Online PhD in Counseling Programs

Online PhD in counseling programs offer students the theoretical and scientific underpinnings of psychology and the real-world practice of those techniques.

Doctorate degree in counseling programs focus more on academic research and the development of new clinical concepts to be used in careers that involve helping those dealing with depression, anxiety, mental health and disorders, emotional disorders, relationship issues, marriage and family problems, aging issues, family loss, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, career changes, job stress, athletic pressures, adolescent issues, career decisions and other stresses of life.

Programs tend to specialize in different fields of counseling, including pastoral counseling, school psychology, counseling psychology, interventional psychology and other areas of research.

Featured Online Colleges with Doctorate in Counseling Programs

Walden University

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision - Consultation
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision - Counseling and Social Change
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision - Forensic Mental Health Counseling
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision - Nonprofit Management and Leadership
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision - Trauma and Crisis
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision-General Program
• Ph.D. in Psychology - Counseling Psychology

Liberty University

• PhD in Counseling - Pastoral Care and Counseling
• PhD in Counseling - Professional Counseling

Argosy University

• Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology

Education and Training

Most online PhD programs in counseling place a heavy emphasis on understanding the effects of human development on psychological issues. Online PhD in counseling specializations includes counseling psychology, clinical psychology, pastoral counseling and counselor education. The impact of different environmental factors, including families, society and government policy are also examined. As learners continue their coursework, they will develop and defend a thesis on a specific problem related to their chosen specialty, such as the effects of after-school programs for youth for a student of child psychology. Depending on the state that you live in the USA, you may be required to have a counseling certificate in order to practice.

What can you do with a Ph.D in Counseling Degree?

There are a number of different career paths for those holding an online doctorate in counseling. Working in a clinical setting with patients is a possibility, whether in hospital-based programs or in private practice. Graduates of doctoral programs in counseling psychology may also remain in a university setting, teaching or performing research in the still growing fields. They may also work with government agencies to supervise the social workers and other interventionists with at-risk populations and devise programs to find best practices in these areas.

Career Growth for PhD in Counseling Psychology Graduates

The average salary of a psychiatrist is over $150,000 according to the latest government statistics. Compensation is generally lower for those who find work in government agencies, and higher for those engaged in research in psychology or those in specialized fields. Note that salaries for those holding a PhD in Counseling can approach $200,000 for those who work in senior living facilities. Growth is expected to be faster than average throughout the decade due to older practitioners retiring and the growing need for Ph.D. in counseling graduates in certain areas.

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