Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego , CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

There are a host of directions you can take but almost all of them will be padded with the need of a Master's Degree and in some cases if Counseling is included, some sort of licence or certificate. I am going to make a pitch for you to look into Rehabilitation Counseling. Every state has at least one Rehabilitation Agency, some have two, and there are many side paths that can come from it. I believe UT has a program. Google Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.

Dr. Scena Webb ⋅ Auburn , WA Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) ⋅ 15 years experience

Law Enforcement is an excellent place to use that type of degree, especially since most of these agencies are paramilitary. Police officers need help with their mental well-being as do most of the stressful jobs.

Scena

Larry Barton ⋅ Ann Arbor , MI U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 4 years served

You could get a job at the V.A. they are drasticly increasing the Psyc program to deal with PTSD and other problems the returning vets have to deal with.

Jacqueline Berg ⋅ Gilford , NH self-owned business ⋅ 8 years experience

You can also be a youth counselor (not therapist) with many organizations who do residential care and treatment for disadvantaged youth and/or youth with mental health issues, including adventure based programs if that appeals to you. Ex-military are fabulous role models particulary for adolescents who are attracted to gang type behavior and get to see something strikingly different that they admire.

Also, community mental health organizations often need youth counselors who help with adventure based programming.

These can be very rewarding positions (but also very wearing). It is good to assess if you have good enough work/personal boundaries to be succesful doing this long term, and can you respond to their sometimes very challenging behavior non-personally.

Alphonse (a.k.a, Al) Telese ⋅ Frisco , TX U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 32 years served

I agree with Michael. And I also think you might want to volunteer with VA to assist the newer veterans entering into the VA system. I am doing that and it's an eye opener for the current VA administration here in the DFW area. That can go on your resume as you move forward.

Then there is entering the high scholl arena. My sister is a counsellor and loves it but make no mistake... she has her share of challanges and trouble-makers from broken homes etc., etc.

Other than that... follow your heart............

Al

Michael Bachmann ⋅ Arlington , VA URS ⋅ 37 years experience

I have discovered that Human Relations (HR) is a great field for those with a Degree in Psychology & Counseling. You might look for entry level positions to get some experience.