What would you like to do with your online Doctor of Counseling degree? You will have many options available to you, but what are you passionate about? Is there a certain category of counseling you would like to specialize in? Do you enjoy working with children? The elderly? Or, perhaps, Christian counseling is your preference. Would you like to conduct research or teach at the university level? Whichever you prefer, just make sure that you are truly passionate about it as you work to help change the lives of others in a positive way.
With a passion to assist others in their times of need, money is not always the most important concern when considering a career in counseling. But, as we are all responsible for our family’s well-being and meeting the monthly budget requirements, money is always a consideration, as it should be. In general, the counselor’s salary can range from $50,000 to upwards of $75,000 per year. A professor’s salary can range from between $76,000 to $170,00 or more each year. Of course, there are many factors to consider. Salaries often depend on your educational degree, area of specialization, as well as, the years of experience you have or your job’s geographical location.
One of the most important careers in counseling deals primarily with young children and teens. A Child Abuse Counselor helps those that have been affected by physical or mental abuse. They assess a child’s symptoms and determine a treatment plan to help the child deal with the situation. A Couples Counselor has the similar approach to marriage or family-related issues. Grief Counselors work with those dealing with the loss of a loved one or perhaps are victims of crimes or have endured catastrophic losses through natural disasters. Other types of counseling include Spiritual Counseling, as well as, Substance Abuse Counseling.
If you are a budding entrepreneur, perhaps you would like to have your own Clinical Therapist practice. Although this type of business may take a while to get off the ground, with an online Doctor of Counseling degree, you can expect a salary that will begin, quite possibly, at around $75,000 per year, however, as your excellent reputation is rewarded with an increased workload and new clients, so will your salary. Established Clinical Therapists with a thriving practice can earn $150,000 or more annually. As a Clinical Therapist, one can expect to work closely with patients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, thoughts of suicide or battling drug or alcohol addiction.
Perhaps the most lucrative position in counseling is that of the Psychiatrist. In this capacity, you can expect a salary ranging from between $125,570 to upwards of $212,500 annually. Psychiatrists are considered to be medical doctors. They are responsible for assessing the patient, making an informed diagnosis, as well as, prescribing medication or therapy as a treatment plan. However, in a psychiatric position, additional education will be required. Typically, it can take you up to twelve years to complete your doctoral program, attend medical school and complete a residency. Is it worth it? You bet… Psychiatry provides an immeasurable amount of help and stability for many people, often saving lives.
If you are interested in this field, please see our choices for the Best Online Schools for Doctor of Counseling degree programs.
