Career Paths and Key Words to Consider with a Counseling Education.

The field of counseling is vast and ever evolving. As societal challenges and the dynamics of human interactions change, the need for specialized training in certain areas becomes more pronounced. I often have students ask me to where to begin in looking for their first counseling job or internship site. The field of counseling is wide. It is important for counseling students to take time to consider areas of interest and they receive their foundational training within their counseling program.

**I will come back over time and add links and more ideas. Consider bookmarking this page for after graduation as well : )

Here are some high-need areas of expertise that counselors might consider for further training or keywords to use to look for jobs online:

Trauma-Informed Care: With increasing awareness of the effects of trauma on mental health, there is a growing need for counselors to be skilled in trauma-informed approaches (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014).

• Trauma Therapist/Counselor: Specialize in providing therapy to individuals who have experienced trauma. This can be in private practice, community mental health agencies, or within larger institutions.
• Child Protective Services Counselor: Work with children who may have experienced abuse or neglect, and provide support and resources to families.
• School Counselor: Many children and adolescents experience traumas that impact their academic performance and behavior in school. As a school counselor, you can offer direct support to these students.
• Veterans Affairs Counselor: Assist veterans who may be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related issues stemming from their military service.
• Sexual Assault Counselor: Work in rape crisis centers or other organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault.
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Substance abuse can often be linked to past trauma. As a counselor in this field, you’ll be equipped to understand and treat both the addiction and its underlying causes.
• Domestic Violence Counselor: Work with survivors of domestic violence in shelters, legal aid agencies, or dedicated counseling centers.
• Refugee and Immigrant Services Counselor: Support individuals and families who have experienced traumas in their countries of origin or during their migration process.
• Crisis Intervention Specialist: Respond to immediate crisis situations, such as suicides, severe mental health episodes, or acute trauma responses, and provide stabilization and referrals.
• Trauma-Informed Care Trainer: Offer training sessions to institutions, organizations, and agencies to adopt trauma-informed practices.
• Correctional Facility Counselor: Support inmates who often have trauma histories which might have contributed to their current circumstances.
• Hospital Trauma Counselor: Work in hospitals, particularly in emergency departments, to provide immediate trauma counseling for individuals who have experienced sudden traumatic events or injuries.
• Disaster Response Counselor: Work with individuals and communities affected by natural disasters or large-scale traumatic events.
• Researcher: Engage in studies and research on trauma, its effects, and effective interventions, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in the field.
• Clinical Supervisor: If you have experience and further qualifications, you can supervise and guide newer therapists in trauma-informed practices.
• University or College Professor: Teach the next generation of counselors, psychologists, or social workers about trauma-informed care.

Telehealth Counseling: The global pandemic has highlighted the importance and effectiveness of remote counseling services. Skills for telehealth delivery, including technology use, establishing rapport online, and understanding the nuances of virtual therapy, are essential (Glueckauf et al., 2018).

