Career Exploration & Transition Planning for Students

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The transition from high school to adulthood is one of the most critical—and often most stressful—periods in a young person's life. Whether your teen is unsure about their future, has a disability that requires specialized transition planning, or is considering alternatives to traditional college, I offer comprehensive career exploration and transition planning services designed to alleviate anxiety and foster confidence about what lies ahead. 

As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), I provide unique expertise in youth services and career planning. I understand both the practical realities of career exploration and the emotional challenges that young people face when mapping out their futures. This integrated perspective enables teens and families to navigate this transition with clarity, support, and realistic optimism.

Career Interest & Aptitude Assessments

Comprehensive assessment plays a crucial role in transition planning by helping to identify your teen's strengths, interests, values, and aptitudes. This is achieved using evidence-based tools that support career exploration, including:

- O*NET Interest Profiler

- Holland Code/RIASEC assessments

- Career exploration inventories

- Skills and aptitude evaluation

- Work values clarification

The results of these assessments provide concrete direction for career exploration and assist in matching students to realistic, satisfying occupations.

Not every successful career requires a four-year college degree. I help families navigate career exploration by considering ALL post-secondary pathways with equal respect and consideration:

Four-Year College

- When it's the right fit

- Choosing majors aligned with career goals

- Understanding the financial investment and ROI

- Preparing for college success

Community College

- Two-year degrees and certifications

- Transfer pathways to four-year schools

- Career-technical programs

- Lower cost, flexible options

Trade & Technical Schools

- Skilled trades (electrician, plumber, HVAC, welding)

- Healthcare certifications (dental hygienist, radiologic tech, respiratory therapist)

- Information technology certifications

- Automotive, cosmetology, culinary arts

Apprenticeships & On-the-Job Training

- Earn while you learn

- No student debt

- Industry-recognized credentials

- Strong earning potential

Military Service

- Training, education benefits, career pathways

- Considerations for individuals with disabilities

Supported Employment (for individuals with disabilities)

- Job coaching and workplace support

- Customized employment

- Benefits planning and work incentives

The right path depends on your teen's interests, abilities, learning style, financial situation, and goals—not what everyone else is doing. This is an essential part of transition planning to ensure they find the best fit for their future.

Help your teen with career exploration as they prepare to present themselves professionally for first jobs, internships, or post-secondary applications: 

- Building a resume with limited work experience, focusing on their strengths, skills, and achievements 

- Developing interview skills and practicing for success 

- Enhancing professional communication 

- Understanding what to expect in the workplace as part of their transition planning and youth services.

For students with disabilities, I provide specialized transition planning that goes beyond what schools typically offer, focusing on essential career exploration strategies. 

Vocational Assessment for Disability Services

- Functional capacity evaluation (what can your teen realistically do?)

- Transferable skills identification

- Accommodations and assistive technology needs

- Employability and earning potential assessment

- Occupational matching considering disability limitations

Post-Secondary Options for Students with Disabilities

- College disability support services (what's available vs. high school IEPs)

- Vocational rehabilitation services eligibility

- Supported employment programs

- Certificate programs designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities

- Independent living skills assessment

Benefits Planning & Work Incentives

- Understanding SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and how work affects benefits

- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for young adults

- Ticket to Work program

- Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts

- How to work without losing critical benefits

Coordination with Schools

- Review of IEP transition goals (with parent consent)

- Phone/email consultation with school counselors and transition coordinators

- Ensuring vocational goals are realistic and meaningful

- Connecting families to additional community resources, including youth services.

Parents often need support in understanding options, navigating systems, and managing their own anxiety about their teen's future. Parent-only consultation sessions can address: 

- Understanding realistic career options through career exploration that align with your teen's abilities and interests 

- How to support without pressuring during the transition planning process 

- Navigating the special education transition process and accessing youth services 

- Disability services and benefits systems 

- Financial planning for post-secondary education or training 

- Managing your own fears about your teen's independence.

"My teen has no idea what they want to do." 

This is completely normal. Most 16-year-olds haven't figured out their life's calling, and that's okay. Through structured career exploration, assessment, and exposure to options they may not know exist, we help narrow possibilities to manageable choices. 

The goal isn't for your teen to commit to one career forever. It's to identify a direction that's interesting enough and realistic enough to take the next step confidently—whether that's choosing a major, enrolling in trade school, or pursuing an apprenticeship. 

"My teen has a disability—what's realistic for their future?" 

This is my specialty. With 15+ years in vocational rehabilitation serving individuals with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities, I understand what's truly possible. 

The answer depends on your teen's specific strengths, limitations, interests, and support needs. But here's what I know: employment is possible for almost everyone with the right transition planning, accommodations, and support. My job is to help you understand what realistic success looks like for YOUR teen—not generic statistics or low expectations, but an honest, hopeful assessment of possibilities. 

We'll explore supported employment, customized work arrangements, benefits planning, and how to access youth services like vocational rehabilitation that can fund training, job coaching, and assistive technology. 

