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What is Counseling?
Choosing a college can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider such as location, size, program offerings, and, of course, cost. But one of the most important factors to consider is the quality of the counseling program and whether or not it will allow you to succeed once you graduate.
The best counseling colleges and degree programs offer students a well-rounded curriculum that covers topics such as human development, assessment, and counseling theory and techniques. They also have excellent faculty who are dedicated to teaching and helping students reach their potential. And they must be accredited if you wish to be able to obtain full licensure in your field.
You might want to focus on colleges that have small class sizes, which mean you'll get more individual attention from your professors. You’ll also want to ensure that they have extensive clinical training programs, which will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with clients.
These are all important things to think about when choosing a college, but another important thing to consider is cost. The good news is that New Mexico colleges are affordable, especially the public options. In addition, there are many scholarships and grants available to help students pay for their education.
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Counseling Education in New Mexico
Counselors are mental health professionals who help people cope with their emotions, relationships, and even addictions. Their services extend to individual, couple, family, and group therapy, depending on the needs of their patients and their focus.
People who seek counseling may have depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions, and other mental health concerns. Counselors can provide counseling to help you shift your behaviors, come to grips with unsettled emotions or grief, or deal with an ongoing mental illness. They may also specialize in treating children and adolescents or focus on the aging population, depending on their interests.
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Counselors with an accredited degree in counseling can find work in many different settings including hospitals, schools, day-care centers, community organizations, businesses, and private practices. These professionals typically hold master’s or doctoral degrees in counseling.
Online Associate Degree in Counseling (AS)
There are many reasons to earn a traditional or online associate degree in counseling. A career in counseling can be very rewarding, and this degree is an excellent entry point to the psychology field and to make sure that the field is right for you. Whether you'd like to become a marriage and family therapist or work with children, this degree can be a steppingstone to you achieving your goals. Additionally, it allows you to continue your education on your own time. By completing an associate degree, you will be ready to jump into a bachelor’s already halfway completed (as long as you’ve ensured that your credit hours will transfer).
A career in counseling is in high demand, and there are many job opportunities. Mental health counselors provide therapy services to patients in hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and private practices. While on-campus degrees are popular, an online degree is particularly appealing to working professionals. Admission requirements for an online program may include transcripts, test scores, and a personal statement or essay, though admission requirements for associate degrees are usually much easier to meet than those required for bachelor’s degrees. Job openings for these professionals continue to grow faster than the national average, which makes it an excellent time to pursue a career in counseling.
However, it’s important to note that you are unlikely to be able to work in most counseling positions with just an associate degree. This is an excellent starting point for those who wish to continue their education with a bachelor’s or those who wish to work as substance abuse counselors. If you are interested in working in substance abuse counseling, you can gain licensure with nothing but an associate degree. This can help you gain experience before you earn a higher-level degree or be your final goal.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling (BS)
A bachelor's degree in counseling can be earned in many ways. You can attend a traditional on-campus program, a 100% online program, or use a hybrid program to give you the flexibility to work while you complete your degree. An online degree itself is identical to one earned on campus, but distance learners use web-based learning platforms to watch lectures and complete coursework, often at their own pace. An added benefit of online degrees is that they tend to be less expensive than campus-based programs as distance learners save on transportation and fees. Top-quality online programs are offered by accredited institutions.
If you'd like to make a significant contribution to society and you are interested in human behavior, you might want to consider a career in counseling. As a professional counselor, you'll have training from the most reputable academic institutions. You'll be able to help individuals and families overcome issues such as depression, stress, loss of a loved one, and other obstacles. Counselors can work in a wide variety of settings, helping patients overcome problems and reach their full potential.
Online Master’s Degree in Counseling (MA)
A master's degree in counseling can open many doors to you. Graduates may want to pursue a career change or get a promotion within their organization. This is also the level required for most state licenses for counselors in New Mexico. While you may be able to work as a substance abuse counselor with an associate or bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree in counseling, you will be ready to work as a family and marriage therapist, school counselor, and more. Various institutes, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other organizations need counselors, and this degree is what you will need to find the best employment options in the field. The need for these professionals is high, and many fields in counseling are experiencing faster growth than average.
The first step toward an online master's in counseling program is to select the program. Then, you’ll need to gather the required materials to apply. The application process will differ from school to school, but many programs have common requirements for all students. A letter of intent or personal statement outlines why you are interested in a program, what you've done in preparation for the degree, and what you hope to accomplish in your career as a counselor. A comprehensive exam, which is usually taken at the end of the program, will also be required. Most counseling programs use the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) exam.
Online PhD in Counseling (PhD)
If you're planning to become a licensed counselor, an PhD in counseling program may be the perfect choice. These degrees are often completed almost entirely online, with only one or a few visits to campus to meet with your faculty advisor. A graduate degree in counseling at this level offers advanced training in the field including teaching, supervision, and research. There are also many career options for counselors after completing these programs. Some of these options include school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, and teaching at the college level. If you want to become a school counselor, you may have to get additional training, such as completing a license.
Funding is a major hurdle for students pursuing a PhD in counseling. While there are various scholarship programs available to help people with financial constraints, most are designed for high-performing students. You can also apply for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) to receive need-based financial aid. However, it’s difficult to qualify for these opportunities.
Online Counseling Certifications
Counselors are in high demand and, with the growth of online counseling, the field is likely to continue to grow. If you're looking to become a counselor, it's important to know which certifications are available to you. There are a few different types of online counseling certifications: academic, clinical, and professional. Each certification has its own requirements and benefits. Some will help you to maintain licensure by allowing you to earn continuing education credits, while others will allow you to serve specific populations more easily.
