Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs

Online counseling PhD degree programs lead to careers in counseling psychology, teaching in higher education, research and more.

An online PhD in counseling psychology prepares gradates to apply developmental, psychological, and mental health principles to effect cognitive, affective, behavioral, and systemic change. These counseling psychology skills are used in many settings for example colleges and universities, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, juvenile centers, social work settings, mental health centers, and private practice. While specializations do vary, many counseling careers deal with helping patients and clients in dealing with depression anxiety, mental health and mental disorders, emotional disorders, relationship issues, marriage and family difficulties, substance abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, career changes, job stress, athletic pressures, aging issues, family loss, depression, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, adolescent issues, career decisions, college applications.

Selected Online Counseling PhD Programs

Capella University - Online

• PhD - Counseling Studies

Walden University

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

Liberty University

• PhD in Counseling - Pastoral Counseling
• PhD in Counseling - Professional Counseling

University of the Rockies

• Doctor of Psychology - Executive Coaching Specialization
• Doctor of Psychology - Health and Wellness Psychology Specialization
• Doctor of Psychology - Mental Health Administration

Search for Online Counseling Psychology Degrees

Counseling Education and Training

A PhD in Counseling can take anywhere from four to eight years to complete, past the masters degree level. This depends on whether one is pursing the degree on a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, PhD candidates are required to write an original dissertation. Doctoral degrees in counseling and psychology are very specialized. PhD candidates can focus on areas such as counseling psychology, clinical psychology, and counselor education.

In most cases, online counseling PhD programs, counseling psychology degrees, and clinical psychology degree programs are listed as PhD degree programs or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree programs. On the other hand, counselor education programs are offered as Doctor of Education (Ed.D) or Ph.D. programs. These categorizations depend on the specific university or degree program. As with most doctoral programs, research and a dissertation is required.

Counseling Courses

The difference between Ph.D. and Psy.D. degree programs is based on how much research the doctoral degree candidates are required to engage in. In either case, conducting research is a very important component of the degree program. In addition, most states have requirements for counseling certification or licensure programs.

Counseling and psychology courses in an online counseling PhD might include: Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Theory and Practice, Mental Health Counseling, Psychopharmacology, Assessment, Psychological testing, Interventions, Psychology Measurement and Tests, Theories of Personality to mention a few.

Careers in Counseling

An online PhD in counseling leads to specializations in various areas that include:

• Community Counseling
• College Student Development
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• School Counseling
• Clinical Counseling
• Christian Counseling
• Professional School Counseling
• Multi-Cultural Counseling
• Psychological Assessment
• Educational Assessment
• Psychometric Assessment

An online doctorate in counseling also prepares professionals for non-clinical positions in the field of psychology counseling. Some career options are:

• Administration
• College and University Teaching
• Advocacy
• Case Management
• Community Relations
• Counseling
• Mental Health Services
• Social Work

There are many areas with a need for counselors and counseling psychologists. These areas include health and human services, research facilities, hospitals, colleges and schools, rehabilitation centers, private practice, etc.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

In the United States, the income for varies depending on various factors, for example whether one has completed either a campus or online counseling PhD. Entry-level positions for psychologists with a PhD is about $50,000 annually, and over time goes up to over $100,000. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the following median annual wages of for May 2008.

• Educational, vocational, and school counselors - $51,050 with the middle 50% earning $38,740 and $65,360; the lowest 10% earning less than $29,360, and the highest 10% earning over $82,330.
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors - $37,030 with the middle 50% earning between $29,410 and $47,290. The lowest 10% earning less than $24,240, and the highest 10% earning more than $59,460.
• Mental health counselors - $36,810 with the middle 50% earning between $28,930 and $48,580. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,580, and the highest 10% earning more than $63,100.
• Rehabilitation counselors - $30,930 with the middle 50% earning between $24,110 and $41,240.
• Marriage and family therapists - $44,590 with the middle 50% earning between $34,840 and $56,320, and the lowest 10% earning less than $27,810, and the highest 10% earning more than $70,830.

Employment of counselors is expected to increase by 18% between 2008 and 2018 as reported by the BLS. while employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to increase by 21%

Online counseling PhD program and online psychology PhD degrees