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What is a Child Counselor?
Pursuing an online or on-campus degree in child counseling in Tennessee is a commendable choice for those who wish to support the mental health and development of children and adolescents. The state offers a variety of programs across its institutions, from certificates to advanced degrees, tailored to arm you with the skills necessary to thrive in this specialized area of counseling. Whether you're considering an on-campus experience or looking for the flexibility of an online platform, Tennessee's academic landscape is equipped to prepare you for a fulfilling career in child counseling.
The journey to becoming a child counselor in Tennessee involves comprehensive training that encompasses therapeutic techniques, child psychology, and developmental understanding to effectively counsel young individuals. With a robust network of accredited universities, students are afforded quality education that meets the licensure requirements for professional counselors. However, navigating financial options and understanding the significance of accreditation may also play a pivotal role in your educational and professional path.
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Overview of the Children's Counseling Field
Tennessee offers comprehensive programs for those interested in pursuing a career focused on the mental and emotional well-being of children. Your choice to delve into child counseling will require rigorous academic and practical training.
Role of a Child Counselor
As a child counselor, your role will be multifaceted and involve offering support to children experiencing a range of emotional, psychological, and social issues. Specifically, you’ll help address emotional challenges, developmental disorders, and traumatic experiences that affect children's daily lives.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Identifying behavioral, emotional, and psychological issues
- Therapeutic Interventions: Using evidence-based methods to treat and support children
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with parents, schools, and health professionals to develop support plans
- Advocacy: Promoting a child's best interests in various settings
Education and Licensure:
- Degree Requirements: A minimum of 60-61 credit hours including core counseling courses
- Clinical Experience: At least 700 hours of clinical placement is typically required
- Licensure Prep: Programs meet the educational requirements for pursuing licensure as professional counselors
Children's Behavioral Health
If you choose to focus on children’s behavioral health, your program will equip you with the skills to address a wide spectrum of behavioral issues. Your role as a child behavioral therapist or a child behavior specialist involves not only directly supporting the child but also:
- Behavioral Assessment: Understanding the root of behavioral problems
- Development of Treatment Plans: Creating tailored strategies to improve children's behavioral outcomes
- Implementation of Therapies: Applying specific therapeutic methods, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Monitoring Progress: Continuously assessing the effectiveness of interventions
Settings You May Work In Include:
- Mental health treatment centers
- Outpatient and inpatient facilities
- Schools
- Private practice
Through these experiences, your expertise in child counseling will grow, allowing you to make a significant impact on young lives at a critical juncture in their development.
Online vs. Campus Program Benefits
Your journey to become a child counselor in Tennessee may involve choosing whether to choose a traditional or online educational pathway. Understanding these choices fully will make doing so much easier. This is especially true in a field like counseling, which includes the completion of a master's program as a requirement for licensure. Selecting the right degree can be crucial to meet the LPC requirements effectively.
Comparing Online and On-campus Platforms
When exploring online child counseling degrees, it's essential to evaluate how they stack against traditional on-campus programs in terms of educational quality and licensure prerequisites. Online programs can offer flexibility, which might be pivotal if you need to balance your studies with personal or professional commitments. However, bear in mind that, regardless of the platform, the Tennessee licensing process for an LPC requires the completion of a rigorous curriculum.
On-campus Programs:
- Structured schedule
- Face-to-face interaction
- Set geographical location
Online Programs:
- Flexible scheduling: Courses can usually be accessed at your convenience.
- Interactive platforms: Online platforms can facilitate virtual interaction with peers and faculty.
- Accessibility: No need to commute, as you can study from anywhere.
Both online and on-campus child counseling programs generally involve the same core curriculum requirements. This usually includes foundational courses, specialized child and adolescent counseling courses, and a 500-hour internship/practicum.
For licensure as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Tennessee, you must complete an accredited master's degree in counseling or a related field which includes the necessary internship/practicum hours. Subsequently, the State of Tennessee requires you to accumulate an additional 3,000 hours of supervised work post-graduation.
When selecting a program, ensure it meets the State Department of Professional and Occupational Licensure (SDPA) LPC requirements by verifying its accreditation status. Online programs often highlight such details, which are crucial for your eligibility to obtain licensure post-graduation.
Online Educational Pathways for a Child Counseling Degree in Tennessee
Online Associate Degree in Child Counseling (AS)
Your journey toward becoming a child counselor can begin with an associate degree from a Tennessee institution. You would typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to start an associate degree, though some programs might require a standardized test. Look for programs in psychology, social work, or a related field, which will lay the foundation for your advancement in child counseling.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Child Counseling (BS)
As a focused undergraduate program, a bachelor’s degree can equip you with an understanding of developmental psychology, family dynamics, and effective communication with children. There are few such degrees focused specifically on child counseling, though you can complete these degrees in counseling, psychology, child development, etc. Such a degree is your first step before specializing further at the master’s level.
University HQ National Online Rankings for Bachelors in CounselingOnline Master’s Degree in Child Counseling (MS)
To practice as a child counselor, a master’s degree is essential. You can find these degrees in a university or graduate school. Master’s in child counseling programs are available through several universities in Tennessee. These typically take two to three years to complete, which includes coursework and a required internship for hands-on experience. Students completing one of these programs can also choose to specialize in options such as clinical mental health counseling, or a school counseling program. Successful completion will prepare you for licensure as a school counselor or another similar role, depending on your mental health or school counseling concentration. Students in these programs will also study legal and ethical issues in counseling.
University HQ National Online Rankings for Masters in CounselingOnline PhD in Child Counseling (PhD)
While not necessary for all child counseling positions, pursuing a Doctorate or PhD in the field allows you to contribute to research and teach at the university level, or hold high-level clinical positions. It represents a commitment to the highest level of expertise in child counseling.
