Careers in Mental Health Counseling
Hofstra’s MA in Mental Health Counseling will prepare you for a variety of career options, as well as professional licensure. Professional licensure titles and the processes for obtaining these credentials are determined by each state. In New York State, it is called Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Other common professional titles include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
You may work with youth, adults, or a geriatric population in a wide range of professional settings, including:
- community mental health centers
- wellness centers
- inpatient/outpatient facilities
- day programs (youth, adult, geriatric services)
- partial and intensive hospitalization programs
- public or private hospitals and healthcare settings
- hospice and palliative care
- trauma centers
- domestic violence, emergency, and homeless shelters
- residential treatment centers
- correctional facilities
- child and family service agencies
- employee assistance programs
- social service agencies
- private practice
- community churches and other places of worship
Careers in School Counseling
Hofstra’s MSED in School Counseling will provide you with the educational preparation to qualify for initial certification as a school counselor (K-12) in New York State. The MSEd curriculum is designed to provide students with a critical knowledge base comprised of six core content areas identified by the New York State Education Department in compliance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, which oversees programs leading to certification as a school counselor. A school counselor (K-12) is involved in academic and college advisement, promoting wellness and self-esteem, character education, conflict resolution, social skills, career guidance, and much more. School counselors work with students, teachers, parents, and administrators in public or private elementary, middle, and high schools.
Careers in Substance Abuse Counseling
Substance Abuse Counselors work with individuals, families, and groups in various settings focusing on mental health, substance abuse, and alcohol and drug counseling. Settings include those of a mental health counselor, as well as schools, colleges, and universities.