Why choose Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision?


The doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision prepares students for service as leaders in clinical practice, supervision, administration, education, and research within the counseling profession. Regional and national data indicate a need for leadership in these areas to support the growing number of mental health professionals providing services.

The need for mental health counselors in the United States has been recognized as one of the fastest growing occupations by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects this field will grow 36.3% by 2020. The Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates the need for Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists will grow faster than average at a rate of 37% between 2010-2020.

The White House recognizes this need as well. President Obama's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget includes $205 million in mental health programs including funding to train more than 5,000 mental health professionals. This new initiative has the potential to create even larger growth in the need for counselor education and supervision than expected.

The need for trained mental health leaders is particularly acute in the Appalachian region served by Lindsey Wilson College. A 2008 study by the Appalachian Regional Commission found the following:

  • Mental health disorders are proportionately higher in Appalachia than in the rest of the nation.
  • Residents of central Appalachia have higher rates of serious psychological stress and major depression than their neighbors in northern and southern Appalachia.