Insurance companies are increasingly allowing for reimbursement of counselors, enabling many counselors to move from government agencies to private practice. The number of people who need rehabilitation services will rise as advanced in medical technology continue to save lives that only a few years ago would have been lost. Employment of rehabilitation and employment counselors, who work primarily for State and local governments, is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations. The number of private counselors in private practice is expected to grow faster than those not in private practice. Salaries were lowest in the Southeast and highest in the Far West.
Some school counselors earn additional income working summers in the school system or in other jobs.
Wage and salary earnings of rehabilitation, mental health, and employment counselors are usually somewhat lower than those of school counselors. Self-employed counselors who have established practices have the highest earnings. Related Occupations Counselors help people evaluate their interests, abilities, and disabilities, and deal with personal, social, academic, and career problems. 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. State departments of education can supply information on colleges and universities that offer approved guidance and counseling training for State certification and licensure requirements.