Going to graduate school can be a daunting task. However, some careers, such as counseling, offer faster advancement when your credentials are top-notch. If you have the ambition and exhilaration to become a counselor, you should look into having a license.
When you become a licensed counselor, you enjoy a much more rewarding career. You also unlock numerous facilities and perks previously unknown. If you’re still considering why you should get a license, we will help you out there.
How Many Types of Counselors Are There?
Counselors work with people suffering from mental health issues or emotional issues. Sometimes patients may show symptoms of both. These people can occupy various sectors in society, and so a counselor is available for every industry.
- Marriage and Family Counselors. You will work with couples and families to identify and resolve issues.
- Spiritual Counselors. Through faith and religious teachings, you help patients resolve emotional and mental issues.
- School Counselors. You work with students to help them with their emotions and well-being.
- Mental Health Counselors. You work with numerous patients with mental health issues.
- Substance Abuse Counselors. You help people who abuse drugs and alcohol, among other substances, to give them up.
- Rehabilitation Counselor. You will work with recovering patients from substance abuse to find their ground again.
These are only a few counselors mentioned. Their range of expertise extends beyond this list.
Why Should You Get A License As A Professional Counselor?
Here are the top five reasons to become a licensed professional counselor.
- There Are More Counseling Jobs. Mental Health issues have been garnering a wide range of acceptance. As a result, the employment market is giving room for this field. There is an expected rise in jobs and a demand for counselors. To stay ahead of the competition and match with an appropriate starting salary point, look into getting a license. According to the US News and World Report, mental health counselors are the top ten best social service workers. Looking at this report indicates this field will be even more popular in the coming years. Obtaining a license secures your future interests.
- Your Degree Will Make You More Skilled. Before you can embark on your journey as a professional counselor, an LPC degree with the credentials will also attest to your credibility and reliability as a professional. There are many structured and online programs to help you get your These skills are essential because you will get the actual clinical training and theoretical knowledge. You will rise to the top as a counselor swiftly, and patients will prefer to work for you. These factors work in unison to incline patients to work with you.
- You Become Eligible for High Earning. When you invest time and resources in becoming a counselor. It is only natural to see your efforts pay off in the form of a steady income and job. Taking care of people is a noble pursuit, but you also need to take care of yourself. A good salary boosts your morale and motivates you to come to work. Being a counselor can be very emotionally taxing, and so you need optimism and hope.
- Your Network Expands. Networking is vital for every career, and this career is no exception. When you enroll for your license, you get to meet many students. Through these students, you may be able to find yourself a suitable mentor and learn valuable skills. Becoming a counselor is a mixture of skills and experience. When you interact with seasoned experts, you learn useful techniques which you implement in your practice. Their expert advice can also guide you about the best time to move on your way.
- You Can Pursue Higher Education. Suppose you want to work your way to a Ph.D. Once you have the necessary fieldwork and experience in the bag, you can advance further in no time. Higher education also opens more doors for you in your career, which brings you more perks. If you weren’t licensed, you would struggle to expand your career, which may become a hassle in the long run.
What Is The Difference Between A Licensed and Unlicensed Counselor?
As a licensed counselor, patients will prefer working with you. Having a license makes you eligible for benefits in more than one way. If you are competing in the same employment market, you will attract a large client body.
- A licensed counselor has more skills and knowledge than an unlicensed counselor. Going to school and appearing for the state exams brushes concepts and shows their practical implications. Unlicensed counselors have comparatively limited fieldwork and knowledge which is disapproved by patients.
- Insurance companies prefer covering licensed practitioners over unlicensed practitioners. The added expense may discourage patients from seeking help.
- Legal Assistance. The state recognizes legal practitioners and extends the framework of law in their direction. That means your patient’s information gets standard treatment which the court will protect. In some instances, the court can also use a patient’s records. An unlicensed counselor does not enjoy the same benefits.
Wrap Up
As a counselor, your job is centered on patients and restoring balance in their lives. When you pursue a license, you boost your credibility and reputation in their eyes. You can enjoy many counseling career paths, and with an added support, you can access many perks.
Your skills will give you a better salary package and a secure job. You also enjoy many state-issued perks such as legal protection. Insurance companies will gladly handle your expenses, and patients will prefer your skills. Now that you are informed about having a license apply now and become a licensed counselor today.