Updated on December 26, 2025
Counseling psychology is a compound profession that covers the fields of counseling and general psychology, encompassing a broad range of professions. Learn more about the field of counseling psychology and seven potential careers you can pursue with a master’s degree in counseling psychology. The Chicago School offers an M.A. Counseling Psychology program at our flagship campus in Chicago that helps to prepare students to become proficient practitioners.
Table of Contents
- What Is Counseling Psychology?
- What Counseling Psychology Job Opportunities Are There?
- How to Become a Licensed Counselor
- FAQs About Counseling Psychology Careers
- Study Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School
What Is Counseling Psychology?
Counseling psychology is a discipline within professional psychology focused on improving personal and relational functioning in all spheres of life. It cuts across vocational, emotional, educational, social, health-related, organizational, and developmental needs.
Counseling psychology bypasses cultural and racial barriers, focusing on the behavioral patterns of people, their interactions, and their functions in a given society. Also, counseling psychology deals with mental, emotional, physical, and social health as well as functionality at school, work, and home.
A counseling psychologist is a professional who helps people with emotional, mental, and physical needs develop a sense of well-being and become more productive, offering something positive to society. A counseling psychologist is adept at conflict management and resolution and helps ease emotional distress and low self-esteem.
A counseling psychologist must deal with clients at all stages of life, addressing issues in individual settings and as part of a set group.
Request infoWhat Counseling Psychology Job Opportunities Are There?
Counseling psychologists can work almost anywhere, including at schools, hospitals, organizations, mental health facilities, and private practices. Future job titles for graduates of a counseling psychology program may include the following.
School Counselor
In educational settings, school counselors help students with career development, mental health issues, academic challenges, and improving social skills. A counseling psychologist understands how the mind works as well as the social sphere of a population of students and can give advice based on these insights.
How much does a school counselor make?
The median annual salary for a school counselor is $65,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2024 for school and career counselors and advisors.
Clinical Social Worker
A counseling psychologist can choose to work with children, youth, and the elderly to provide them with mental health services and a better overall living environment. In a social work role, a counseling psychologist may also work with victims of abuse or trauma and develop treatment plans to improve their sense of well-being.
How much does a clinical social worker make?
The median annual salary for a social worker is $61,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2024 for social workers, not clinical social workers. The salary range increases with clinical licensure
Organizational Counselor
Counseling psychologists can choose to work in organizations or other professional workspaces to help employees reach maximum performance and efficiency levels.
Productivity is optimal when workers are emotionally and psychologically balanced, comfortable, and poised to put in their best efforts. An organizational counselor oversees interventions, strategies, and recommendations for workplace change to achieve these goals.
How much does an organizational counselor make?
The median annual salary for an organizational counselor is $147,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2024 for industrial-organizational psychologists.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Counseling psychologists can find rewarding work working in a substance abuse clinic or rehabilitation center. Substance abuse counselors work with patients to help plan treatments, provide case management, provide support for any crisis, and provide mentorship and counseling sessions for those struggling with addiction.
How much does a substance abuse counselor make?
The median annual salary for a substance abuse counselor is $59,190, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data was collected in May 2024 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
Group Counselor or Therapist
Counseling psychologists can work specifically within group settings to help members become better as both individuals and members of a unit. Group counselors facilitate meetings in which members of a common background or those experiencing similar issues will share their experiences in a safe and supportive space. Group therapy as a practice is a proven tool in mental health, and as a counselor in this sphere, you can help a large number of people lead better lives.
How much does a group counselor make?
The national average salary for a group counselor is $63,943, according to ZipRecruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was last updated.
Sports Psychologist
Athletes benefit from the stability and support of counseling psychologists, who help them bring out their best selves and achieve their goals—both on and off the field. A sports psychologist helps athletes to overcome mental hurdles and limitations in order to enhance their performance in their sport and daily lives.
How much does a sports psychologist make?
The national average salary for a sports psychologist is $92,813, according to Zip Recruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was last updated.
Health Psychologist
As a health psychologist, your job may include helping people live with chronic conditions, preventing further illness, or guiding patients through recovery in a way that maximizes their functional capabilities. This role requires an understanding of how biological, psychological, and social factors affect illness within the populations you are working with.
How much does a health psychologist make?
The national average salary for a health psychologist is $120,811, according to Zip Recruiter. This data was collected at the time this article was last updated.
Request infoHow to Become a Licensed Counselor
If you’re interested in pursuing licensure as a professional counselor, there are steps to take to qualify for licensure. Depending on the state in which you’re applying for licensure, the requirements change. These are a few general steps to becoming a licensed professional counselor, but be sure to check your state’s licensure requirements.
- Earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from an accredited university in a related field (typically social work, marriage and family therapy, counseling, or psychology programs qualify). The Chicago School’s counseling psychology master’s program is accredited by Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
- Complete fieldwork hours; the number of hours required varies by state. Our counseling psychology program includes a nine-month placement experience to give you at least 700 hours of practicum.
- Complete the licensure examination.
- Apply for licensure.
The Chicago School’s counseling psychology program in Chicago meets the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure in most states. To determine whether this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in your state, please review our Licensure Disclosures page.
FAQs About Counseling Psychology Careers
Q: What can you do with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology?
A: There are many types of career paths in counseling psychology to choose from. Among them are the seven careers for counseling psychologists highlighted in this article: school counselor, clinical social worker, organizational counselor, substance abuse counselor, group counselor, sports psychologist, and health psychologist.
Q: What do you do as a counseling psychologist?
A: Depending on the specific field you decide to go into within counseling psychology, you can use your degree to counsel kids, adults, or the elderly, athletes, or people who struggle with addiction or a chronic illness. Your responsibilities will likely include creating a treatment plan, leading counseling sessions, and coordinating with other health care providers and/or family members.
Q: Can you become a licensed professional counselor with a master’s in counseling psychology?
A: Yes, The Chicago School’s M.A. program prepares students to pursue licensure in many states. Review your state’s licensure requirements for more information.
Q: How much does a counseling psychologist make?
A: The salary range will vary depending on the specific field and setting you pursue a career in. The general median annual salary was $59,190 for mental health counselors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Q: What settings do counseling psychologists work in?
A: Counselors can work in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, hospice care, social service agencies, senior citizen communities, or more.
Study Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School
Our M.A. Counseling Psychology is available in Chicago. Students in Chicago can also choose from six concentrations: trauma and crisis intervention, marital and family therapy, health psychology, Latino mental health, treatment of addiction disorders, and child and adolescent treatment. For more information about our M.A. Counseling Psychology program, complete the form below and start your journey to a new career today.