It’s also important to keep in mind that your client base will not always be consistent. Check your state’s website for additional information about continuing education requirements. Stop guessing. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of rehabilitation counselors are as follows: Many more qualified rehabilitation counselors are needed now and in the foreseeable future. When considering location, don’t forget to factor in the cost of living. Which alumni earn the most after graduation? Our blog is authored by Dr. Barbara LoFrisco, a Tampa, FL-based licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, and certified sex therapist. After a few years of working as a counselor, taking additional courses or attending a seminar can help improve your practice and possibly expand it to other services. Behavioral science majors work in careers that are focused on human service and mental health care. For example, notice in the graph below the areas of the country that employ the most substance abuse and behavioral health counselors: According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in this occupation include: Gaining experience is an important step in the process of exploring your career options. Master of Public Health (MPH), Behavioral Science. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of marriage and family therapists are as follows: Some marriage and family therapists open their own practices after establishing successful relationships with clients. Different parts of the country need more counselors than others, based on population, crime statistics, funding, community resources, and other factors. Substance abuse and behavioral health counselors is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026. Graduates can also find employment in a new field of counseling that provides clinical services over the Internet called online counseling or virtual therapy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has stated that a psychiatric aide earns a median salary of $26,710 per year. Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) Meanwhile, due to the tremendous demand for professionals in the entire health industry, the field of health psychology has already started to subdivide into different concentrations. 2,409 Master Level Behavioral Health Counselor jobs available on Indeed.com. You’ll likely find in your research that counselors and therapists are terms often used interchangeably. Additionally, more schools now hire counselors to address not only academic and vocational goals, but behavioral disorders as well. These include marriage and family therapy, school counseling, substance abuse, trauma, and many others. Below you’ll find salary statistics for the most common types of counselors and/or therapists, including information on salary outlook and other important data. And the more knowledge you have, the better you’ll be at counseling others. About Masters In Counseling & Dr. Barbara LoFrisco. Make sure to research the licensing requirements for counseling jobs in your state as each state has different practicing laws. Your credentials, however, are determined by the graduate counseling program. Most of the counseling career paths require you to complete a 4-year degree in a behavioral health studies, or a related health field, and most require a master's degree.Job opportunities include becoming a mental health counselor, behavioral disorder counselor or rehabilitation counselor. The field of human services is incredibly wide and varied, as well as being very rewarding, both personally and financially. The cost of living in larger cities, such as New York or Chicago, is much higher than it is in smaller cities or towns. Average Salary For Substance Abuse And Behavioral Health Counselors. Job opportunities include becoming a mental health counselor, behavioral disorder counselor or rehabilitation counselor. After earning a master's degree in behavioral science, students typically work in government, community service … BLS states that the median salary for environmental health scientists is $61,700 per year. Below you’ll find a comprehensive overview of salary data for counselors in today’s job market. It may be helpful to talk to a fellow clinician in private practice to learn more about the pros and cons. If you hold a master's in human services (MHS) degree, then a fascinating career awaits you. This demonstrates the added value a master’s degree can offer. The top 10% earn more than $100,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides up-to-date salary data for many professions, including counselors. These requirements are set forth by your state counseling board. Counselors work in a variety of settings, depending on the services provided and the client populations. A free inside look at Community Behavioral Health salary trends based on 40 salaries wages for 24 jobs at Community Behavioral Health. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of educational, vocational, and school counselors are as follows: Demand for career counseling is projected to increase. This is in stark contrast to behavioral disorder counselors, who earn a median annual salary of $40,920. As you start to research degree programs, you’ll learn about the many of areas of specialization. Salary varies by employer and size of their clinic. These centers are designed to help students transition into the workforce after graduation. Search 225+ schools that offer Masters in Counseling programs. $94k. How Does Area Of Specialization Affect Salary? Copyright 2018 by MastersInCounseling.org. Make sure to read job descriptions carefully to see if you also qualify to work as a behavioral disorder counselor. Overhead: Some of the expenses needed to operate a private practice include: office space; the cost of utilities and furnishings, office supplies, additional staff, if necessary, and the price of medical, dental, and liability insurance. Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth. Volunteering at different organizations on the weekends or shadowing a counselor will help you gain hands-on experience and a possible foot in the door. However, there are some costs to consider before opening your own practice: Licensing Fees: Before you open your practice, you’ll need to research the laws in your state. The formula for a winning company culture. Earning potential is determined by a variety of factors, and it’s important to know may affect your salary. As population numbers rise, the demand for qualified counselors continues to grow. Master of Science (MS), Applied Behavior Analysis - Salary - Get a free salary comparison based on job title, skills, experience and education. Salary estimates are based on 2,622 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Behavioral Health employees. The mean annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $36,070 as of May 2018, according to the BLS. These factors typically include: Larger employers may offer more competitive salaries for counselors than smaller, non-profit social organizations. Master of Science (MS), Mental Health Counseling - Salary - Get a free salary comparison based on job title, skills, experience and education. Counselors in private practice can earn significantly more depending on number of patients and hourly rate. This page explores the types of master's degrees in healthcare, the responsibilities of healthcare occupations, educational requirements, and associated salary information. Salary is also determined by your level of education. Click here to see more Counseling degrees... Research your Masters in Counseling program options with our database of over 225 schools. According to PayScale.com, the online compensation site, the 2017 median salary for this position was $59,200. (In some cases, counselors pursue various private practice options.) Counselors can then charge clients an hourly rate without contractual constraints. In order to generate business, you’ll need to put forth money towards marketing efforts Career counselors will be needed to help students at on onsite career. A 29 percent job growth is expected from 2016 to 2026 due to an increased need for relationship counseling services. If you’re interested in opening your own