Career News: Arizona Counselors
Career News September 1, 2013The job outlook for those working in the field of counseling in Arizona is expected to grow by at least twenty percent from the year 2010 through 2020. Keeping this in mind, choosing to enter this field is a great choice to make. When working in Arizona as a counselor, there are certain places of employment that a person will be likely to carry out counseling services. Family services centers tend to employ the largest number of counselors; however, hospitals, substance abuse centers, nursing homes and offices of mental health practitioners are also great places to look for work.
Salary Levels (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The amount of money that a person will make in Arizona working as a counselor depends on the type of counseling being carried out. For the most part, however, the following annual salary levels apply:
•Family service counselor: $35,000
•Rehabilitation counselor: $44,000
•Senior residential counselor: $21,000
•Vocational rehab counselor: $35,000
•Pashto Dari counselor: $194,000
•School counselor: $43,000
•Career counselor: $36,000
•Life insurance sales counselor: $27,000
•Guidance counselor: $52,000
Number of People Employed as Counselors in Arizona
•Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: 1,630
•Educational, school, vocational and guidance counselor: 4,360
•Mental health counselors: 1,830
•Marriage and family counselors: 290
•Rehabilitation counselors: 1,350
•All other counselors: 200
Becoming a Counselor in Arizona
To become a counselor in Arizona, you first need to decide the type of counseling that you want to provide. For example, a marriage counselor will need to go through different training than that of a substance abuse counselor. Thankfully, there are many schools located in Arizona that offer a wide range of counseling programs. After earning a degree, whether it is an associate, bachelor or master degree, you will need to obtain the appropriate licensure. To do this, visit the Arizona Board of Health Examiners webpage. If you are becoming a rehabilitation counselor, you will need to take and pass an exam through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Furthermore, all counselors need to complete an exam given by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
