I've been searching for what seems like forever for a counseling certification. Not a degree in psychology, but something shorter and not as involved. Technically, there are no legal or educational requirements to become a counselor/therapist, but I'd like some sort of certification. Could be general counseling or something specialized, like crisis or addiction counseling. Everything I've found is either a degree or by a school that's rather... questionable. Any suggestions or ideas on where to look?
Not sure were your getting your information but there are educational and legal requirements for someone to become a counselor. Educationally speaking most state require 60 graduate credit hours without courses in certain areas in order to become licensed there are a few states that require 48 but those are few and far between anymore. I think you should spend more time finding out what it requires to become a counselor and then make the decision later as it sounds like you are not completely aware of state requirements. Here is a good place to start: National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc.
Hmmm... No. You're talking about becoming a licensed counselor. I'm talking about the kind of counselor that volunteers to help abused women or in addiction clinics. I know in many states in the US you can become a counselor (this type of counselor I'm mentioning) with just on-the-job training. Again, not a licensed practitioner or anything. Imagine something like a lifestyle coach or similar --You don't need a certification or license for that either. Examples: Certificate Programs Offered by Christian Leadership University (but this is Christian-based and I'm looking for something not connected with religion) Grief & Bereavement Counseling Online Courses - Stonebridge Associated Colleges UK - Distance Education.org
Just tell everyone that you're a Life Coach. You'll make more money than a counselor and have no state licensing requirements or code of ethics to follow! You win!
I posted an answer to this early on but it's not showing up (?) In any case, licensing is only required for "true" counselors, who work in fields similar to therapists/psychologists. I'm talking about counseling courses like the ones offered here: distance-education.org/Courses/Therapy---Counseling-216/Grief---Bereavement-Counseling-2178 Add www at the beginning and .html at the end. For some reason I'm now allowed to post complete links.
Be patient. Wait for your posts to go through moderation. http://www.degreeinfo.com/distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html
I'm not sure if anything like that exists. If it does, you would most likely need to go through a certification process involving either a masters degree, graduate certificate, or extensive supervised training. Similar to becoming a drug and alcohol counselor in many states. Also, you should check with your state to make sure that it is legal to market your self as a "counselor" without a license as a mental health/professional counselor, social worker, psychologist, member of clergy, etc.
If you are going to be a volunteer counselor, most organizations will have their own certification and training process for you to go through. A common example are emergency counseling hot lines. I recommend contacting whoever you would like to volunteer for in order to find out what they require.
I'm moving to Europe in a few months. I've talked to a few organizations there and I was asked if I had experience or a certification. When I said "neither," one of the organizations recommended I took a "counseling course." Long story why/how/etc. but I still would like to take one. I understand the pros and cons of taking a course of this kind over the internet. I still want to locate one.
University of the Pacific: Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate Program - University of the Pacific Bellevue College: Certification as a Chemical Dependency Professional (CDP) Alcohol & Drug Counseling Certificate Requirements - Bellevue College University of South Dakota: Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate in Alcohol & Drug Studies Online Certificates in Alcohol & Drug Studies - USD Union College: Chemical Dependency Certificate Chemical Dependency Certification | Union College Online | Union College Online UMass-Boston: Addictions Counselor Education Program Certificate UMass Boston | Programs in Addictions Counselor Education | Addictions Counselor Education Certificate University of North Carolina Online (East Carolina University): Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling University of North Carolina Online: Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling - Graduate Certificate program University of Cincinnati: Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Prevention Substance Abuse Prevention « School of Human Services University of the West Indies: Certificate in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programme
As a licensed counselor, I have significant issues with individuals without licenses and appropriate education "deeming" themselves as a counselor. There are several, non-legit, for profit certifications for individuals who wants to pretend to be counselors. Some states do allow unlicensed counselors to obtain certification is chemical dependency counseling- so you may want to check with your state on this. If you want to be a counselor, you will need to complete a masters and obtain a clinical license- anything else, you are a life coach.