ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the future of the counseling profession in general as it is related to addictions and mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, and marriage and family counselors based on the predictions of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Discussed are predictive indicators such as advocacy, adaptability, cultural competence, generalist and specialty skills, global relevance, neuroscience, technology, theoretical underpinnings, and a wellness focus for successfully sustaining the profession into the future and ensuring how professional counselors can acquire contemporary employment. Categorical reasons for the profession’s relevance into the future (evolving nature, counselor preparation, legislation, and economic viability) are discussed as well as foundational and recently embedded tenets. The impact of trends on the counseling profession are considered, such as worldwide financial instability, aging populations that live longer, quality of life, political instability and ideological conflicts, diversity of communities, and the proliferation of technological advances. Implications for the future of the profession are also tendered.
