Becoming a counselor?

Hello I want to work in a women abuse shelter, or work with teenage girls that are runaways or tha been abuse. Can someone tell me what kind of degreee should I go after to work in this field. This is something that I been wanting do do for a while I just dont know how to go about it.

Thank you and have a great Holiday.

If you would simply like to "work" in one of these places, you typically do not have to have a particular degree. sometimes, people with associates degrees are in charge of the management of shelters.

HOWEVER, if you would like to be a counselor, and work in one of these settings, I would recommend a Master's Degree in Community Counseling, or a MSW (Master's Degree in Social Work). Even a BSW (Bachelor's Degree in Social Work) would be beneficial.

Another thing to think about is what state you would like to work in. Different states have different licensure requirements. Some states even require that you go to an accredited university before you're allowed to get your LPC (Licenced Professional Counselor) license.

here is a site you may find useful: http://www.cacrep.org/

child and youth worker or social service worker, thats what i do, and that is the credentials nedded to work at both places eithr one will do, the former the better course, bettr chnces for employment, good luck. community college, 2-3 yrs btw.

Most of these places hire people with no degrees just to be helpers and/or assistants. Get a job in one of these places, and then use the emplyee education benefit to get your degrees for free, while you get a lot of good experience.

First, before worrying about a degree, why do you want to do this (this is a rhetorical question for you to answer for yourself)

second, how much of your own therapy have you had? the main proving ground for REALLY good therapists is in their own therapy. if you cant get into your own "stuff" and work through it, then how do you hope to help someone else to do it?

3rd: volunteer at one of these kinds of places at least once a week starting immediately. if you can handle all this stuff then maybe a career in mental health is a possibility.