Counseling Education in Idaho
Are you considering enrolling in a counseling degree program in Idaho? This is the ideal major and profession for individuals who want to assist others in overcoming challenging situations, as well as encouraging people and helping them create positive changes in their lives. Counseling students learn how to provide appropriate social, emotional, and mental support using a wide variety of techniques. They also gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with different demographics such as children, couples, and the elderly. Working as a counselor can be emotionally taxing but the profession does offer several benefits, including opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and decent job security.
According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for many counseling occupations is expected to increase nationwide from 2020 to 2030. The professions that will see the greatest growth include genetic, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Projections also indicate a rise in employment for school and career counselors and advisors. These professions can expect increases of between 11 and 26%, which is significantly more than the average of other occupations. This will account for about 84,800 new counseling jobs added to the market per year.
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Most of this projected growth is expected to occur due to an increase in people seeking addiction and mental health counseling services. Providers are beginning to coordinate with other specialists more, encouraging a trend towards treating multiple problems simultaneously. Many court systems are also beginning to sentence drug offenders to treatment rather than jail time. Additionally, continued demand for qualified professionals will result from the need to replace workers transferring to different occupations or exiting the labor field.
The educational services, healthcare, and social assistance industry is the fourth largest of all industries in Idaho. It accounts for $7 billion in revenue each year. However, it’s also worth noting that the state is ranked second in the country for healthcare growth. Not only has the revenue in this industry risen 46% in the last ten years, but it is expected to rise another 36% in the coming years.
While counseling programs are available throughout the nation, with distance learning options readily available, those who intend to pursue counseling positions in Idaho should strongly consider enrolling at a local college or university. Licensing requirements for counselors vary by state and, as a result, local institutions will be most familiar with and capable of preparing graduates for the certification process. Schools in Idaho institutions also tend to offer the most geographically relevant coursework and may already have connections with employers in nearby communities.
A degree in counseling will allow you to pursue several different career paths within the field. Most colleges and universities give students the option to select a concentration that focuses their studies on a particular topic. This selection will greatly impact the type of work performed.
Some of the most common areas of specialization include:
- Addiction
- Eating Disorders
- Bereavement
- Mental Health
- Family
- Trauma
- Military
Are you considering enrolling in a counseling degree program in Idaho? This is the ideal major and profession for individuals who want to assist others in overcoming challenging situations, as well as encouraging people and helping them create positive changes in their lives. Counseling students learn how to provide appropriate social, emotional, and mental support using a wide variety of techniques. They also gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with different demographics such as children, couples, and the elderly. Working as a counselor can be emotionally taxing but the profession does offer several benefits, including opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and decent job security.
According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for many counseling occupations is expected to increase nationwide from 2020 to 2030. The professions that will see the greatest growth include genetic, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Projections also indicate a rise in employment for school and career counselors and advisors. These professions can expect increases of between 11 and 26%, which is significantly more than the average of other occupations. This will account for about 84,800 new counseling jobs added to the market per year.
Most of this projected growth is expected to occur due to an increase in people seeking addiction and mental health counseling services. Providers are beginning to coordinate with other specialists more, encouraging a trend towards treating multiple problems simultaneously. Many court systems are also beginning to sentence drug offenders to treatment rather than jail time. Additionally, continued demand for qualified professionals will result from the need to replace workers transferring to different occupations or exiting the labor field.
The educational services, healthcare, and social assistance industry is the fourth largest of all industries in Idaho. It accounts for $7 billion in revenue each year. However, it’s also worth noting that the state is ranked second in the country for healthcare growth. Not only has the revenue in this industry risen 46% in the last ten years, but it is expected to rise another 36% in the coming years.
While counseling programs are available throughout the nation, with distance learning options readily available, those who intend to pursue counseling positions in Idaho should strongly consider enrolling at a local college or university. Licensing requirements for counselors vary by state and, as a result, local institutions will be most familiar with and capable of preparing graduates for the certification process. Schools in Idaho institutions also tend to offer the most geographically relevant coursework and may already have connections with employers in nearby communities.
A degree in counseling will allow you to pursue several different career paths within the field. Most colleges and universities give students the option to select a concentration that focuses their studies on a particular topic. This selection will greatly impact the type of work performed.
Some of the most common areas of specialization include:
- Addiction
- Eating Disorders
- Bereavement
- Mental Health
- Family
- Trauma
- Military
In order to gain employment in counseling or a counseling-related job, you will need some form of advanced education. While some positions in the field may be attainable with only a high school diploma, the best prospects will be available to those with degrees. Counseling programs are available at every level – associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. Keep your ultimate career goals in mind as you consider which degree type is most appropriate.