Abstract
[Excerpt] This book provides an overview of the Counseling profession and serves as a guide for prospective students who may be interested in applying to graduate programs in Counseling. The book helps readers understand how Counseling differs from other mental health disciplines and addresses personal and practical factors that should be considered when making the decision to pursue a graduate degree in Counseling to ensure a good fit. The book provides guidance about how to select and apply to graduate programs once the decision is made. This book offers vital information relative to types of universities such as private, public, and faith-based; types of graduate programs and delivery modalities; specialized practice areas in the Counseling profession; and the importance of accreditation when selecting a program. Additionally, readers will learn about the keys to success in Counseling graduate programs, the significance of appropriate supervised pre-service field placements and experiences, and essential information about obtaining licensure and/or certification after graduation; credential portability; and employment opportunities after graduating. Supplemental resources provided include practical tools that can be used to verify program accreditation and assess programs using publicly available information; a model for navigating the application process, from preparing application materials to interviewing to considering an offer of admission to a program; and an annotated guide to national organizations in Counseling, including accrediting bodies, licensure and certification bodies, and professional membership associations.