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Academic certification is designed for those who want to become counselors but do not want to work in a clinical setting. With an academic certification, you can work in a non-clinical setting with students or clients. Certification in clinical settings is for those who wish to work with clients or patients. To qualify for these certifications, you usually must have at least two years of counseling experience. Be sure that you consider all options before signing up for any certification program so that you are sure it provides you with the best opportunity to succeed.
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
- Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
- ​Certified Family Peer Specialist (CFPSW)
- Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW)
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
Become a Counselor in New Mexico
Becoming a professional counselor in New Mexico requires the following steps that are needed in order to ensure success.
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Step 1: Earn a degree in counseling or a related field
A bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field is the best way to start preparing for a career as a counselor, though it will not provide you with access to most counseling positions. There are many different programs available, so it’s important to do your research and find the program that’s right for you. There are also many different specialties within the counseling field, and you can choose a specialty to focus on when you move forward and earn your master’s degree. You must earn a graduate degree to earn licensure in most types of counseling in New Mexico, except for substance abuse counseling, which has its own requirements.
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Step 2: Complete an internship or residency program
Counseling is a process that helps people resolve their personal problems and improve their mental health. To become a counselor, you need to complete an internship or residency program in counseling that gives you face to face experience with patients or clients under the supervision of an already licensed counselor. These experiences provide you with the opportunity to learn about counseling theory and practice and let you prove that you are ready to work with clients on your own.
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Step 3: Become licensed or certified in New Mexico
In order to be a licensed counselor in New Mexico, you first need to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for practice established by your respective board of licensure. The process of licensure varies from state to state, but generally includes the completion of an accredited graduate program, passing an examination, and meeting other requirements such as experience or supervised clinical practice. You should know what you need for licensure before you begin your supervised work experience. Depending on your focus or specialty area, there are different certifications like the LPCC, LMHC, LMFT, LADAC or CACREP.
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Step 4: Get experience working with clients in a variety of settings
Counselors are in high demand as the world becomes more complex and more and more people accept that mental health is just as important as physical health. A counselor must gain experience working with clients in a variety of settings so that they may develop the skills to work with people from all walks of life. Many counselors start their careers by volunteering or working at a low cost clinic. This can allow you to gain experience and knowledge about different types of people and problems.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Counseling?
A bachelor's degree in counseling can lead to a career in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, hospitals, private practice, and schools. The degree can also prepare you for further study in graduate school, which can lead to a career as a counselor or psychologist. A bachelor's degree in counseling provides students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of counseling, as well as research methods and statistics. Students also gain experience providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and groups.
Potential Careers for Counseling Graduates
- Residential Counselor:
A residential counselor provides support to residents in a group home setting. This includes providing guidance and assistance with daily living activities, promoting independent living skills, and coordinating with other staff to ensure the health and safety of residents.
Necessary Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
- CPR and First Aid certification
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for residential advisors in the US in 2019 was $31,220
- The mean annual wage for residential advisors in New Mexico is $31,130
- Group Counselor:
A group counselor will provide counseling and guidance to groups of individuals. They will help individuals in the group to identify and work through personal issues and will also facilitate discussion and provide support to the group as a whole.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- Experience leading groups and working with individuals with personal issues
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New Mexico is $60,720
- Mental Health Counselor:
A mental health counselor is responsible for providing counseling and therapy services to patients with mental health disorders. They will work with patients to help them cope with their disorders and improve their overall mental health.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in the state of practice
- 2+ years of experience working as a Mental Health Counselor
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New Mexico is $60,720
- Counselor (Private Practice):
A counselor in private practice provides confidential counseling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. They work with clients to address a variety of issues including relationship problems, anxiety, and depression, grief, and substance abuse. Counselors typically work in an office setting, but may also travel to meet with clients in their homes or other locations.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- Licensed as a professional counselor in the state of practice
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520. Marriage and family therapists earned $49,880 and rehabilitation counselors earned $38,560
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New Mexico is $60,720. Marriage and family therapists earned $56,070 and rehabilitation counselors earned $41,690
- Marriage and Family Therapist:
A family therapist provides counseling and therapy services to families in order to improve communication and resolve conflicts. A therapist may work with couples, siblings, or parents and children. They uses a variety of techniques to help families improve their relationships and learn how to cope with stress and difficult life transitions.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field
- Licensed as a professional counselor, social worker, or marriage and family therapist
- 2-5 years of experience working with families in a counseling or therapy setting
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists in the US in 2021 was $49,880
- The mean annual wage for marriage and family therapists in New Mexico is $56,070
- School Counselor:
A school counselor is responsible for providing academic, personal, and social support to students. They work with students individually and in groups to help them overcome challenges and achieve success in school.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master's degree in counseling or a related field
- Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting
- Knowledge of child development, learning, and motivation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in the US in 2021 was $60,510. School psychologists earned $78,780
- The mean annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in New Mexico is $59,680. School psychologists earned $77,730
- Social Worker:
A social worker will be responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals and families who are dealing with social, emotional, and/or financial difficulties. They will work with clients to help them overcome these challenges and improve their lives.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field
- A valid social work license in the state in which you practice
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for child, family, and school social workers in the US in 2021 was $49,150 and mental health and substance abuse social workers earned $49,130
- The mean annual wage for child, family, and school social workers in New Mexico is $46,870 and mental health and substance abuse social workers earned $52,810
- Career Counselor:
A career counselor provides guidance and support to individuals who are seeking employment or are exploring career options. They help clients identify their skills and interests, assess their work experience, and set goals for their future, as well as providing information about job opportunities, educational programs, and other resources that can help clients achieve their career goals.
Necessary Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience in career counseling or a related field
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in the US in 2021 was $60,510
- The mean annual wage for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors in New Mexico is $59,680