Explore Different Psychology and Counseling Careers

Psychology and counseling are two fascinating fields of study that, while not quite the same thing, both focus on helping people lead better, more balanced lives by overcoming various challenges. Interested in pursuing psychology or counseling careers? There are many subspecialties to consider.

As you reflect upon the different types of counseling jobs and psychology careers, bear in mind that they may have differing academic and licensure requirements. Be sure to check the requirements for the state where you plan to practice as you explore your own career pathway.

In This Article:

• Career Options in Counseling and Mental Health
• Different Careers in Psychology
• Other Related Careers
• Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Options
• Pursue Careers in Mental Health Counseling or Psychology at GCU

Career Options in Counseling and Mental Health

Mental health counselors can work with individuals experiencing a range of mental health challenges, such as substance use, grief and loss, depression or relationship problems. They are responsible for evaluating clients, developing treatment plans and documenting clients’ progress. If you decide to pursue a career in counseling and mental health, you may help your clients by:

• Teaching coping skills
• Modifying problematic behaviors and thought patterns
• Referring clients to additional resources, such as support groups

There are many different careers in mental health counseling to consider, such as the following:

Marriage and Family Counselors 

The need for nurturing familial relationships is one of the defining characteristics of humanity; however, relationships are not always easy to maintain. Marriage and family counselors may offer support to parents and children experiencing strained relationships, couples facing hardships and individuals navigating the challenges of divorce, aiding them in moving forward. 

Relationship problems can sometimes be exacerbated by personal problems, such as substance use disorder, depression or low self-esteem. A marriage and family counselor may help individuals work toward overcoming these types of obstacles while simultaneously improving the health of their relationships and the overall family dynamic.

Addiction Counselor 

Addiction counselors help clients who suffer from addictions such as substance use or compulsive gambling. In this counseling career, you might work with individuals one-on-one or in groups — or both. You may also work with clients who have co-occurring disorders (multiple mental health problems), such as depression or anxiety disorders.

As an addiction counselor, you may perform the following tasks:

• Teach clients coping strategies
• Assist in crisis intervention
• Help clients avoid relapse
• Direct individual and group therapy with friends and family
• Refer clients to a medical professional when needed

Individuals struggling with substance use disorder often experience significant consequences due to their behaviors, such as job loss, financial problems and relationship problems ranging from divorce to family estrangement. An addiction counselor may also support individuals who are trying to get their lives back on track due to these types of consequences. 

To be an effective addiction counselor, you should be a good listener who is compassionate and empathetic. You’ll also need plenty of patience and interpersonal skills, as forging a strong rapport with clients is important.¹

Career Counselor 

Career counselors evaluate clients’ work history, education level, interests, personality and skills to suggest careers that could best match them. They help people who are entering the workplace, unemployed, between jobs or dissatisfied with their current job.  

As a career counselor, you may perform the following tasks:

• Assess client records
• Conduct interviews
• Oversee aptitude tests
• Gather information about surrounding schools and businesses
• Show clients how to properly search for a job
• Educate clients about the current labor market

If you have strong interpersonal and communication skills, this career may be a good fit for you. You should also have strong analytical skills in order to match clients to job opportunities that best fit them.²

Different Careers in Psychology

Beyond the above types of counseling jobs, there are also plenty of opportunities to consider in the psychology field. Whereas mental health counselors use a person-centered approach to support their clients, psychologists tend to approach mental health problems from a medical framework. Consider the following options for specializing:

Clinical Psychology 

Clinical psychologists conduct thorough behavioral, emotional, cognitive and interpersonal assessments to identify psychological disorders. By applying evidence-based interventions, clinical psychologists provide psychological and behavioral interventions designed to help individuals recover from various disorders.

Clinical psychologists have further opportunities to specialize. Here are a few more possibilities:

• Geropsychology – This specialization focuses on the psychological issues and needs of older adults and their families. Geropsychologists may help older adults and their families cope with caregiver strain, dementia and end-of-life care.
• Health psychology – This specialization explores the intersection of physical, mental, emotional and psychological health. Health psychologists examine the factors that motivate people to make certain health decisions or lifestyle choices.
• Substance use – Just as a counseling career might focus on substance use, so too can a psychology career. Clinical psychologists who specialize in treating individuals with addictions may provide individual and group psychotherapy.

An aspiring clinical psychologist needs to fulfill certain academic requirements. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, clinical psychologists need to earn either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology. All states require clinical psychologists to obtain a state-issued license. Although specific licensing requirements can vary, they generally include obtaining supervised field experience.³ 

Developmental Psychology 

Developmental psychologists study human development. They explore human growth and the physical, cognitive, intellectual, social and emotional changes that people may go through at different stages of life. Developmental psychologists may specialize in a certain age group or support people across their entire lifespan. For example, child development specialists work specifically with children and parents.

