People from all walks of life benefit from wise and sound counsel to live fulfilled and successful lives. This need raises the demand for experienced counselors who are willing to give time, energy, and resources to aid in society’s growth and development.
The professional field of counselor education and supervision trains and prepares the next generation of counseling directors, supervisors, and faculty leaders. As industry leaders, these mental health professionals help others better understand themselves and those around them.
What is counselor education and supervision?
Counselor education and supervision is a field of study offering postgraduate programs to professional counselors. Oftentimes, working counselors or other mental health professionals pursue a degree in counselor education and supervision to further their education and achieve higher competence levels in their chosen counseling fields.
About Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision programs
A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision program can prepare graduates to become educators and hold other pivotal leadership roles in the field of counseling. This program is a step further for professional counselors who already have a license to practice but want to broaden their career opportunities or specialties. The program is usually appropriate for students who have completed a master’s degree in counseling or related fields.
6 career paths in counselor education and supervision
With a doctorate in counselor education and supervision, graduates have vast job opportunities for professionals as lecturers, teachers, counselors, and more. A professional counselor educator can also work as a researcher, helping the next generation of counselors to obtain a better, more holistic knowledge of the field.
1. Social service counselor
In this role, the counselor functions as a social worker who diagnoses and treats clients’ emotional, mental, and behavioral needs. The clientele includes couples, individuals, addicts, groups, and families.
The social service counselor may work in various sectors, including health care facilities, private organizations, or businesses—where they offer professional advice, decision-making, and mental health therapy for workers.
2. Youth counselor supervisor
A youth counselor supervisor oversees a team of counselors and mental health professionals who primarily serve teenagers and children. Youth counselors focus on assisting young people with special needs or those dealing with depression, abuse, or substance abuse and addiction.
As a youth counselor supervisor, you will manage the services provided to the community, guide and improve patient care, and establish an overall counseling cadence.
3. School counselor
With a doctorate in counselor education and supervision, you can gain the necessary knowledge and experience to become a secondary or post-secondary school counselor.
A school counselor has the interpersonal skills and abilities needed to handle students’ various personal and social challenges. Also, in this role you are responsible for advising students on academic success and goals.
4. Chemical dependency or substance abuse counselor
This counselor helps people understand their chemical addiction and its adverse effects on their lives and relationships. A substance abuse counselor gives clients the support they need to overcome drug dependency or other addictions, become stable, and recover from the stigma associated with substance abuse.
These counselors work with inmates, hospital patients, social workers, and clients in private practices or social services.
5. Admissions counselor
An admissions counselor assists students in college, university, or high school to prepare for, choose, and get into schools that will best suit them. The counselor is knowledgeable in any questions prospective students may have about the institution’s admission procedure and requirements.
An admissions counselor may also help with admissions decisions by reviewing application materials and conducting interviews.
6. Research counselor
A research counselor often works in an advisory and leadership role within a research program or institution. In the position, a research counselor may help students choose which research topics to pursue and assist in developing the necessary skills needed to carry out the work.
A research counselor provides professional empathy and sound instruction for the students during their work, and may also help them apply for research grants.
Learn more about The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
At the Chicago School, our Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision provides students with 700 hours of practical hands-on experience, the opportunity to publish work, and experience giving professional presentations. This online postgraduate program offers students the highest degree in professional counseling, all while keeping your convenience in mind. Visit our program page for more information or fill out the form below.