How to Become a School Counselor in California
:: 2025 Guide
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School counselors play a pivotal role in California’s educational landscape, providing essential support to students, parents, and educators. With increasing demands on students and a complex educational system, their expertise is more crucial than ever.
Why School Counselors Matter in California
Why Become a School Counselor in California
School counselors are essential members of California’s educational community. Their dedication and expertise contribute to the overall well-being and success of students. If you are passionate about helping young people and making a positive impact on your community, a career as a school counselor in California may be the perfect fit.
California, like most of the United States, is going through a school counselor crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the school system, leading to many educational professionals leaving. Three years later, not all school counselors have returned. Not only did school counselors not return, but the pandemic caused a mental health crisis among young people, urging the need for more counselors.
The state of California has been making the necessary changes to increase the number of school counselors in schools. In August 2022, California announced its new plans to add 10,000 counselors to public schools across the state. This would essentially double the amount of school counselors in California.
However, even with these changes, it’s not enough. For example, in San Diego, 76 elementary schools lack a full-time counselor.
To become a school counselor in California, you need a California School Counselor Certification. With this certification, you are authorized to plan, develop, implement, and revise school counseling and guidance programs. A school counselor doesn’t just develop career and academic plans for students, but is also there for their mental health, and personal and social development.
The process of becoming a school counselor in California takes time. It requires at least a few years, more depending on how much time is taken to complete a bachelor’s degree and postgraduate studies.
Follow the links here to find specific information to earn your certification: