What Is Counseling & Consulting Psychology?

Counseling and consulting psychology encompasses a number of different psychological services but can generally be defined as the study of personal change and life management in areas such as career and relationships.

Types

• Counseling and consulting psychologists may work with individuals, a couple, an entire family or other small group, or an entire business. Along with helping people deal with everyday problems, they aid organizations in dealing with management issues and evaluating workplace strategies.

Education

• A counseling and consulting psychologist studies for five to six years to obtain a degree. Most students must also complete at least one year of internship before receiving a doctorate.

Significance

• Counseling and consulting psychology deals with patients who are affected by relatively mild psychopathology disorders, such as anxiety or depression. By comparison, clinical psychologists work with patients who are diagnosed with severe mental disorders such as bipolar or schizophrenia.

Employment

• Most counseling and consulting psychologists work in schools, mental health care facilities or private corporations.

Cost

• Depending on the type of care, the cost for a counseling and consulting psychologist can vary from an average of $90 to $250 per hour, as of 2010.