• Private Practice: Establish your own virtual counseling practice or join an existing group that offers online sessions to clients.
• Mental Health Platforms: Companies such as BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Amwell connect therapists with clients seeking online counseling.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many businesses offer EAPs that provide counseling services to their employees. Given the increasing acceptance of remote work, these programs are also embracing telehealth options.
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and other medical establishments are incorporating telehealth services, including mental health counseling, to reach patients who can’t or prefer not to attend in person.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Offer remote counseling for individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders.
• Specialized Counseling Services: Focus on particular populations or issues, such as:
• Couples or family therapy
• Grief counseling
• Child and adolescent therapy
• Trauma and PTSD counseling
• Counseling for specific communities, such as LGBTQ+ or veterans
• Crisis Hotlines: Work remotely with organizations that provide crisis intervention services via phone or online chat.
• Consultation: Offer professional consultation services to businesses, educational institutions, or other organizations about mental health and well-being, particularly related to remote work environments.
• Rural Areas and Underserved Populations: Telehealth can bridge the gap for communities with limited access to mental health services, either due to geographic isolation or a lack of local professionals.
• International Counseling: Depending on licensure and local laws, you might provide counseling services to clients in different countries.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities are increasingly offering telehealth counseling options for students, especially those enrolled in online courses or those who are studying from remote areas.
• Research and Data Collection: Work with organizations or institutions collecting data on the efficacy and challenges of telehealth services.
• Training and Supervision: If you have considerable experience, provide training and supervision to new telehealth counselors or those transitioning from in-person to online counseling.
• Collaboration with Other Professionals: Work with psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or other healthcare professionals who might refer clients for telehealth counseling.
• Substance Abuse and Addiction: With the ongoing opioid crisis and challenges with other addictions, expertise in substance abuse counseling remains critical (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020).
• Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor: Offer one-on-one counseling to individuals struggling with addiction. This can be in private practice or as part of a broader team at an addiction treatment facility.
• Group Facilitator: Conduct group therapy sessions for addicts in recovery. Group settings can be therapeutic for many individuals, offering peer support and shared experiences.
• Inpatient Treatment Counselor: Work within residential or inpatient treatment facilities, providing counseling and support for individuals during intensive treatment phases.
• Outpatient Treatment Counselor: Provide therapy and support for individuals who are living at home and attending regular treatment sessions.
• Family counselor: Specialize in working with the families of addicts, addressing the broader systemic issues and helping family members cope and support their loved one in recovery.
• Youth Addiction Counselor: Focus on younger populations who are struggling with substance use, often working in schools, juvenile detention centers, or youth-oriented treatment programs.
• Detox Specialist: Assist individuals during the detoxification phase of recovery, providing both emotional and psychological support.
• Prevention Specialist: Work in community settings, schools, or other institutions to educate individuals about the risks of substance abuse and strategies for prevention.
• Crisis Intervention Counselor: Respond to immediate crisis situations related to substance overdose, suicidal tendencies, or other acute scenarios stemming from addiction.
• Dual Diagnosis Counselor: Specialize in treating individuals who have co-occurring mental health disorders alongside their substance addiction.
• Recovery Coach or Sober Companion: Provide one-on-one guidance and support for individuals, especially in the early stages of their recovery, ensuring they stay on track.
• Aftercare Specialist: Help individuals navigate life after intensive treatment, offering support as they reintegrate into society, work, and family life.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Counselor: Work within businesses and organizations to provide counseling and resources to employees struggling with addiction.
• Consultant: Offer expertise to organizations, institutions, and communities about addiction treatment and prevention strategies.
• Researcher: Engage in studies on addiction, its causes, and effective treatments, contributing to the broader understanding of the issue.
• Educator: Teach courses related to addiction studies at universities, colleges, or training institutions.
• Program Director or Administrator: Manage or oversee addiction treatment facilities or programs, ensuring they operate effectively and adhere to best practices.
• Policy Advocate or Lobbyist: Work on the legislative side of things, advocating for better addiction treatment resources, policies, and awareness at the municipal, state, or national level.

Cultural Competency and Multicultural Counseling: As societies become more diverse, it is crucial for counselors to understand and navigate cultural nuances, biases, and varied backgrounds (Sue & Sue, 2012).

• Multicultural Counselor in Private Practice: Offer individual or group therapy in private practice, ensuring your approach is inclusive and understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Diversity and Inclusion Trainer: Work with organizations, institutions, and businesses to provide training on cultural competency, ensuring environments are inclusive and respectful of diversity.
• School Counselor: Schools are increasingly diverse, making it essential for school counselors to understand and address the unique challenges faced by students from different cultural backgrounds.
• Immigrant and Refugee Counselor: Support individuals and families who have migrated from other countries, helping them adjust to their new environment while addressing any trauma or challenges they may have experienced.
• LGBTQ+ Counselor: Offer counseling services specifically tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Indigenous Peoples Counselor: Work with indigenous populations, respecting their unique traditions, experiences, and challenges.
• College or University Multicultural Office Counselor: Many higher education institutions have offices dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. You can work within these offices to support students from various backgrounds.
• Cross-Cultural Adjustment Counselor: Assist individuals and families who are moving between countries or cultures, helping them navigate the challenges of cultural adjustment.
• Veteran Counselor: Support veterans, understanding the unique cultural experiences and challenges they might face.
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Partner with community-based organizations, religious institutions, and other local groups to promote mental health and well-being in diverse communities.
• Researcher: Conduct research on multicultural counseling practices, techniques, and outcomes, contributing to the knowledge base and enhancing the field.
• Author or Writer: Write books, articles, or blog posts on cultural competency and multicultural counseling, raising awareness and educating both professionals and the public.
• Program Developer: Design and implement programs that address the specific needs of diverse populations, ensuring that they are culturally sensitive and effective.
• International Counselor: Work abroad, immersing yourself in different cultural settings and offering counseling services to expatriates or locals.
• Consultant: Offer expertise to other counseling professionals or organizations on best practices in multicultural counseling.
• Educator: Teach courses on multicultural counseling at colleges, universities, or training institutions, preparing the next generation of counselors.
• Crisis Response: Provide support in crisis situations, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, ensuring a culturally sensitive approach.

Geriatric Counseling: With an aging population, there is an increasing demand for counselors skilled in dealing with issues like dementia, loss, and the unique challenges faced by the elderly (Knight, 2004).

• Geriatric Mental Health Counselor: Work in private practice or within larger institutions providing one-on-one therapy to older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or adjustment disorders related to aging.
• Assisted Living Facility Counselor: Many assisted living or retirement communities employ counselors to assist residents with the emotional challenges of aging and the transitions that come with it.
• Adult Day Care Counselor: Provide therapeutic interventions and activities for seniors who attend adult day care centers.
• Memory Care Specialist: Work with individuals suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, offering support and therapeutic interventions.
• Hospice and Palliative Care Counselor: Support patients and their families as they navigate end-of-life decisions and the grief process.
• Grief and Bereavement Counselor: Specialize in helping older adults cope with the loss of spouses, siblings, peers, and other loved ones.
• Hospital Counselor: Address the emotional needs of older adults during hospital stays, helping them cope with health challenges.
• Elderly Crisis Intervention Specialist: Assist older adults facing acute crises such as suicidal ideation, severe mental health episodes, or acute stress reactions.
• Family Therapist with Geriatric Focus: Support families in understanding and addressing the challenges of caring for aging family members.
• Rehabilitation Counseling: Assist older adults in navigating physical rehabilitation after surgeries, falls, or strokes, addressing both physical and emotional challenges.
• Wellness and Lifestyle Counselor: Advocate for and teach strategies related to positive aging, from mental stimulation to physical activity and nutrition.
• Senior Center Program Director or Counselor: Many community senior centers have programs dedicated to the mental well-being of their attendees.
• Researcher: Engage in studies related to aging, mental health, and therapeutic interventions, contributing to the growing field of geriatric mental health.
• Educator: Teach geriatric counseling courses at universities, colleges, or training institutions, preparing the next generation of counselors to meet the needs of an aging population.
• Consultant: Offer expertise to agencies, organizations, and other professionals in best practices for addressing the mental health needs of older adults.
• Telehealth Geriatric Counselor: With the rise of telehealth, provide counseling services to older adults remotely, making it more accessible for those with mobility challenges or those residing in underserved areas.
• LGBTQ+ Counseling: As societies progress, there is a growing recognition of the unique mental health needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community (American Psychological Association [APA], 2012).
• LGBTQ+ Mental Health Counselor: Offer individual or group therapy to LGBTQ+ clients in a private practice setting, addressing issues like coming out, self-acceptance, anxiety, and depression.
• Gender Therapist: Specialize in providing support to transgender and non-binary individuals, guiding them through aspects of their transition and addressing mental and emotional challenges.
• LGBTQ+ Youth Counselor: Work in schools or community centers focusing on LGBTQ+ youth, providing support around issues of identity, family acceptance, and the challenges of growing up LGBTQ+.
• Crisis Intervention Counselor: Support LGBTQ+ individuals who might be experiencing acute crises, such as suicidal ideation, family rejection, or trauma.
• HIV/AIDS Counselor: Support individuals who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, addressing the unique psychosocial challenges they face.
• LGBTQ+ Family Counselor: Help families navigate the complexities and challenges that may arise when a family member comes out or transitions, promoting understanding and acceptance.
• LGBTQ+ Couples Counselor: Offer couples therapy tailored to the unique dynamics and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples.
• LGBTQ+ Substance Abuse Counselor: Given that the LGBTQ+ community experiences higher rates of substance abuse due to various stressors, specialists in this area can provide vital support.
• Community Outreach and Advocacy: Work with LGBTQ+ organizations or nonprofits, providing counseling services, facilitating support groups, and advocating for LGBTQ+ mental health needs.
• LGBTQ+ Affirmative Rehabilitation Counselor: Support LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities or those recovering from injuries, ensuring their rehabilitation process respects and understands their identity.
• Sexual Health Educator: Teach LGBTQ+-inclusive sexual health education in schools, colleges, or community centers.
• Telehealth LGBTQ+ Counselor: Provide remote counseling services tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, making counseling more accessible.
• Training and Consultation: Offer training sessions to institutions, schools, or businesses on LGBTQ+ inclusivity and mental health.
• Researcher: Conduct research related to LGBTQ+ mental health issues, furthering understanding and improving care.
• Program Developer: Design and implement programs or interventions specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring they are inclusive and address unique needs.
• LGBTQ+ Centers Counselor: Many cities have LGBTQ+ centers that offer a range of services, including counseling and support groups.

