Jobs in mental health and human services are becoming more popular. One reason for this trend is many people turn to counseling at one point or another on their paths to self-discovery. The mental health field shows no signs of stopping as far as job growth is concerned, but some areas seem to promise steadier rises than others in need for new professionals. Read on to learn about three of the top growing counseling fields in need of new, dedicated practitioners!
What are the Fastest Growing Counseling Fields?
Marriage and Family Counseling
Marriage and family counselors deal with the many issues faced by families, couples, groups, and individuals of all walks of life. They may help a child deal with the death of a loved one or assist spouses in figuring out which path is best for their marriage. Some specialize in helping parents deal with the behaviors of an out-of-control teenager. Others, couples or individuals coming to terms with the fact that they are unable to produce children. The scenarios in which a marriage and family counselor could work to help are practically endless.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with people who are working to overcome the obstacles of mental or physical impairment. They help people try to get back to their daily living and working skills that were enjoyed prior to injury. Occupational therapists are able to help identify the obstacles an individual faces and then help the client to work towards goals of improvement. Some of these daily living and working skills identified and improved include: self-care, doing housework, working outside the home, and engaging in hobbies and other fun activities; but they could be something as simple as washing your hands, using the restroom alone, or just getting outside the house for fresh air.
School Counseling
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From elementary through high school and even into the college setting, school counselors, sometimes known as guidance counselors, play a big part in student success. With schools taking a much improved interest in the mental and emotional well being of children starting in the earliest developmental stages, these jobs are becoming rapidly more available to properly educated counseling professionals.
What is the Job Outlook for Counseling?
Marriage and family therapists earn a median income of $43,190 per year. Qualified candidates for this type of position typically have earned a master’s degree or higher, and have completed an internship or a residency for valuable on-the-job training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, through the year 2024 the need for qualified marriage and family therapists will grow an estimated 19 percent.
By the same year the job outlook for occupational therapists will have grown by 27 percent (estimated). With the median salary of $80,150 per year, these numbers project great opportunities for those who seek jobs helping others learn and relearn valuable skills. The typical entry level education for an occupational therapist is a master’s degree.
Counselors who work in schools or career centers earned and median annual salary of $53,660 per year, as of 2015. The typical entry level education of a school or career counselor is, like the others a Master’s degree. The job outlook through 2024 as school and career counselor is projected to be at 8 percent, or the national average.
Is a Job in a Growing Counseling Field Right for Me?
If you enjoy helping people be the very best they can be, a career in one of the fastest growing counseling fields may be the perfect fit for you! It’s never too late to follow your dreams. Look into accredited counseling degree programs in your area today!
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