Read more about counseling resources and scholarships Read our financial aid and FAFSA guideOnline Child Counseling Certifications
Certificates in child counseling can further specialize your skills. These certifications may also help you meet continuing education requirements to maintain your licensure or add to your credentials to expand your access to clients. You may earn certifications that focus on skills tailored to young clients, such as play therapy.
Funding Your Degree
Securing funds for your degree is a critical step in realizing your ambition to become a child counselor. With that in mind, let's explore costs and the financial support that may be available to you.
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Tuition Cost and Fees
The cost of obtaining a master's in child counseling varies widely depending on the institution.
For a benchmark, consider this example:
- Per Semester Tuition Costs: Some programs may charge about $17,685 for a full-time semester load of 12 credit hours or more.
- Per Credit Tuition Costs: Other programs may cost approximately $530 per credit hour, including a technology fee.
Note: Specific costs will depend on the number of credit hours you enroll in and any additional fees the program may require.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you pursue your degree in child counseling, there are several types of financial aid you might be eligible for, including:
- Federal Grants
- Scholarships
- Student Loans
- Work-study Programs
To access federal student aid, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can also provide access to institutional or other scholarships that are offered to those with need.
Scholarships
Scholarships are an excellent way to fund your education since they don’t have to be repaid.
Sources for scholarships include:
- Universities offering LPC programs
- Professional organizations, such as those for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and other counseling professionals
- Scholarships specific to Tennessee residents or those meeting SDPA LPC requirements
Research thoroughly to find scholarships for which you are a good match. Pay close attention to application deadlines and required materials.
Accreditation and Licensing
Earning an accredited child counseling degree is crucial to ensure that your education meets the high-quality standards required for professional practice. Accreditation influences licensure, ensuring your qualification is recognized. For further support of your counseling program and license, you can also complete the counselor preparation comprehensive examination, which provides support for licensing in professional counseling.
Accrediting Bodies and Organizations
To become a licensed child counselor in Tennessee, you must complete an accredited master’s program in counseling. The core accrediting body for counseling programs is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous educational and professional standards.
When considering programs for your master's in mental health counseling or school counseling, you’ll want to specifically look for this accreditation. Doing so will facilitate licensure in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) status and all other counseling roles, as well.
Here is a summarized list of steps to ensure proper accreditation and pave the way for licensing:
- Confirm accreditation: Check that the online program you are interested in is accredited by CACREP or another recognized accrediting agency.
- Educational requirements: Look for programs offering a minimum of 60 credit hours, aligning with Tennessee licensure prerequisites.
- Internship/practicum: Choose a program that includes a 500-hour internship/practicum, which is part of the educational requirement for licensure.
- Post-graduate supervised hours: Prepare to complete an additional 3,000 hours of supervised work experience after graduation, as mandated by Tennessee licensing standards.
Always verify that your program offers a curriculum that is compliant with Tennessee's specific licensing requirements for child counselors. Your dedication to fulfilling these steps will be foundational in advancing your career as a child counseling professional within the state.
Potential Careers and Salaries for Child Counseling Graduates
Graduates with a child counseling degree in Tennessee have various career paths available. These range from school-based roles to clinical settings, each with distinct responsibilities and salary expectations. Here are just a few options that you might have access to with a degree in counseling or a related field.
Child, Family, and School Social Worker:
Job description: As a child, family, and school social worker, you would likely engage with children within educational settings or social service agencies. Your role may involve addressing emotional, social, and behavioral issues to promote a positive educational environment.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs
- Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports
Median Salary: $59,190
learn moreSpecial Education Teacher (Elementary School):
Job description: Special education teachers in secondary schools specialize in working with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities
- Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students
Median Salary: $74,670
Learn moreBehavioral Disorder Counselor:
Job description: Behavioral disorder counselors, including those who work as Certified Behavioral Analysts, focus on helping children and adolescents manage and overcome behavioral challenges.
Requirements:
- Master's degree, Growth Potential 18% (Much faster than average)
- Evaluate clients’ mental and physical health, addiction, or problematic behavior and assess their readiness for treatment
- Develop, recommend, and review treatment goals and plans with clients and their families
- Assist clients in developing skills and behaviors necessary to recover from their addiction or modify their behavior
- Work with clients to identify behaviors or situations that interfere with their recovery
Median Salary: $60,080
Psychiatrist:
Job description: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through a combination of medication and therapeutic techniques.
Requirements:
- PhD, Growth Potential 6% (Faster than average)
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders
- Order or perform a variety of medical and/or psychological tests
- Perform individualized treatment plans, which can include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication and other medical treatments
- Assemble and keep up patient records and information, either directly from the patient or from medical professionals, relatives, or others who may have this information
Median Salary: $256,930
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for pursuing a child counseling degree in Tennessee?
To pursue a child counseling degree in Tennessee, you must typically earn a bachelor’s degree, with a preference for a major in psychology or a related field. Following that, enrolling in a master’s program with a focus on child or school counseling is required. The program should include coursework in child development, counseling techniques, and ethics, as well as complete supervised clinical experience.
Are there colleges that offer accredited child counseling degrees in Tennessee?
Yes, there are colleges in Tennessee that offer accredited child counseling degrees. These institutions provide graduate programs that can prepare you for licensure in child counseling. To ensure the quality of your education and eligibility for licensure, choose a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
How can I obtain a child counseling degree online in Tennessee?
Online child counseling degree programs are available from accredited universities in Tennessee. These programs offer flexibility if you need to balance work or other commitments. They often include the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs including live virtual classrooms, online discussions, and supervised clinical placement opportunities to gain practical experience.