School Counsellor
Support students' mental health and academic journey - a rewarding career with strong job security.
About the Career
Student mental health needs have grown significantly - school boards across Canada are increasing counsellor hiring.
Salary in Canada
- Entry level: $60,000
- Senior level: $100,000
School counsellors in Ontario earn similar to teachers. Benefits and pension are strong in the public school system.
Job Outlook
High Growth demand. Student mental health needs have grown significantly - school boards across Canada are increasing counsellor hiring.
How to Get There
- 4-yr BA (Psychology or Social Work) + BEd or MEd (Counselling Psychology)
- Time to career: 6-8 years post-Grade 12
Key Skills
- Counselling & Active Listening
- Academic & Career Advising
- Crisis Intervention
- Program Development
- Family Communication
Typical Employers
- School boards (elementary & secondary)
- Colleges & universities
- Community youth programs
- Private practice
High School Roadmap
- Peer tutoring and peer support programs are excellent starting points.
- Volunteer with mental health organisations.
- Research counselling psychology programs. Aim for 80%+ average.
- Apply to psychology or social work undergrad. MEd in Counselling Psychology is the typical path after undergrad.
Top Universities for This Path
- Queen's University – Kingston, ON
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- Western University – London, ON
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
Insider Tips
- The path typically requires a psychology or social work undergrad + a master's degree in counselling.
- Registered Psychotherapist (RP) designation is an alternative path for private practice counselling.
- Student mental health has become a critical priority for Canadian schools - demand for counsellors is growing.