Final answer:
Most people referred to as counselors usually hold a master's degree in their field, which is enough for many professional counseling and therapy roles, as well as careers that intersect with healthcare services.
Step-by-step explanation:
Today most people who are referred to as "counselors" have a master's degree in their field. While earning a doctoral degree in psychology is a commitment of 5-6 years and opens the door to becoming a licensed clinical or counseling psychologist, a master's degree in psychology can lead to careers as professional counselors, school psychologists, and roles in industrial settings among others. Licensed clinical psychologists typically hold a PhD or PsyD but for various counseling and therapy roles, a master's degree provides a sufficient level of education. Moreover, individuals holding a master's degree can also work in healthcare, such as psychiatric social work or psychiatric nursing, where their background in psychology is valuable.