Child and Adolescent Counseling: There is a continued need for counselors skilled in the developmental and mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents, especially in the context of the modern digital age (Mash & Barkley, 2013).

• School Counselor: Work within the educational system to support students’ academic, emotional, and social development. Address issues like bullying, academic stress, and peer relationships.
• Private Practice Therapist: Offer individual or group therapy to children and adolescents in a private setting, addressing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Child Protective Services Counselor: Work with children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma, and support their recovery and well-being.
• Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor: Specialize in assisting teenagers who are struggling with substance use and addiction.
• Pediatric Hospital Counselor: Support children and their families in hospital settings, particularly those dealing with chronic illness, surgery, or other medical interventions.
• Counselors who uses the arts: The arts are known for their ability to support wellness and help clients develop. Consider a certification in expressive arts or getting another degree in art therapy, music therapy, or dance/movement therapy.
• Grief Counselor: Work with children and adolescents who have experienced loss, helping them process grief and adjust to their new circumstances.
• Child Life Specialist: Usually based in hospitals, these professionals help children understand and cope with medical procedures, illnesses, or hospital stays.
• Juvenile Justice Counselor: Assist adolescents within the juvenile justice system, providing therapeutic support and aiding in rehabilitation.
• Play Therapist: Use play therapy techniques to help younger children express and process their emotions and experiences.
• Adoption and Foster Care Counselor: Support children and families throughout the adoption or foster care process, addressing attachment issues, grief, or adjustment challenges.
• Early Intervention Counselor: Work with younger children (often aged 0–3) and their families to address developmental delays or disabilities. These are sometimes government funded positions and you should look on county websites for these jobs.
• Teen Crisis Hotline Worker: Offer immediate support to adolescents in crisis, which could range from relationship issues to suicidal ideation.
• Family Counselor: Address familial challenges, dynamics, and issues, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of younger family members are acknowledged and addressed.
• Researcher: Conduct studies related to child and adolescent mental health, developmental psychology, or effective therapeutic interventions for this age group.
• Educator: Teach child and adolescent counseling courses at universities, colleges, or training institutions.
• College Mental Health and Academic Counseling: Provide mental health short-term care in an academic setting as well as the possibility of academic advising.
• Group Home Counselor: Provide therapeutic support to children and adolescents in group home settings.
• Outreach and Prevention Program Counselor: Work in community-based programs that aim to prevent issues such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, or mental health challenges.
• Consultant: Offer expertise to schools, organizations, or agencies on best practices for child and adolescent mental well-being.

Neurocounseling: Understanding the neurological basis of behaviors and employing brain-based strategies in counseling is an emerging field with promising applications (Field, Beeson, & Jones, 2015).

• Clinical Neurocounselor: Work in private practice or mental health clinics integrating neuroscience findings with therapeutic techniques to address mental health challenges.
• Neurofeedback Therapist: Use real-time displays of brain activity — most commonly EEG — to teach self-regulation of brain function. It’s beneficial for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and more.
• Rehabilitation Counselor: Aid individuals with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases, facilitating their reintegration into daily life.
• Pediatric Neurocounselor: Focus on children’s neural development, addressing conditions like ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities.
• Researcher: Engage in studies that further explore the intersection of neuroscience and counseling, working in universities or dedicated research institutions.
• Consultant: Offer expertise to schools, businesses, or healthcare facilities on how brain-based knowledge can inform and improve their practices.
• Educator: Teach neurocounseling or neuroscience-related courses at universities, colleges, or training institutions.
• Neuropsychological Assessment Specialist: Conduct assessments to evaluate brain function, understanding how it relates to behavior and functioning, often following brain injuries or in cases of neurological disorders.
• Addiction Counselor with Neurospecialization: Understand the neural underpinnings of addiction to provide more targeted therapeutic interventions.
• Trauma Therapist with Neurospecialization: Incorporate knowledge of how trauma affects the brain to offer more precise interventions and coping strategies.
• Geriatric Neurocounselor: Focus on the aging brain, addressing challenges related to conditions like Alzheimer’s or age-associated cognitive decline.
• Biofeedback Therapist: Use technology to measure bodily functions like heart rate or muscle tension and teach clients how to alter these functions through relaxation or visualization.
• Brain Health Coach: Focus on improving cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health through integrative approaches.
• Hospital Neurocounselor: Collaborate with medical teams in hospital settings, especially in neurology or neurosurgery departments, to address the psychological and emotional needs of patients with neurological conditions.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist: Work with individuals to improve memory, attention, perception, learning, planning, and judgment skills, typically after a brain injury or stroke.

