Holistic Health Counselor Certification and Training Programs
In order to pursue a career as a holistic health counselor, where you can help people regain their mental and physical well-being, you must be properly trained and certified. Read on to learn about the skills expected of a holistic health counselor, along with degree and training programs, and certification requirements.
What Is a Holistic Health Counselor?
<p>Holistic health professionals believe that the underlying cause of a problem must be treated, not just the symptoms. They believe in treating the mind, spirit and body to return someone to wellness. Holistic health counselors are often highly-trained mental health professionals who focus on a holistic approach to their work. As a holistic health counselor, you will work with patients using a mixture of traditional and holistic methods.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td> Diagnosing illnesses, and finding cures and remedies through holistic medicinal and therapeutic treatments.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Programs</b></td><td> Holistic health programs at associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels, as well as certificate programs. Programs for counseling or psychology degrees with holistic concentration are available at a graduate level.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> State counseling requirements must be met, and obtaining a NCC or CCMHC designation is possible, though not required to practice.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $82,420 (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 0% (<i>for health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatTrainingIsAvailableToMe">What Training Is Available to Me?</h3>
<p>Many counseling or psychology degrees offer a holistic concentration. Most programs are offered at the graduate level, as many states require at least a master's degree in order to be a licensed counselor. Many programs are designed to meet their state requirements. Additionally, there may be concentrations with the holistic counseling degree, such as integral psychotherapy, somatic psychology, transpersonal psychology or expressive arts. Degree programs mix general health care courses with ones specific to the holistic approach.
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<p>Apart from counseling degrees, holistic health programs may be offered at the bachelor's or associate's degree level. While these programs typically do not meet state requirements for counselors, you may be able to work in a related field or work towards eventually receiving your master's degree. Diploma or certificate programs may also be available for health care counselors who wish to learn more about adding a holistic approach to their practice.
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<h3 id="section---CanIBeCertified">Can I Be Certified?</h3>
<p>While no nationally-recognized certification program exists specifically for holistic health counselors, the National Board of Certified Counselors offers a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) designation. If you attend a program designed to pass your state's counseling requirements, it is likely that you will be eligible for one of these. Both require you to pass an examination and graduate from a master's level program in counseling.</p>