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Careers in Counseling
Client meeting with a mental health counselor during a supportive therapy session.
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Overview

What Is the Field of Counseling?

Counseling careers focus on enhancing the mental health, wellness and quality of life of individuals, families and communities. Counselors utilize evidence‑based counseling theories and techniques, ethical practices and compassionate communication to support people through challenges. 

Professionals draw on their understanding of human growth and development and various counseling approaches to address emotional, social and behavioral concerns. By honing essential skills such as listening, critical thinking and interpersonal communication, counselors can effectively make a difference.

17%

Estimated growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors expected from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 1)

Careers

Explore Careers in Counseling

Below, you’ll find examples of the many career paths available in this field.

Marriage counselor with a couple sitting on a couch
How To Become a Marriage Counselor
Addiction counselor sitting with patient in a therapy office setting
How To Become an Addiction Counselor
Social worker walking with an elderly woman using a cane by a poolside, offering companionship and support.
How To Become a Social Worker
Blog Articles

Discover More on Counseling Careers

Discover the diverse avenues within counseling as you explore careers in counseling, essential techniques and the journey to becoming a counselor. These insights aim to ignite your curiosity and enhance your understanding of what it takes to create a positive difference in the field.

Smiling mental health professional looking at female student sitting with hand on chin in school office.
Explore Different Psychology and Counseling Careers

Compare psychology and counseling careers to see how they support people through challenges, focusing on differences, subspecialties and education requirements to guide your future.

Read Article
Counselor having a serious conversation with a patient in a calming office setting.
Counseling Techniques for Aspiring Counselors

Learn how effective counseling combines evidence‑based techniques with empathy and practical skills, guided by insights from an experienced counselor to help you understand what it takes to support clients.

Read Article
A patient with a counselor during a consultation meeting at home.
Why and How Long Does It Take To Become a Counselor?

Understand what it takes to become a mental health counselor and why this role matters by examining the factors that influence how long the journey can take.

Read Article
Counselor working at a desk in a home office with organized shelves and a computer setup.
Start Making a Difference Through Counseling

Take the next step toward a counseling career. Explore how a degree from GCU can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to support mental health and well-being.

Apply Now
  1. COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved January 2026. 
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