Veteran and Military Counseling: Addressing the unique experiences and challenges of veterans and active-duty military personnel requires specialized training (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008).

• VA Hospital/Medical Center Counselor: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs numerous medical centers across the country, offering opportunities for counselors to provide therapeutic services directly to veterans.
• Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC): These counselors support military families, addressing issues like frequent moves, deployments, and the challenges of military life.
• Military Base Counselor: Provide counseling services directly on military bases, helping active-duty service members cope with stress, trauma, and other mental health issues.
• Readjustment Counseling Therapist: Work in VA-run Vet Centers, helping veterans transition back to civilian life.
• PTSD Specialist: Counsel veterans and active military personnel specifically dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, utilizing specialized therapeutic techniques.
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Given the higher rates of substance abuse among veterans, there’s a need for specialists in this area within VA hospitals and outpatient clinics.
• Suicide Prevention Coordinator: With increasing concern about veteran suicides, positions are available that focus solely on prevention and crisis intervention.
• Telehealth Counselor for Veterans: Offer remote counseling services tailored to veterans, making mental health care more accessible to those in remote locations or those with mobility issues.
• Military School Counselor: Military-dependent children often face unique challenges, and counselors in military-affiliated schools can provide vital support.
• Researcher: Work in academia or with organizations studying the effects of war, deployment, or military life on psychological well-being, or exploring effective therapeutic interventions for this population.
• Consultant or Trainer: Provide training and consultation to organizations, VA centers, or military bases on best practices for addressing the mental health needs of military personnel and veterans.
• Veteran Peer Specialist: For counselors who are themselves veterans, there are roles where lived experience can be beneficial in offering peer support.
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Counselor: Specialize in helping veterans who’ve experienced sexual trauma during their military service.
• Career Transition Counselor: Assist veterans in leveraging their skills and transitioning to civilian jobs.
• Group Therapist: Facilitate group therapy sessions tailored to veterans, such as PTSD support groups.
• Veteran Outreach Specialist: Work in roles where the primary task is reaching out and ensuring veterans are aware of and can access available mental health services.

Crisis and Disaster Counseling: In the wake of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or other crises, specialized training in crisis intervention becomes paramount (Everly & Lating, 2013).

• Emergency Response Counselor: Work on the frontline during and immediately after natural disasters, terror attacks, or other large-scale crises, providing immediate therapeutic support to affected individuals.
• Crisis Helpline Worker: Provide support, information, and resources over the phone to individuals in immediate distress or crisis.
• Suicide Prevention Hotline Counselor: Specialize in assisting individuals who are considering or threatening suicide, providing immediate interventions and referrals.
• Hospital Crisis Interventionist: Offer immediate therapeutic support in emergency rooms to individuals and families following traumatic events like accidents or violent crimes.
• School Crisis Counselor: Address emergency situations in educational settings, such as the aftermath of a traumatic event impacting the student body.
• Disaster Relief Organization Counselor: Work with organizations like the Red Cross, providing mental health support in disaster-stricken areas.
• Trauma Specialist: Provide specialized therapy to individuals after they’ve experienced a traumatic event, helping them process and cope.
• Mobile Crisis Unit Counselor: Part of teams that provide immediate on-site care to individuals in crisis, often collaborating with local law enforcement or emergency services.
• Grief Counselor: Support individuals who are dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one or significant grief after a disaster.
• Post-disaster Community Worker: Assist communities in the longer-term aftermath of disasters, addressing lingering psychological effects and helping with community rebuilding efforts.
• Sexual Assault Response Counselor: Provide immediate support and resources to victims of sexual assault, often working closely with hospitals and law enforcement.
• Crisis Residential Facility Counselor: Work in facilities that offer short-term intensive therapy for individuals following a crisis, providing a bridge between immediate intervention and long-term therapy.
• Veteran Crisis Counselor: Address the immediate needs of veterans who may be dealing with PTSD, suicidal thoughts, or other acute mental health challenges.
• Consultant for Crisis Preparedness: Work with schools, businesses, and other organizations to develop crisis response and preparedness plans.
• Researcher: Engage in studies focused on the effects of trauma, effective crisis interventions, and the psychological impacts of disasters.
• Educator: Teach courses on crisis intervention, trauma response, and disaster mental health in colleges, universities, or training institutions.
• Postvention Services: Working with communities or groups after a traumatic event, such as a school shooting, to facilitate healing and prevent further trauma.

