Youth Counselor Title

• The term "youth counselor" often refers to a mentor-like position usually available at community outreach programs, schools, camps and churches. However, it also can refer to positions in mental health centers and juvenile correctional facilities. To make things more complex, youth counselors can operate through organizations or have their own private practice. For youth counselors who want mentorship roles, less education is required. If you want to counsel in an office or privately, you'll need more.
  
  

Degrees Required

• Some employers at camps and similar facilities require only a high school diploma or equivalent, as long as applicants have significant experience in social and volunteer work. However, many employers want a higher education diploma in child and youth care or community service. If you want to work in a counseling office, you'll need a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, child development or social work. A bachelor's degree in applied psychology with a concentration in child advocacy is common for an entry-level job. To counsel independently in a private practice, you should have a doctorate.
  
  

State Requirements

• Every state has different requirements for counselors, as indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Thus, you always should check with your state licensing department for the educational requirements specific to your region. It's important to use an institution that is accredited by your state's education board or the National Board for Certified Counselors, because courses from unaccredited schools might not count toward your state license or certificate despite similar content.
  
  

Typical Coursework

• Regardless of where you work as a youth counselor, you likely will study subjects like learning and motivation and lifespan development. Psychology, child psychology, abnormal psychology and multicultural issues also are typical courses, according to the Florida Tech University Online website.
  
  

Considerations

• Youth counselor education is supposed to prepare you to apply psychological and social principles and theories. It also is supposed to teach you about cultural diversity. However, every child has a unique situation and different issues. Thus, sometimes the only way to be "educated" about being a youth counselor is just to do the job and get hands-on training. The on-the-job work lets you develop your individual style as a counselor and might provide you with a mentor to whom you can go for advice. You should develop yourself and find ways to deal with the stress of the job before taking a position.