Counseling Tracks
To decide which track is right for you, think about where, with whom, and how you wish to work. Below are brief descriptions of each track. In addition, the track title is linked to the relevant NEIU departmental page.
Mental Health Counselors: Earn an LPC license and work towards LCPC licensure in Illinois. May find work in agencies, private practices, or hospitals; and can choose to support those with a range of mental health needs. Most likely to provide individual counseling and occasionally work with families, especially if counseling youth.
Sample mental health job postings
School Counselors: Earn a PEL license with school counselor endorsement. May find work in public or private schools supporting elementary, middle, or high school students. In some schools, school counselors focus on student academic advising and planning, referring out for mental health counseling. School Counselors are encouraged to also apply for state LPC licensure to broaden opportunities.
Sample school job postings
Couple & Family Counselors: Earn an AMFT license and work towards LMFT licensure. May find work in agencies, private-practice, or hospital settings providing mental health support for couples and families. Family Counselors are encouraged to also apply for state LPC licensure to broaden opportunities.
Sample family job postings
Rehabilitation Counselors: Earn CRCC certification from CORE, and support the personal, educational, and vocational development of individuals with disabilities. May find work in veterans affairs, social security, and rehabilitation agencies. Rehabilitation Counselors are encouraged to also apply for state LPC licensure to broaden opportunities.
Sample rehabilitation job postings
Mental Health Counselors: Earn an LPC license and work towards LCPC licensure in Illinois. May find work in agencies, private practices, or hospitals; and can choose to support those with a range of mental health needs. Most likely to provide individual counseling and occasionally work with families, especially if counseling youth.
Sample mental health job postings
School Counselors: Earn a PEL license with school counselor endorsement. May find work in public or private schools supporting elementary, middle, or high school students. In some schools, school counselors focus on student academic advising and planning, referring out for mental health counseling. School Counselors are encouraged to also apply for state LPC licensure to broaden opportunities.
Sample school job postings
Couple & Family Counselors: Earn an AMFT license and work towards LMFT licensure. May find work in agencies, private-practice, or hospital settings providing mental health support for couples and families. Family Counselors are encouraged to also apply for state LPC licensure to broaden opportunities.
Sample family job postings
Rehabilitation Counselors: Earn CRCC certification from CORE, and support the personal, educational, and vocational development of individuals with disabilities. May find work in veterans affairs, social security, and rehabilitation agencies. Rehabilitation Counselors are encouraged to also apply for state LPC licensure to broaden opportunities.
Sample rehabilitation job postings