Make a Difference: 5 Careers With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology

Psychology, the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, is an academic discipline of enormous scope. There are many types of psychology — social, clinical, behavioral, forensic, cognitive, organizational, developmental — to name a few. 

But, we’re here to talk about one of the largest specialty areas of psychology: counseling psychology.

A master’s degree in counseling psychology is a respected academic degree that prepares future mental health professionals to help individual or group clients to develop healthy habits, cope with mental health challenges and maintain overall mental wellness.

Let’s explore some of the most impactful and sought-after careers you can get with a master’s in counseling psychology.

Counseling psychology definition

Counseling psychology is a subfield within the larger field of psychology that focuses on improving personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan. 

According to the Society of Counseling Psychology, the practice of counseling psychology “helps people improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises and increase their ability to function better in their lives.”

Counseling psychologists are also trained to address natural developmental issues in patients as well as emergent mental health challenges related to physical, emotional, behavioral and mental disorders.

In short, counseling psychology is a mission-focused, complex career that prepares mental health professionals to improve the lives of others in diverse work environments and settings.

Counseling psychology jobs you can get with a master's degree

Graduates of a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program are uniquely qualified to treat clients in diverse settings. Here are just a select few of the many careers in psychology that counseling professionals should consider.

• Marriage and family therapist — Family units of all sizes face unique relationship challenges. Marriage and family therapists are trained to specifically address interpersonal issues that occur in individuals, couples and families. They assess, diagnose and treat mental issues and/or psychological challenges within the context of marriage and family systems.

• Organizational counselor — There are many things that affect how a workplace environment operates, but how the people perform and communicate is one of the most important factors. Organizational counselors focus on the behavior of employees in the workplace, providing psychological principles that improve communication, satisfaction and safety.

• Residential counselor — Individuals and groups living in structured environments like shelters, rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities need support and care. Residential counselors are tasked with helping their clients by assisting with personal care, providing community resources and advocating for safety and wellness. 

• Social psychologist — The way in which people perceive themselves in relation to the rest of the world influences behavior and beliefs. Social psychologists seek to understand how individuals form biases or attitudes toward others, and they are tasked with researching how psychology can improve interpersonal interactions and relationships.

• School counselor — A vital role within academic institutions, a school counselor works to improve student success. They seek to maximize student achievements by helping students to manage emotions and develop healthy habits related to interpersonal relationships and learning.

An inside look at a respected Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

At Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, the skills and tools you will learn in our Master of Science in Counseling Psychology will prepare you to secure a meaningful career in diverse work environments.

With our MS in Counseling Psychology, you can choose from three program completion options:

• MS in Counseling Psychology (No Licensure Preparation)

• MS in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT Licensure Preparation)

• MS in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy with ¡Enlaces! Certificate (MFT Licensure Preparation)

Our MS in Counseling Psychology is also ideal for current professionals — you will experience a flexible learning environment with other motivated students who want to make an impact working with individuals, families, schools and community agencies.

Start your success story with an MS in Counseling Psychology at Mount Saint Mary's University

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, we are committed to preparing the next generation of phenomenal psychologists who can work to better understand human behavior and improve the quality of life for their clients.

By fostering a community of motivated, empowered students and by employing expert psychology professionals who have on-the-ground experience, our MS in Counseling Psychology students graduate ready to improve lives through psychological practice.

So, if you are ready to start your success story at the Mount, we encourage you to connect with us. You can request more information, schedule an appointment or even start your online application.