What is the Best Counseling Degree to Help Survivors of Domestic Violence?

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million Americans experience domestic abuse every year on average. You can support the survivors of domestic violence in many ways, but perhaps none more effective than becoming a domestic violence counselor.

While most domestic violence counselors have a master's degree, they can pursue different disciplines and professional pathways. Learn more about what a domestic violence counselor does and how to become one, including the best degrees and licensure requirements.

Understanding Domestic Violence and Counseling Needs

Domestic violence encompasses any abuse that occurs within the home, including violence against intimate partners, children, and other family members. Therefore, addressing the needs of such a diverse group calls for an interdisciplinary and multi-faceted approach.

Marriage and family counselors, school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors can all specialize in domestic violence counseling. They may work in counseling clinics, domestic violence centers, healthcare settings, and schools.

Domestic violence counselors can also take different approaches to support survivors, such as providing them with education and tools for coping, helping them navigate their difficult circumstances, running support groups, or spearheading advocacy efforts.

The Best Counseling Degrees for Helping Survivors of Domestic Violence

While you can access the domestic violence counseling world with a bachelor's degree, most counseling careers require a master's in counseling. These advanced degrees prepare you for postgraduate examination and licensure, requiring over 100 hours of clinical experience before graduation.

In terms of a counseling specialization, you have many options. For example, you can pursue a domestic violence counseling career with any of the following master's degree concentrations:

• Forensic
• Mental health
• Clinical counseling
• Community counseling
• Crisis and intervention counseling
• Trauma counseling
• Couples, marriage, and family therapy

How to Become a Domestic Violence Counselor

Becoming a domestic violence counselor begins with a bachelor's degree. While you have some flexibility in the path you take, the following steps offer the most direct route.

Step One: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Many master's programs in counseling simply require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in any discipline. However, your program may be more specific and require a bachelor's in counseling or a related field. Similar degrees may include:

• Bachelor's in psychology
• Bachelor's in social work
• Bachelor's in sociology
• Bachelor's in human services
• Bachelor's in health services
• Bachelor's in education

Other specializations may include women's studies, family therapy, mental health, forensic psychology, and social psychology.

Step Two: Pursue a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling

An accredited graduate program prepares you to become a certified mental health counselor in your state. Look for a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).

As part of your master's degree in counseling, consider completing an internship program or practicum with a practice or agency that specializes in domestic abuse; in addition to valuable experience, it could lead to permanent employment.

Step Three: Become Licensed and Certified as a Mental Health Counselor in Your State

Once you complete your master's degree, you need to complete the other requirements for professional licensure, which vary by state. According to the American Counseling Association (ACA), this typically includes passing a national examination and completing 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

The licensure examination you take depends on your field but will be either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The NCE tests you on 200 multiple-choice questions and can lead to the nationally certified counselor designation. The NCMHCE tests you on clinical simulations and can lead to the certified clinical mental health counselor credential.

Once you complete your state's requirements, you can apply for licensure with the state board. You can find contact information for each state in the state board directory from the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Step Four: Seek Additional Education and Certification in Domestic Violence

After you complete your certification and licensure, your education doesn't stop there. In addition to the continuing education requirements to maintain your licensure, you can take one of the many available courses from the ACA.

You can pursue optional certifications from organizations like the National Anger Management Association, the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and the National Association of Forensic Counselors. With additional training and credentials, you can advance your skills and stay on top of the best practices and latest advancements in the field.