What does a counselor do?

Counselors aid people with social, educational, personal, or medical problems. They help individuals and groups work with many issues, including mental health, school, college, career, employment, rehabilitation, aging, substance abuse, and marriage and family conflicts. A variety of specialties are available within this field, including school and career counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, mental health counseling, and genetic counseling.

What might a counselor do in a workday?

  • help individuals deal with problems such as addiction and substance abuse, family conflicts, suicidal feelings, stress, self-esteem, aging, and job or school concerns.
  • use interviews and observations to determine problem areas and the focus for counseling.
  • conduct personality, aptitude, achievement, and psychological tests.
  • formulate treatment plans and link clients with professional/community resources.
  • conduct workshops in special subjects, such as assertiveness, career development, interpersonal relationships, stress management, coping skills, and illness.
  • maintain records of tests and counseling sessions.
  • teach counselor education classes at universities and colleges.
  • conduct research and report results in professional journals.
  • work with other mental health specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers).

Developing a career as a counselor?

Counselors work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, health care facilities, job training and vocational rehabilitation centers, correctional institutions, residential care facilities, schools, public assistance agencies, and substance abuse facilities. Many are employed in private practice and by health maintenance organizations and group practices.

How much does a counselor earn?

  • $28,000 - $55,000

How do I become a counselor?

Students interested in becoming counselors should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, English, and psychology, including advanced placement courses.

Counselors must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. To move beyond entry level, postgraduate training is usually necessary. Some fields require a master’s degree and licensure or certification by taking a national exam. Contact the National Board for Certified Counselors for the most recent requirements. In Virginia, licensed professional counselors also must pass a written examination and have two years of postgraduate, full-time supervised experience.

Where else can I learn about becoming a counselor?

Virginia Counselors Association
316 Hodges Cove Road / Yorktown, VA  23692
tel: 800-225-8103 or 757-766-5466  /  web: http://www.vcacounselors.org

What are the state licensure requirements for counselors?

A license is required to practice counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling.

Virginia Board of Counseling
Perimeter Center / 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA  23233-1463
tel:  804-367-4610

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Psychology:

What does a genetic counselor do?

Genetic counselors provide information and support to those who have birth defects or genetic (inherited) disorders, or who are at risk for such conditions. Genetic counselors may conduct research on the cause or treatment of disorders, or they may work to help families and individuals cope with the condition.

What might a genetic counselor do in a workday?

  • explain the likelihood that other family members will experience the same disorder.
  • help individuals and families choose the best course of action, given the level of risk, family goals, and ethical or religious values.
  • evaluate family medical histories to determine the role of heredity.
  • help individuals and families learn the facts and understand how to manage the disorder.
  • perform research in the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.
  • educate and inform other health professionals and the general public.

Developing a career as a genetic counselor?

Genetic counselors seeking further education may specialize in molecular, biochemical, medical, population genetics, or psychology. They may specialize according to types of conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, cancer, or mental retardation. They often work for universities, at research centers and teaching hospitals, and private health care practices, while some are employed by public health organizations or government agencies with specific genetic health interests.

How much does a genetic counselor earn?

  • $36,000 - $110,000

How do I become a genetic counselor?

Students interested in becoming genetic counselors should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.

Genetic counselors have master’s degrees in genetic counseling and are nationally certified. The requirements for admission to master’s-level programs vary by school, but most applicants have undergraduate training in biology, chemistry, or behavioral sciences.

Recommended Activities: Many genetic counseling applicants volunteer with organizations that provide advice and services to individuals with physical, emotional, and/or developmental disabilities, or organizations that provide crisis intervention services.

Where else can I learn about becoming a genetic counselor?

American College of Medical Genetics
7220 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 300 / Bethesda, MD  20814
tel:  301-718-9603 / web: http://www.acmg.net

National Society of Genetic Counselors
401 N Michigan Ave / Chicago, IL  60611
tel:  312-321-6834 / web:  http://www.nsgc.org

American Board of Genetic Counseling
PO Box 14216 / Lenexa, KS  66285
tel:  913-895-4617 / web:  http://www.abgc.net

 

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Genetic Counseling:

What does a psychologist do?

