Working Conditions for CounselorsMost school counselors work the traditional 9- to 10-month school year with a 2- to 3-month vacation, although increasing numbers are employed on 10�- or 11-month contracts. They usually work the same hours that teachers do. College career planning and placement counselors work long and irregular hours during student recruiting periods. Rehabilitation counselors usually work a standard 40-hour week. Self-employed counselors and those working in mental health and community agencies, such as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, frequently work evenings to counsel clients who work during the day. Both mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists also often work flexible hours, to accommodate families in crisis or working couples who must have evening or weekend appointments. Counselors must possess high physical and emotional energy to handle the array of problems they address. Dealing daily with these problems can cause stress. Because privacy is essential for confidential and frank discussions with clients, counselors usually have private offices. More information on Counselors from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Counselors occupation Number of Counselors in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Counselors Working conditions for Counselors Significant points for Counselors Training requirements for Counselors Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |