school and career counseling. Potential employers include health care facilities, churches, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, elementary and secondary schools, and postsecondary institutions. Other prospective employers include employee outplacement and assistance programs and human resources departments.</p>