Many mental health counselors seek alternative career paths due to burnout, financial concerns, or a desire for a fresh challenge. Fortunately, the skills developed in counseling—such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and active listening—are highly adaptable across various industries. Among the many alternative careers for mental health counselors, real estate stands out as a particularly rewarding option. Still, fields like coaching, human resources, healthcare administration, and community outreach also provide fulfilling opportunities.
Let’s do a deep dive into alternative careers for counselors – some that are related to the healthcare industry and others that you may have never considered.
For those exploring alternative careers for counselors, real estate presents an exciting opportunity with strong income potential, flexibility, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Transitioning from counseling to real estate allows professionals to continue using their interpersonal and problem-solving skills while thriving in a dynamic and independent work environment. Whether pursued full-time or part-time, real estate can be both lucrative and personally rewarding.
The expected starting salary of a real estate agent may not be impressive, as it takes time to establish one’s business. But, as the average salary of a real estate agent in Arizona is $162,500 (according to the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business 2025 Salary Guide), there’s a lot of potential for making good money within the industry.
Many find it’s worth doing real estate part time as they complete their career transition.
If you enjoy guiding and mentoring others but want to move beyond traditional counseling, becoming a life coach or executive coach could be a great alternative. These roles allow professionals to help clients achieve personal or professional goals without the licensing requirements and clinical constraints of mental health counseling.
With their deep understanding of human behavior and conflict resolution, counselors are well-suited for roles in human resources (HR) or employee wellness. HR professionals focus on recruitment, training, and employee relations, while wellness specialists design programs to support workplace mental health and well-being.
Transitioning into healthcare administration could be an excellent choice for those interested in staying within the healthcare industry. Healthcare managers oversee operations, budgeting, and policy implementation in medical settings. This role leverages counselors’ organizational and leadership skills while offering a more structured career path.
Public health and community outreach careers focus on improving societal well-being through education, advocacy, and program development. Mental health counselors are naturally equipped for these roles, as they require strong communication skills, empathy, and a passion for helping others. These careers often provide opportunities to work in government agencies, non-profits, or healthcare organizations.
For those who still want to work directly with individuals in need but outside of traditional counseling, a career as a behavioral analyst or ABA therapist could be a rewarding alternative. These professionals work with individuals with behavioral challenges, often focusing on children with autism or developmental disorders. This role offers stability and growth potential in the healthcare sector.
Among all the alternative careers for mental health counselors, real estate stands out due to its flexibility, earning potential, and alignment with counseling skills. Counselors naturally excel at building trust, understanding clients’ needs, and providing guidance—skills crucial in real estate transactions. Additionally, real estate can be worth doing part-time for those who want to test the waters before committing fully.
With an expected starting salary that varies based on commission and market conditions, real estate offers uncapped earning potential. Many professionals find that their counseling background gives them a unique edge in client interactions, negotiations, and conflict resolution, all of which are essential for success in the industry.
Transitioning from counseling to real estate in Arizona is a straightforward process. Here are the key steps.
Complete the required 90-hour Arizona pre-licensing course from an approved provider like the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB)
Take and pass the Arizona real estate licensing exam. ASREB has the highest exam pass rates in the state!
Find a sponsoring broker to work under, which is required for all real estate agents.
Leverage your existing interpersonal skills to connect with those in your targeted audience.
The Arizona School of Real Estate and Business provides comprehensive training programs that equip aspiring agents with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Whether you’re looking for an alternative career or a fresh start, real estate could be the perfect path for you.
Ready to take the first step toward your new career? Enroll in an Arizona School of Real Estate and Business real estate course today!
