Therapists and mental health counselors provide an invaluable service that unfortunately, not all people have access to. This week, WWTI-TV in upstate New York spoke with therapist Stacey Reed-Macgregor, who with help from her community established Petra Place. Reed-Macgregor saw the endeavor as a way to give back to the community, particularly since she had also once benefited from the services of a therapist. The nonprofit institution provides counseling services to people on a sliding cost scale regardless of their ability to pay. "The goal is to remove barriers so people who need it can get help," she told the television station. For those interested in offering similar help to others, their job potential looks strong for the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that demand for most types of therapists, including mental health and substance abuse specialists, is expected to grow much faster than average between now and 2016. The entire counseling industry is expected to grow by 21 percent in that time period, while demand for substance abuse professionals will grow particularly fast - 34 percent. Demand for marriage counselors will grow almost equally fast during this time period, with a 30 percent jump expected. Counselors also play important roles in schools and in rehabilitation centers, working with injured patients.  |