I already have a masters in counseling and I was thinking about providing counseling services at my local church... What do I need to do from a regulatory standpoint to be able to counsel the youth at my church?
129828
here's a page for license renewal; it should get you started: http://www.abec.state.al.us/PDFs/255_X_7_July_03.pdf
641351
As previously mentioned, there are several types of collge counselors.  Your best bet is to read over the position descriptions and job postings for the particular "counselor" position that interests you.  You can usually get this from the campus human resources department.
338521
Check with School Faculty or Counselor, they should be able to assist you!
25745
I would go to my campus career advisors and make them find me an apprentice (private practice, group provider practice, social service agency, church ministries etc.) type job. At the least they can point you to potential employers of graduates with this degree.  Your degree program should prepare you to graduate as a LICENSED therapist.  There are lots of unlicensed therapists with Masters degrees in counseling.  Unless they are writing books they can't practice as licensed therapists.  It is extremely difficult to secure a paid position without a license.  All college career advisors should know this.  No degree program is worth its salt if its graduates are not prepared to practice their craft in that state.  All states require a license to practice therapy.
650637
if you go to counselor with a negative approach, it will not help. have some positive thinking and faith in the counselor. to what extent it helps depends upon the capability of the counselor and willing  of the people to follow what the counselor advised
539739
consulte your counselor
622272
Consult your pastor would be the best thing I could recommend.
541324
You can go to community action project services in your townand also your local church will be glad to help you.E-Mail me if you need additional advice/help okay?
432166
I am a counsellor. The tough part is getting in door. If you're harming yourself, then realizing that something is wrong, and not letting it defeat you is important. Now is the time to protect your future. So good job beginning the process of taking out the garbage that's been piling up. Give whoever you chose a few times to earn your trust. You feeling safe is the critical issue. Ask about confidentiality limits. The best part about seeing a counsellor is they have a way of seeing over your obsticles and safely guiding you. Think of it as a big log across your path. You just need some help clearing the way so you can get on with the path your life was meant to take. If you have choice and it's not someone chosen for you by social services, then meet a couple and decide. My experience is that a cognitive behavioural therapist may be most benefical. Look for someone with experience dealing with youth. Good luck.
505744
Check with you high school guidance office, they should help.
374461
I think one of the biggest things you can do is what you've done here. Get the word out. I wasn't even aware of its existence. Particularly, I think you need to alert the local congregations. This is something they can pass on to their youth who are college bound.
595035
Depends on the state.  In OH. for example, it depends on when you got your master's in school counseling.  I declared my major as school counseling when I took my first course in 1987.  When they increased the requirements, I grandfather'd out and didn't have to take the extra credits.  I finished in '91.  I could have sat for the licensing board at that time and practiced privately or in a group.  I didn't, but I would probably be required to take the extra classes now.  I'm not sure.
80969
You would have to have a degree in psychology.  Unless you just want a web site so people send you questions to answer.  Dealing with married couples and their problems is not easy.  It takes a lot of discipline to remain nutural!  You will also be "somewhat" responsible for your 'counseling".  Be very careful.
501639
An LPC means this person is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  This means they have met specific qualifications, such as: a graduate degree in psych or related field (MEd. is a Masters in Education, so take that for what it's worth), a specific number of credits of graduate education that includes specific areas of content (in PA it is 60, and includes ethics, abnormal psych, etc), a specific number of hours of supervised clinical experience (again, in PA it is 3600), and the licensure exam.\n\nI do not know how the requirements vary state to state, but the exam that I personally would take is national.  The second link tells you - by state - if they are legally (and ethically) allowed to diagnose (Dx) and treat (Tx), as well as the official title for the person.  The LPC is official, for example, and the MEd. is simply the extension of their degree.  \n\nI hope that helps a bit.  And as suggested by the other contributor, if medication is warranted, they should either provide a referral to a LICENSED psychiatrist, or recommend that you seek one for medical evaluation.  Do not rely on your primary care physician to prescribe.  His or her training in psychiatric medications is not as extensive, or as specialized, as a psychiatrist.
600038
Oh no... there are christian psychologists and counselors out there? I mean not ones that just happen to be christians but ones who define themselves by it? And their therapy is "read the bible"? Oh please tell me this isn't true. For the love of all your holy stuff please no.... They don't have actual degrees do they? I think I'm going to be ill... You are clear on the reason that this "therapy" isn't helping, right? Do I really need to go into it further? Please suggest to your partner that they see an actual therapist with real training. They can be christian, even.
558066
I knew an ordained minister who also had his PhD in Philosophy.  I think a Christian in the Philosphy dept. woudl be a great thing.  (wouln't hurt in the religous studies dept, etiehr)\n\nI think your preacher probably doesn't fully understand philosophy...  love him thru it.
135727
Anyone can become a minister of the Universal Life Church.\n\nhttp://ulc.org/