Integrated Care Counseling: With an emphasis on holistic care, counselors are increasingly collaborating with healthcare professionals. Training in integrated or collaborative care can help counselors work effectively within broader healthcare teams (Blount, 2015).

• Primary Care Mental Health Counselor: Work directly within primary care settings, offering immediate counseling services to patients being seen for medical issues, as emotions and physical health often intersect.
• Behavioral Health Consultant: Collaborate with primary care physicians, providing expertise on how behavioral factors may be influencing or exacerbating physical health issues.
• Health focused-counselor: Focus on how psychological factors can influence physical health and vice-versa. Provide therapy and devise interventions to improve overall patient well-being.
• Substance Use Disorder Specialist: Collaborate in healthcare settings to address substance abuse which might be exacerbating or causing health issues.
• Child Integrated Care Counselor: Specialize in pediatric settings, addressing both the emotional and physical health needs of children and adolescents.
• Chronic Illness Counselor: Provide support to individuals dealing with chronic physical conditions, addressing the psychological implications of long-term illness.
• Counselor in Rehabilitation Centers: Work with patients recovering from surgeries, accidents, or other physical health events, addressing both their mental and physical rehabilitation needs.
• Palliative Care Counselor: Offer emotional support and counseling to patients and families facing terminal illnesses.
• Hospital-Based Counselor: Work directly in hospitals, collaborating with medical teams to address the emotional and psychological needs of inpatients.
• Integrated Care Program Developer: Design, implement, and manage programs that integrate mental health care into primary or specialty care settings.
• Elderly Care Specialist: Work in geriatric care settings, understanding the intersection of age-related physical and emotional challenges.
• Nutritional Counseling Collaboration: Work alongside nutritionists or dietitians, understanding the link between mental health and nutrition.
• Pain Management Counseling: Collaborate with medical professionals to help patients manage chronic pain through psychological strategies.
• Researcher: Engage in research projects aiming to improve and expand integrated care models, understanding best practices and outcomes.
• Educator/Trainer: Teach the next generation of healthcare professionals about the importance of integrated care, and train current professionals on its implementation.
• Consultant: Advise healthcare facilities or organizations on best practices for integrated care and assist in implementing effective models.

By pursuing additional training in these areas, counselors can better serve their clients and address emerging and pressing needs within their communities.

References

American Psychological Association [APA]. (2012). Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. American Psychologist, 67(1), 10–42.

Blount, A. (Ed.). (2015). Integrated primary care: The future of medical and mental health collaboration. W.W. Norton & Company.

Everly, G. S., & Lating, J. M. (2013). A clinical guide to the treatment of the human stress response. Springer.

Field, T., Beeson, E. T., & Jones, L. (2015). The new ABCs: A practitioner’s guide to neuroscience-informed cognitive-behavior therapy. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 37(3), 206–220.

Glueckauf, R. L., Maheu, M. M., Drude, K. P., Wells, B. A., Wang, Y., Gustafson, D. J., & Nelson, E. L. (2018). Survey of psychologists’ telebehavioral health practices: Technology use, ethical issues, and training needs. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 49(3), 205–219.

Knight, B. G. (2004). Psychotherapy with older adults. Sage Publications.

Mash, E. J., & Barkley, R. A. (Eds.). (2013). Child psychopathology. Guilford Publications.

National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA]. (2020). Trends & Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14–4884.

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2012). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.

Tanielian, T., & Jaycox, L. H. (2008). Invisible wounds of war: Psychological and cognitive injuries, their consequences, and services to assist recovery. Rand Corporation.