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Pursue a Rewarding Career: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Counselor

Pursue a Rewarding Career: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Counselor

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If you’re passionate about helping others and considering a career in counseling, you’re on the path to a rewarding and impactful profession. At Advanced Behavior Health Inc. (ABH), we value dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

3 Steps to Become a Licensed Counselor

Here’s a comprehensive guide on becoming a licensed counselor, paving the way for a fulfilling career with ABH.

What Is a Licensed Counselor?

Licensed counselors help clients address specific problems or improve coping skills. They specialize in various areas, including:

Mental Health Counseling
Grief Counseling
Substance Use Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling
Career Counseling
College Counseling
Marriage and Family Counseling
Relationship Counselor
School Counseling

Licensed counselors must complete the required education, including national examination and supervised experience, and maintain a clean, professional record.

How to Become a Licensed Counselor

Each state has its requirements for becoming a licensed counselor. Here are the general steps you need to follow:

1. Earn an Accredited Graduate Degree in Counseling or a Related Field

The first step is to earn a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) from an accredited counseling program. This foundational education will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in counseling.

2. Complete Post-Graduate Supervised Experience

After earning your degree, you must complete supervised experience. States typically require 2,000-3,000 supervised hours (approximately 12-18 months). Some states may require you to apply for an associate license to perform supervised work. Check your state’s specific requirements for details.

3. Pass the National Counseling Examination

Next, you must pass a national counseling examination. The most common exams are the National Counseling Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Verify which exam your state requires.

Counselor Licensure

States have various titles and requirements for licensed counseling positions, including:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

To maintain licensure, you must complete continuing education (CE) hours regularly, usually every 2-3 years, and maintain a professional record free of disciplinary actions.

Licensure by Endorsement

If you move to a different state, many states offer licensure by endorsement, simplifying the process. Alternatively, states participating in the counseling compact recognize licenses from other compact states.

Why Choose a Career with Advanced Behavior Health Inc.?

At Advanced Behavior Health Inc., we are committed to serving the community’s complex mental health needs regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual identity, or disability. Our inclusive and supportive environment ensures that you can make a meaningful impact while growing professionally.

Hear from Our Clients

Our commitment to providing exceptional mental health services has transformed lives. Here’s what Nicholas, one of our clients, had to say:

“I had mental health issues, which made me struggle in life, both professionally and personally. The psychiatric service from ABH has been valuable in my journey. Did you know that my psychiatrist also helps manage my medication? Now, I feel that I can face this life pace at which I am with their help. To date, I am starting to feel more balanced and supported.”
—Nicholas

Start Your Journey Today

If you’re ready to pursue a rewarding career in counseling, Advanced Behavior Health Inc. is here to support you every step of the way. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a dedicated group of professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families.

Advanced Behavior Health Inc.
301-345-1022
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When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.