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What are the Different Specializations in Counseling?

Quick Highlights:

  • Counseling is a field which offers many different areas of specialization.
  • Some specializations require advanced degrees (master’s or doctoral) and specific coursework related to the chosen field.
  • Specializations may require a specific license which vary by state and require meeting set educational and practicum hours.
  • Consider the job outlook and potential earnings for each specialization, as some areas like substance abuse counseling are expected to grow significantly.

Table of contents

Last updated: March 18, 2025

If you are planning on going back to school, it’s important to research different types of counseling degrees before you enroll in a program. For example, you may want to pursue mental health counseling specialties, like a substance abuse counseling degree. 

These counseling specializations have additional coursework, so you can learn about specific types of counseling. Depending on your state and specialty, different degree types may lead to a unique type of counseling license. There is a growing demand for specialized counselors, so take some time to find a specialization based on your own interests and career goals. Whether you want to pursue school counseling careers or jobs in family counseling, there are many options you can choose from. 

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Overview of Counseling Specializations 

Counseling specializations are specific types of counseling degrees. They basically allow you to have a narrower focus. Normally, people pick these specializations because they want to pursue set counseling career paths. 

These kinds of counseling degree options are only available during a master’s degree or doctoral degree. In general, you won’t be able to specialize in different types of counseling degrees until you have completed at least a bachelor’s degree. If you are unsure about choosing a counseling specialization, you can always apply for general graduate counseling programs and not worry about specializing in a specific subtopic. 

Key Specializations in Counseling 

Each school is different, so you will likely find a range of mental health counseling specialties. However, only some of these counseling fields are recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, the CACREP has specific course requirements for different types of counseling specializations to get certified. 

School Counseling 

In school counseling careers, you can help students develop their academic skills. These counselors work in a school environment, such as an elementary school, high school, or college. Depending on where they work, they may serve primarily as academic counselors or therapeutic counselors. 

For example, school counselors in an elementary school may create individualized education plans for students who are having trouble in school. In a high school setting, school counselors may support students as they decide on the next step in their academic career. 

Mental Health Counseling 

When people hear someone discussing counseling fields, they often think about mental health counseling specialties. With clinical counseling tracks, you can work with people who have different mental and emotional disorders. You can help clients improve their mental well-being through diagnosing and treating the problem. Often, you will work with other health professionals, like doctors, to treat mental disorders. 

Once you are hired in mental health counseling specialties, you will typically work in a treatment center or community-based mental health center. Sometimes, mental health counselors start their own private practices or work in hospitals. In the United States, a mental health counselor earns a median salary of $55,960 per year according to US News. 

Substance Abuse Counseling 

Another one of the most popular counseling specializations is a substance abuse counseling degree. In addiction counseling programs, you will work with clients who suffer from substance use disorders. Some of your clients may even be getting court-ordered treatment after having legal difficulties because of their addiction. 

With addiction counseling programs, you can work in a variety of different settings. Many of these counselors are hired by hospitals or addiction treatment centers. You may also work in health clinics. Once you have a substance abuse counseling degree, you may provide group or individual therapy to your patients. Because addictions have such a high relapse rate, this can be an incredibly challenging and rewarding field to work in. 

Marriage and Family Therapy 

Marriage and family therapy programs are another type of counseling you can specialize in. Graduates of these programs work with couples and families about problems related to marriage and families. For example, they may help people with eating disorders, relationship issues, mental illnesses, and communication problems. 

If you work as a marriage and family therapist, you may be employed in a community mental health center or social service agency. You could also be hired in a private practice or inpatient facility. 

Career Counseling 

Once you receive a career counseling certification, you can work in many different environments. For example, you may be employed in a career resource center in the community or at your local university. Career counselors often work in private practice and employee assistance programs. 

As a career counselor, your job is to help clients make important decisions about their career path. You may help them look at t