Counselors

Counselors are licensed or credentialed professionals who provide guidance, support, and treatment to individuals, couples, families, and groups facing emotional, social, educational, or behavioral challenges. They work across settings such as schools, community agencies, hospitals, private practices, and workplaces. Depending on specialty, counselors address mental health issues, career and academic planning, substance use, trauma, grief, and life transitions. School counselors focus on students’ academic and social development; mental health counselors provide therapy for diagnosable conditions; career counselors assist with vocational planning; substance abuse counselors work on recovery and prevention; rehabilitation counselors help people with disabilities to live independently.

Education and licensing: most counselors hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, with supervised practicum or internship. Licensure or credentialing requirements vary by country and jurisdiction, but common credentials include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in some regions. Requirements typically include completion of accredited education, a period of supervised practice, and passing national or state examinations, along with ongoing continuing education.

Practice and ethics: counselors use diverse approaches, such as person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, or psychodynamic methods, tailored to client needs. They conduct assessments, provide counseling, develop treatment plans, and refer clients to other services as needed. Core ethical standards emphasize confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, cultural competence, and safeguarding against harm; counselors may be required to report certain disclosures to authorities.

Professional landscape: counselors work under professional standards set by associations and licensing boards, engage in ongoing training, and collaborate with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and educators to support clients’ well-being.