How many years does it take to be a counselor?

Question

I want to help kids or teens.

Answer 1

You usually minimally need to complete an undergraduate degree and then a masters degree, so that would be about 6 years usually. You can sometimes work as a counsellor on a volunteer basis without a masters for crisis lines or at shelters.

Often summer camps need counselors/house parents for young people, which may be a good place to start - my daughter did that for two summers while she worked on her psychology degree.

Answer 2

As lmaka said, to be a counselor (like a guidance counselor) takes many years of schooling and frequently requires years of experience in the classroom as well. Another option might be a social worker (4 year degree). I have a friend who does this and he enjoys it very much. The stories are often very sad, though.

Also, if you're interested in being a counselor at a summer camp, try the link below. You have to be 19 or older!