Psychologists provide counseling and therapy to those suffering from emotional, learning, or behavioral problems. Psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, hospitals, private practice, colleges and universities, corporations, and government. They study behavior, cognitive functioning, and emotions to understand, compare, and explain people’s actions. There are clinical and counseling psychologists. Counseling psychologists study career development and also counsel people regarding career and educational choices. Educational and school psychologists do assessments to help diagnose problems school-aged children may have in regard to learning. There also are cognitive psychologists who study cognition and artificial intelligence.

What might a psychologist do in a workday?

  • diagnose and treat psychological problems.
  • collect data through interviews, case histories, and observation.
  • develop, select, administer, and interpret psychological tests, surveys and experiments.
  • counsel individuals, groups, and couples.
  • confer with parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and others.
  • follow up to determine the effectiveness of treatment.
  • conduct research.
  • develop and evaluate mental health programs.
  • consult with social, educational, medical, or other agencies.
  • write for professional and trade journals or other media.
  • teach in colleges and universities.
  • evaluate and consult with organizations.

Developing a career as a psychologist?

Clinical and counseling psychologists may specialize in teaching, research, therapy, counseling, rehabilitation, community health, physiology, and psychopharmacology. They may choose to concentrate their work on a specific age group or psychological problem.

  • Clinical psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat mentally and emotionally disturbed people and are concerned with preventing and treating mental and emotional disorders.
  • Educational psychologists design, develop, and evaluate techniques and materials to solve problems in education/training programs.
  • School psychologists work with average, gifted, and physically or mentally challenged students.
  • Psychometrists or quantitative psychologists develop and implement intelligence, aptitude, achievement, and other tests and analyze results.
  • Developmental psychologists investigate emotional, mental, physical, and social growth and development.
  • Social psychologists study human relationships to understand individual and group feeling, thought, and behavior.
  • Experimental psychologists plan, conduct, and analyze experiments in human and animal learning, thinking, motivation, and perception.
  • Industrial-organizational psychologists develop and apply psychological techniques to personnel administration, management, and marketing problems.

How much does a psychologist earn?

  • $45,000 - $70,000

How do I become a psychologist?

Students interested in becoming psychologists should prepare by taking challenging high school courses in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.

Licensed psychologists must have a doctorate in psychology from an accredited university with training in the area(s) of intended practice. Those who want to specialize in clinical services also must complete two years of supervised postdoctoral experience and one year of internship (or two years of part-time experience). Applicants must pass two written examinations as required by the certifying board. School psychologists must hold at least a master’s degree.

Where else can I learn about becoming a psychologist?

American Psychological Association, Society of Clinical Psychology
750 First St. N.E. / Washington, DC 20002-4242
tel: (800) 374-2721 / web: www.apa.org

American Academy of Clinical Psychology
P. O. Box 700341 / San Antonio, TX 78270-0341
tel: (909) 626-5579 / web: www.aacpsy.org

State License Requirements for Psychologists:

A license is required to practice psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/Psychology.

Virginia Board of Psychology
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463
tel: (804) 367-4697 / Email: psy@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Social Work:

What does a social worker do?

Social workers work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. They provide counseling and services to clients and work to improve social conditions. They often work with persons who are homeless, unemployed, disabled, seriously ill, mentally ill, or handicapped. They assist people of all ages with emotional and physical illness, behavior management, substance abuse, child/spouse abuse, and other issues.

What might a social worker do in a workday?

  • interview and counsel individuals, families, and groups regarding their concerns.
  • assess needs and then plan, develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate programs and activities designed to meet those needs.
  • help people obtain community services, education, and job training.
  • refer clients to other professional or community resources.
  • coordinate or work with civic, religious, business and union organizations to combat social problems through community programs.
  • advocate positive social and institutional change.

Developing a career as a social worker?

Social workers may specialize in areas such as health care; mental health; occupational, family and child welfare; adult and juvenile justice; aging studies; school social work; substance abuse; or physical disability. Social workers find employment in a variety of settings, such as agency offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, group homes, learning centers, schools, prisons, businesses, or courts of law. Some work independently, while others practice as part of treatment teams that include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists, teachers, clergy, and other professionals.

How much does a social worker earn?

  • $26,000 - $60,000

How do I become a social worker?

