Career in Counseling Psychology: Scope, Salary & Skills (2026)

• Professionals in counseling psychology support people in improving their mental health and support wellbeing. 

• There is a growing need for professionals in counseling psychology as awareness about mental health concerns is rising in India.  

• You can build your career as a counselor with a qualification like a PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling

• Schools, colleges, NGOs, healthcare institutions, private companies and government enterprises all need counselors. 

Counselors can get roles like counseling psychologist, career counselor, school counselor, employee wellness counselor, etc. Professionals can get salaries ranging from INR 3 LPA to INR 18 LPA depending on skills, qualification, and experience.

Professionals skilled in counseling psychology are in much need in India as they support people’s mental health and well-being. 

In India, there is a growing awareness about mental health challenges faced by children and adults alike. Surveys show that over 30% of adults in India are struggling with mental health challenges. A 40% rise in searches for psychologists has also been noted between 2023-24. 

Thus, well-trained and qualified counsellors are in high demand. If you are an empathetic person who wants to improve the mental well-being of others, a career in counseling psychology has great scope.

Counseling psychology focuses on holistic wellbeing of humans, including emotional, mental, social, etc. It’s a branch of psychology that equips professionals with skills to support human wellbeing.  

Professionals in this field focus on areas like:

• Emotional and social wellbeing

• Vocational and career guidance 

• Educational challenges and support 

• Developmental challenges 

Professionals in this field need skills like:

• Empathy

• Active listening skills 

• Communication skills 

• Ethics and confidentiality

• Counseling techniques 

• Knowledge of psychological theories

Admissions Open – Apply Now for Counseling Psychology Program

The demand for counseling professionals is increasing across multiple sectors due to growing awareness around mental health.

Opportunities are available in:

• Schools and colleges

• Hospitals and healthcare organizations

• Private clinics 

• Online counseling platforms 

• Government and private enterprises

• NGOs and social enterprises 

This wide scope makes counseling psychology a stable and meaningful career option

As a qualified professional in counseling psychology, you can play roles like:

Counselor Psychologist 

Professionals with the right qualifications can work in mental health centres, hospitals and other healthcare institutions to support the well-being of patients, family, etc. 

Employee Wellness Counselor 

As a counselor, you can also work in private companies as a wellness counselor for employees in support of HR departments. 

Career Counselor 

As a career counselor you can work in education institutions and ed-tech companies to guide students through their career journeys. 

School Counselor 

Help students manage academic stress, behavior, and emotional challenges. With increasing focus on student wellbeing, this role is becoming essential in schools across India.

If you want to understand how to enter this field, read this guide on how to become a school counsellor in India

You can also explore how CBSE has made school counselors mandatory and what it means for career scope

Mentor / Private Practice 

As a professional, you can start your own private practice or become a mentor with the skills you have gained.

Salary range for professionals in the field depends on qualifications, skills, experience and role. Entry level positions can expect salaries ranging from INR 3 to INR 5 LPA. Mid level roles can get salaries in the range of INR 5 to 8 LPA and senior level roles can get INR 8 to 10 LPA.  

How to Build a Career in Counseling Psychology

If you are planning to make a career in this field that is in need of qualified professionals, then a PG Diploma in Guidance and Counseling is your best choice. 

The Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning(SCDL), India’s top ranking online and distance education institute offers this course for graduates as well as working professionals in a flexible learning format. 

The PGDM in Guidance and Counseling course at SCDL is a perfect alternative to psychological counseling courses for professionals seeking an industry aligned curriculum, placement support and credibility.

As a counselor with the right qualification you can work in a sector that offers great opportunities and the benefit of creating positive impact. You can land various roles in different institutions in an industry that is growing rapidly.