"College isn't right for my teen, but I don't know what alternatives exist." 

You're not alone. The pressure to pursue a four-year college is intense, but it's not the only—or even the best—path for many young people. 

I help families discover and evaluate alternatives: 

- Skilled trades offering $50,000-80,000+ salaries with 2-year training 

- Technical certifications in high-demand fields (IT, healthcare, manufacturing) 

- Apprenticeships that pay you to learn 

- Community college career-technical programs 

Many of these pathways lead to stable, well-paying careers with less debt and faster entry to the workforce than traditional college. We'll explore what matches your teen's strengths and interests. 

"My teen is so anxious about the future—it's paralyzing them." 

Career-related anxiety is extremely common among teens today. The pressure to make "the right choice," combined with uncertainty about the job market and overwhelming options, creates significant stress. 

For North Carolina residents: I can provide integrated services—addressing the anxiety clinically through mental health counseling while simultaneously working on concrete career exploration and planning. This dual approach reduces anxiety by building clarity and confidence. 

For out-of-state families: I provide career counseling that acknowledges and validates the anxiety while building practical skills and plans that reduce it. If clinical anxiety treatment is needed, I can provide referrals to local therapists.

Dual Credentials Rarely Found Together

Few professionals combine mental health expertise (LCMHC) with vocational rehabilitation certification (CRC). This unique combination means I understand BOTH the emotional challenges teens face AND the practical realities of career development and disability employment, making me well-equipped for effective career exploration.

All Pathways Valued Equally

I don't push college unless it's the right fit. Trades, vocational training, apprenticeships, and certificate programs are presented with the same respect as four-year degrees. Success isn't measured by prestige—it's measured by whether your teen finds work that's satisfying, sustainable, and aligned with their strengths during their transition planning.

Disability Expertise That Goes Beyond Schools

Most school counselors have limited training in disability employment and benefits planning. My 15+ years in vocational rehabilitation means I understand what schools often can't provide: realistic employability assessment, benefits planning, supported employment, and connections to adult disability services. This knowledge enhances the youth services I offer.

Parent Support Included

Parents are partners in this process. I recognize that you need education, reassurance, and guidance too—not just your teen. Parent consultation is built into my approach.

Evidence-Based + Realistic

Career recommendations are grounded in labor market data, assessment results, and realistic consideration of your teen's abilities and circumstances. I won't suggest careers that sound good but aren't achievable or sustainable.

Who This Isn't For

To be transparent, my services may not be the right fit if:

Your teen is in acute mental health crisis (I can provide referrals for intensive services)

You're looking for someone to "fix" or "motivate" your teen without their buy-in

You want guarantees about specific outcomes (I provide guidance, not guarantees)

You're unwilling to consider pathways outside traditional four-year college.

Youth and family services are offered in flexible packages to meet various family needs and budgets, focusing on effective career exploration and transition planning.

Service Packages

Basic Consultation Package - $500

- Initial assessment session (parent + teen)

- One brief career interest assessment

- 1-2 follow-up sessions for career exploration

- Verbal recommendations and basic action plan

Ideal for: Teens who need direction but not a comprehensive assessment.

Standard Career Exploration Package - $1,200

- Comprehensive intake and assessment (2-3 sessions)

- Multiple interest, aptitude, and values assessments

- Career pathway exploration (college, trades, vocational options)

- Labor market research on recommended occupations

- Parent consultation session

- Brief written summary with career recommendations

Ideal for: Most families seeking thorough career planning and support.

Comprehensive Transition Assessment - $2,000

Everything in the Standard Package PLUS:

- Extended vocational testing and functional assessment

- Detailed labor market analysis and earning potential research

- Disability considerations and accommodation planning (if applicable)

- Benefits planning consultation (SSI/SSDI work incentives if applicable)

- School coordination and IEP review (with consent)

- Comprehensive written report (10-15 pages) with detailed recommendations

- Two follow-up sessions to review findings and implement plan

Ideal for: Students with disabilities requiring detailed transition planning and families wanting maximum depth and written documentation.

Additional Services (Can Be Added to Any Package)

- Parent-only consultation sessions: $150/session

- School IEP meeting attendance (in-person, if needed): $300 + travel

- Ongoing career coaching (after the initial package): $150/session

- Resume and interview preparation: $150/session

Integrated Services for NC Residents

For North Carolina residents, I can integrate mental health counseling with career services. If your teen is experiencing significant anxiety or depression related to future planning, we can address both the emotional challenges AND the practical aspects of career exploration in coordinated sessions.

Mental health counseling: $150 per 50-minute session (can be billed separately or integrated with career planning).

Payment & Scheduling

Payment is expected at the time of service or upfront for packages. HSA/FSA eligible (check with your administrator). Package services are typically completed over 4-8 weeks. Payment plans are available for the Comprehensive package (50% upfront, 50% at midpoint).

Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to determine which package best fits your family's needs.