Masters in Health & Wellness Psychology (MA)

Because of the varying need for professionals with health and wellness experience, those with a master’s degree in health and wellness psychology are primed for counseling careers in a number of settings and specialties. Opportunities to grow as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors are prevalent; the same goes for rehabilitation counselors. Other varying areas where health and wellness professionals are becoming more and more needed, including outpatient care facilities, nursing or adult care environments and child care centers. Most prevalent, however, is the opportunity to grow as a mental health counselor, as the number of available jobs in this field is expected to grow significantly through 2018, if not beyond.

Steps Toward A Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness Psychology (MA)

To become a health and wellness psychologist, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:

Earn proper undergraduate degree (requirements vary by state). Common undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Science programs in education, psychology or human services.
Earn proper graduate degrees (requirements vary by state). Typically includes completing a Master of Counseling degree with a concentration in health and wellness psychology. To practice independently as a community psychologist, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is usually required.
Obtain proper licensure (requirements vary by state).

My Earning Power

The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a health and wellness psychologist might include:

Clinical Health Psychologist – Median Expected Salary: $70,000, according to Indeed.com’s most recent report.
Job Prospects: Good for people who have a doctoral degree from a leading university in an applied specialty, such as counseling or health. Master’s degree holders may find jobs as psychological assistants or counselors, providing mental health services while being supervised by a licensed psychologist.
Job Setting: Private practices, schools, clinical offices.

My Degree and What It’s Worth

This degree prepares you to confront psychological issues holistically by examining all the lifestyle factors and acute conditions that influence a given patient. A health psychologist is typically responsible for the following job duties:

Study how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness.
Promote healthy living and disease prevention through counseling.
Offer case management support and guidance.
Focus on how patients adjust to illnesses and treatments and view their quality of life.

Online Masters in Health & Wellness Psychology Degree Programs

Northcentral University: MA in Health Psychology
University of the Rockies: MA in Health and Wellness Psychology
Walden University: MS in Health Psychology

Masters in Counseling Online Programs

The following accredited schools offer online masters in counseling programs in various specialties. You can request information from one or more schools by clicking on the school's link.