Developmental psychology can be a flexible specialization because it allows professionals to pursue theoretical work (research or teaching in universities) or applied work. Applied developmental psychologists typically work in various healthcare clinics, assisted living homes, hospitals or similar settings, where they evaluate and treat individuals who have developmental disabilities.⁴

Social Psychology 

Psychology degree students interested in how humans interact with and affect one another may choose to study social psychology. Social psychologists are especially focused on interpersonal human reactions. They examine how people’s perceptions of themselves may influence their behaviors and how a person’s perception of other people might influence behaviors and self-perceptions.

School Psychology 

School psychologists are interested in learning and development in educational systems. They help to create and support processes used to improve learning at all levels. School psychologists may also:

• Counsel students and their families
• Consult with teachers and administrators
• Address students’ academic, behavioral or developmental problems that can hinder learning

Licensing laws can vary by state. In general, however, school psychologists need at least a master’s degree in psychology. Some school psychologists earn a doctoral degree in psychology, and internships are common.³

Family Psychology 

Psychology students interested in how families function to support all members may choose to specialize in family psychology. Family psychologists may counsel whole families or individual family members as they work to help families improve parenting skills, couple dynamics, relationships between parents and children and the overall functioning of the family.

A family psychologist may work with families experiencing a wide range of challenges. These can include everything from substance use to suicide ideation to hoarding and beyond.

Other Related Careers

If the psychology and counseling field appeals to you, but you aren’t quite sure you’d like to become a counselor or psychologist, there are other options to consider. For example, you might pursue a career as a life coach, social services case manager or social worker.

Life Coach 

Life coaches work with clients or organizations to help them set and achieve their specific goals. Every session with a client is a little different, but in general, life coaches may perform the following tasks:

• Study client histories
• Keep detailed and confidential records
• Conduct interviews
• Provide support after a major life event
• Assess clients’ personal aspirations
• Help clients achieve goals, such as a career transition or a weight loss goal

Unlike psychologists and counselors, life coaches have no specific career requirements that they must meet. However, earning a related degree (e.g., psychology or counseling) may prove helpful. In addition, completing a life coach training program and earning a certification can allow aspiring coaches to establish their credentials and gain clients’ trust.⁵

Welfare or Social Services Case Manager 

Welfare or social services case managers assist clients who need resources from state social services departments. Case managers help people who are struggling with challenges such as unemployment, homelessness, mental health issues and drug or alcohol addictions. Case managers may specialize in working with specific groups, such as children, senior citizens or disabled persons.

As a case manager, you may perform the following job duties:

• Perform intake interviews to assess clients’ needs
• Coordinate clients’ treatment programs and resource needs
• Refer clients to services and community resources
• Serve as a liaison between clients and their service providers

Case managers’ career requirements can vary by state and employer. It’s typical for them to hold at least a related bachelor’s degree (e.g., a bachelor’s in social work), and some may have a related master’s degree. Some case manager positions may require licensure. Even if a position doesn’t require licensure, a case manager may choose to earn a professional certification.⁶

Social Worker

The social services field may be a good fit for individuals who feel passionate about serving their communities. As an alternative to pursuing a career in social services case management, you might consider becoming a licensed social worker.

Social workers identify and help at-risk individuals such as neglected children and vulnerable seniors. They work to help individuals overcome challenges and improve quality of life. They may also work with communities to identify gaps in resources or at the state, federal or international level on policy issues as they relate to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, clinical social workers can provide counseling services to individuals with mental health, emotional and behavioral disorders.⁶

At a minimum, social workers need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. A Master of Social Work (MSW) isn’t a requirement for all social worker positions; however, it is necessary for those who wish to become licensed clinical social workers.⁶ 

Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Options

There are many different careers in mental health counseling and psychology to consider pursuing, as well as related careers in social services and beyond. Since these various careers all have different career requirements and employer preferences, it’s important to identify your chosen career path prior to figuring out which bachelor’s and graduate degree programs best fit your needs.  

Do note, however, that there is some flexibility. For instance, if you earn a Bachelor of Social Work with the intent to become a social worker, you could change your mind after this point and become a social services case manager instead. Similarly, you don’t necessarily need to choose a specific specialization in psychology at the undergraduate level.

Pursue Careers in Mental Health Counseling or Psychology at GCU

Wherever your career path takes you, you will have the opportunity to build a firm foundation at Grand Canyon University. Learn about our various psychology degrees and counseling programs to find the specialization path that fits your career goals. Complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.