practice, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Behavioral science can help you gain an understanding of people's behaviors through courses in social sciences such as sociology, psychology and political science. You might want to consider joining a professional organization or two. That’s why it’s important to know the facts. Do you want to work in a hospital or perhaps a shelter or women’s center? For example, are there specific clients that interest you? Counselors are needed to provide services in a number of different areas, including education, veteran services, substance abuse, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation, just to name a few. $46k. What Is The Earning Potential For Counselors In Private Practice? With bonuses, social security, pensions, insurance, and time off included, it's estimated that behavioral health directors earn $148,883 on average annually. However, private practices may have insurance fees that can be high, depending on where you live and the population you serve. This may lead to question whether therapists and counselors earn similar pay. For those who choose the research path, they can use their skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, and health sciences to further research being done in the field. Accurate, reliable salary … For counselors, this means professional growth and advancement opportunities. Indeed.com reports that the average salary for environmental health scientists is … Search by subject, tuition, campus or online to find a Masters in Counseling degree that fits your needs. Fluctuating income can be challenging for counselors who have other expenses. Salary varies by employer and size of their clinic. You’ll also find salary data for the most common areas of speciality in the counseling profession. If you considering opening your own practice in a city with a higher cost of living, make sure you have the resources to do so. The more experience you have, the more knowledge you have. Those who hold a masters in health psychology, however, earn a median salary of $72,540, nearly three times as much. Your education level can have an enormous impact on your earning potential. This is largely due to an aging population and the need for elderly care. Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Nursing with a specialty in Mental Health. Location also plays an important part in licensing, continuing education, and insurance requirements, should you open your own practice. Rehabilitation counselors can also play a consultant role by working with healthcare professionals to optimize patient therapy. Pay ranges for people with a Master of Public Health (MPH), Behavioral Science degree by employer. With a master’s degree in counseling, you can expect long-term career prospects with opportunities to advance your degree, your scope of practice, and your professional fulfillment. Apply to Mental Health Technician, Liaison, Program Manager and more! Continuing education opportunities are also great ways to expand your scope of practice. (If you’re moving into private practice, you might already have additional certifications and memberships from previous place(s) of employment. Apply to Clinician, Practice Manager, Behavioral Therapist and more! According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of substance abuse counselors are as follows: Keep in mind that private practices also employ substance abuse and behavioral health counselors. The national average salary for a Behavioral Health Clinician is $49,450 in United States. One of the main opportunities includes counseling services. One of the many benefits of working as a counselor is the variety of specializations from which to choose. Improve your chances of receiving a raise when you ask. Marriage and family therapists are on the high end of wages in the counseling field. Master's-level programs expand on this material and may explore behavioral health research topics. Each state also has its own continuing education requirements. The table below details the five U.S. cities in … Job. In fact, the highest 10 percent in this field earned more than $70,830. Salary and career advice to put you a step ahead. Subjects that focus on leadership, high-level administration, advanced research and academic positions are often covered in doctoral programs. While most teachers at 4-year colleges and universities have a Ph.D., teaching opportunities may be available for master's-degree holders at community colleges. By becoming a member of these associations, there’s a chance you’ll connect with more potential clients. Our list of accredited schools will set you on the right path towards a rewarding career in the counseling profession. What Other Factors Affect Earning Potential? This role requires specific training to treat clients with drug and/or alcohol addiction. Substance abuse counselors often have a wide range of possible employment opportunities. Employment Outlook and Salary Info. Each state has it’s own counseling board. However, with more experience comes a higher hourly rate. $35k. This may allow you to see fewer clients, while still supporting your own business. That said, obtaining this degree requires a considerable investment of both time and money. Program Coordinator, Non-Profit Organization. Rehabilitation counselors work in a diversity of settings, including vocational, medical, psychiatric centers, and correctional institutions. What Is The Average Salary For Counselors? The average salary for counselors varies depending on your area of specialization, where you live, and the type of practice you work choose. Counselors and therapists are BOTH trained clinicians that provide a variety of support services for various challenges. The job outlook in the field is positive, with a 19% increase in jobs expected by 2020. The average Behavioral Health Director salary in the United States is $125,016 as of November 25, 2020, but the range typically falls between $105,339 and $143,718. A: Master's degrees can take up to 2 years to complete, but additional experience is required. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of substance abuse counselors are as follows: Keep in mind that private practices also employ substance abuse and behavioral health counselors. Before you decide on an area of specialty, trying on different “hats” in the counseling field will help determine what kind of work environment, and patient population, is right for you. The more clients you have, the more money you’ll likely make. In order to best determine your earning potential, you must first decide on an area of specialty. When looking for employment or an internship, research the following facilities to learn more about their therapy services and programs: A master’s degree in counseling is often a requirement for many types of counseling jobs. This is equivalent to a mean hourly wage of $52 or weekly income of $2,074. How the salary history question affects pay equity. Apply to Behavioral Specialist, Health Advocate, Practice Manager and more! Jobs for educational, school, and vocational counselors are predicted to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026. You might want to consider pursuing a PhD or a PsyD, if continuing your studies is an option. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of mental health counselors are as follows: Mental health counselors are also known by other titles since they are trained in rehabilitation and prevention. Master's in Behavioral Psychology Salary Salaries vary by employer, position, and geographic location. A Satisfying Career Path It should be noted that compensation levels for ABA-based positions can fluctuate depending on different factors such as years of experience, education, and the local demand for the position. Apply to Behavioral Therapist, Clinician, Chief Operating Officer and more! In order to help you find salary statistics, we’ve listed a few of the most popular areas of specialization in the following sections, along with other useful information about your earning potential. Master of Science (MS), Behavioral Science - Salary - Get a free salary comparison based on job title, skills, experience and education. 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