Counselors can offer guidance to their patients in a time of need. Some individuals seek out counseling in order to help improve their life or gain prospective as to what is important. There are a variety of careers in counseling available, however it is important for career hopefuls to seek the one that fits them best.

Lester Weiss of Altoona, Pennsylvania, has made a career as counselor to soldiers who return from war and are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Altoona Mirror. Working at the Van Zandt VA Medical center in Altoona has taught Weiss that he needs to be patient with those he counsels, as some can be volatile.

"It is a challenge every day," Weiss told the news provider. "You don't know what you are going to face. Emergencies come in. You have to be very flexible."

VA medical centers have been stressing the importance of counseling individuals suffering from PTSD as it can sometimes lead to suicide if not treated.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in mental health counseling will increase 24% by 2018.