Students interested in becoming social workers should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, English and math, including advanced placement courses.

Social workers must earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited school of social work. In order to become licensed in Virginia, two years of post-master’s (M.S.W.) work experience and a passing score on an examination must be completed.

Where else can I learn about becoming a social worker?

National Association of Social Workers, Virginia Chapter
5511 Staples Mill Road, Suite 303 / Richmond, VA  23228
tel:  804-204-1339 / web:  http://www.naswva.org

National Association of Social Workers
750 First St, NE, Suite 700 / Washington, DC  200002-4241
tel:  202-408-8600 / web:  http://www.socialworkers.org

State License Requirements for Social Workers:

A license is required to practice social work in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/social.

Board of Social Work
Perimeter Center
9960 Maryland Dr, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA  23233-1463
tel:  804-367-4441

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Social Work:

What does a dentist do?

Dentists (credentialed as Doctor of Dental Surgery/D.D.S. or Doctor of Dental Medicine/D.M.D.) examine, treat, and maintain the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the mouth and surrounding structures. They instruct patients about good oral health practices in order to prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Dentists also treat patients who have diseases, injuries, or malformations of the teeth, gums, and mouth.

What might a dentist do in a workday?

  • diagnose oral conditions.
  • plan treatment to restore and maintain optimal oral health.
  • administer anesthetics.
  • locate and fill cavities and treat diseased gums.
  • remove teeth that cannot be treated.
  • replace missing teeth and fit and provide dentures.
  • teach preventive care for teeth and gums.

Developing a career as a dentist?

There are nine recognized dental specialties:

  • Endodontists diagnose and treat disease and injuries of the dental pulp and other dental tissues that affect the vitality of teeth.
  • Oral and maxillofacial radiologists evaluate head, neck, and oral radiographs (X-rays) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and related disease.
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide a broad range of diagnostic and treatment services for diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and associated structures.
  • Oral pathologists study and research the causes and processional effects of diseases of the mouth.
  • Orthodontists treat problems related to crooked teeth, missing teeth, and other abnormalities to establish normal function and appearance.
  • Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children from birth through adolescence. They also treat special handicapped patients beyond the age of adolescence.
  • Periodontists diagnose and treat disease of the gums and the bones which support the teeth.
  • Prosthodontists replace missing natural teeth with fixed or removable substitutes such as dentures, bridges and implants.
  • Public health dentists specialize in preventing and controlling dental disease and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.


Some dentists teach, practice, and/or conduct research in schools of dentistry. Others plan, organize, and maintain dental health programs for public health agencies. Dentists may establish their own practices, become part of dental or medical groups, or work in hospitals.

How much does a dentist earn?

  • $125,000 - $250,000

How do I become a dentist?

Students intending to pursue a Career as a dentist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science (especially biology and chemistry), math, and English, including advanced placement courses.

Dental school consists of a four-year curriculum. The first two years include basic and clinical sciences and pre-clinic laboratory courses. The third and fourth years provide the clinical experience where the student performs dental care on patients. To be accepted by a school of dentistry, a student must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or four years of undergraduate study. All dental schools also require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

In order to practice dentistry in the United States, every dentist has to successfully pass National Boards, which are given in two parts. Part I deals mainly with basic sciences and is taken after the second year of dental school. Part II deals with different areas of dentistry and is taken in the fourth year of dental school. At the end of the last year of dental school, each dentist must successfully pass a state board licensing exam where specific dental procedures are performed on patients in a clinic setting.

Where else can I learn about becoming a dentist?

Virginia Dental Association
3460 Mayland Court, Suite 110 / Richmond, VA 23233
tel:  (804) 288-5750 / web: www.vadental.org

American Dental Association
211 E. Chicago Avenue / Chicago, IL 60611
tel:  (312) 440-2500 / web: www.ada.org

State License Requirements for Dentists:

A license is required to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry.

Virginia Board of Dentistry
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233-1463
tel:  (804) 367-4538 / Email: denbd@dhp.virginia.gov

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Dentists:

  1. Discover a career as a DENTAL HYGIENIST
  2. Discover a career as a DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
  3. Discover a career as a DENTAL ASSISTANTS
  4. Discover a career as a HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT