Fulfilling Careers for Anyone With a Master’s Degree in Psychology or Counseling

As more people are turning to clinical psychologists and counselors to help them navigate their mental health needs, the demand is growing for qualified mental health practitioners who have a psychology or counseling degree.

A Strong Job Outlook for Mental Health Practitioners

It’s a great time for anyone pursuing a master’s degree in psychology or counseling. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of psychologists in the United States is projected to grow by a faster-than-average 14% from 2016 to 2026, adding 23,000 new jobs.¹

Professionals with careers in psychology are trained to study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help solve real-world problems, whether they’re working with individuals, organizations, or communities.

Those focusing their careers on mental health counseling have similar opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23% growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2016 to 2026, with more than 60,300 new jobs.²

The largest employers of mental health practitioners include residential and outpatient centers, hospitals, government, and private practice.³ Elementary and secondary schools are the largest employers of psychology professionals, employing about 27% of those in field. Another 24% of psychologists are in private practice.⁴

Some careers choices for those with a psychology or counseling degree:⁵

• Clinical mental health counselors help people dealing with both short-term personal issues and chronic and severe mental health conditions. They work with patients to manage problems at home, in the workplace, or within their community.
• Developmental psychology professionals often focus on psychological development and progress in children and adolescents.
• Forensic psychology professionals assist attorneys, judges, and others in the criminal justice system by applying their expertise to family, civil, or criminal casework.
• Rehabilitation psychology professionals specialize in helping people with physical or developmental disabilities, sometimes after a major accident or illness.
• School counselors help students with learning and developmental issues as well as those navigating social or academic difficulties.

It All Begins With a Master’s Degree

If you’re an aspiring psychology or counseling professional looking to enroll in a degree program, consider online learning. A fulfilling career as a mental health practitioner can begin with an online degree program, which allows you to further your education in a flexible learning environment and at a pace that’s right for you. Afterall, a strong educational foundation in the principles of mental health can mean a lifetime of rewarding experiences helping others.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering psychology and counseling degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-1
²Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
³Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-3
⁴Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm - tab-3
⁵Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of a degree program.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.