Types of Counseling and the Jobs to Pursue With an M.A. in CMHC

With many different types of counseling, students have plenty of options when it comes to clinical mental health counseling jobs after graduating with a master’s degree and passing licensure exams. If you’re unsure about which path is right for you, we’ve broken down four of the different fields of counseling and their respective jobs with salary data to help you decide what you’d like to pursue.

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

Rehabilitation counseling is a specialized field dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling and productive lives by maximizing their functional abilities. Whether the disability is mental, developmental, or emotional, the primary objective of rehabilitation counseling is to facilitate the client’s achievement of an optimal level of functioning within their unique circumstances.

If you pursue clinical rehab counseling, you could work with clientele ranging from children to seniors in a rehabilitation center, hospital, or senior citizen center. Each of these environments presents unique challenges and opportunities for professionals in this field. Professionals in this field collaborate with families, employers, and other stakeholders to create an environment that fosters the optimal functioning of individuals with disabilities.

Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor Salary

The average rehabilitation counselor’s salary in the U.S. is $39,990 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* The employment rate is projected to grow at about an average rate for rehab counselors.

*Data gathered in 2022.

PTSD and Military Counseling

Military counselors play a crucial role in supporting active service members and veterans as they navigate the complex challenges associated with military service. This specialized field within trauma counseling is dedicated to addressing the unique mental health needs of individuals who have served in the armed forces. The scope of military counseling encompasses a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the daily stressors inherent to military duty.

One of the key focuses of military counseling is to provide targeted interventions for mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Counselors in this field are trained to understand the intricacies of military life, such as combat exposure, deployment-related stress, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society. In addition to individual therapy, military counselors may also facilitate group therapy sessions, creating a supportive community where service members and veterans can share their experiences and learn from one another. These group settings provide a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with peers who have faced similar challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Military Counselor Salary

The average military life counselor’s salary in the U.S. is $49,286 annually according to the ZipRecruiter.* Depending on where professionals practice, the salary ranges from $26,000-$73,000.

*Data gathered in 2023.

Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance abuse counselors work with individuals who suffer from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Counselors in this field will help to identify problem behaviors that could be contributing to their addiction as well as create a proactive plan for coping with stress. Counselors work closely with clients to establish strategies and tools that empower them to navigate life’s stressors without resorting to substance use. This type of counseling may involve teaching effective stress management techniques, building healthy coping mechanisms, and developing a support network that encourages positive lifestyle changes.

Substance abuse counselors not only work with the individual seeking treatment but also with their family. By educating families about addiction, facilitating open communication, and providing guidance on how to support their loved ones, substance abuse counselors contribute to the creation of a holistic and sustainable recovery environment. Group therapy is also a component of substance abuse counseling. Being in a group of people struggling with the same addictions can help clients in the healing process and also encourage camaraderie in cheering each other on during recovery. Substance abuse counselors might work in a rehabilitation center or hospital setting.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary

The average substance abuse counselor’s salary in the U.S. is $49,710 annually according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.* The employment rate is projected to grow within the substance abuse counseling field by 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average.

*Data gathered in 2022.

Family Counseling

Marriage and family counselors play a crucial role in supporting couples and families as they navigate various challenges such as anxiety, depression, marital discord, and parent-child relationship issues. These professionals are trained to address the complexities of interpersonal dynamics within familial and spousal relationships. Counselors in this field could work in a private practice, hospital, or nonprofit organization.

One of the primary focuses of marriage and family counselors is providing assistance during times of emotional distress within relationships. This could involve helping couples overcome communication barriers, manage conflicts, and navigate transitions such as parenthood or changes in family structure. To best help families, professionals must be experts on relationships and what makes a healthy relationship work, whether it be between partners or between parent and child.

Marriage and Family Counselor Salary

The average marriage and family counselor’s salary in the U.S. is $79,666 annually according to ZipRecruiter.*