Helping professions are jobs with duties that primarily involve direct outreach to individuals, improving their quality of life. Counseling, psychology, and social work are the key fields that come to mind when considering a helping profession.
FOCUS AREAS
Counseling
Counselors help people cope with mental, physical, social, or economic challenges by helping their clients learn adaptive behaviors and providing tools to better communicate with and understand others. There are many types of counselors including, but not limited to, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, grief counselors, career counselors, rehabilitation counselors, and substance abuse counselors. Counselors work in a variety of settings including private practice, schools, hospitals, community health organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and inpatient and outpatient detoxification centers.
Psychology
According to the U.S. Bureau Labor of statistics, Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors. There are many types of psychologists including, but not limited to, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, developmental psychologists, forensic psychologists, industrial–organizational psychologists, rehabilitation psychologists, and school psychologists. Psychologists work in a variety of settings including private practices, schools, hospitals, research laboratories, prisons, and beyond.
Social Work
According to the U.S. Bureau Labor of statistics, social workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. There are many types of social workers including, but not limited to, child and family social workers, school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health social workers, and substance abuse social workers. Social workers can work in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, private practice, government agencies, counseling agencies, community agencies, hospitals, and healthcare agencies as well as county, state, and federal legal agencies.
 SAMPLE EMPLOYERS THAT WORK WITH BSU
- Advocates
- Bridgewater Raynham Regional School District
- Child & Family Services
- High Point Treatment Center
- The Key Program
- The New England Center for Children
- Youth Villages
RESOURCES
American Counseling Association
American Psychological Association
National Association of School Psychologists
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
National Board for Certified Counselors
American Mental Health Counselors Association
