What Is a Mental Health Counselor?
These types of counselors are concerned with helping patients who have mental and emotional problems or disorders. They use different therapeutic techniques to treat issues related to depression, addiction, stress, trauma, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem.
In one-on-one meetings, they speak with new patients and determine their conditions through interviews, assessments, and surveys. This may involve the gathering of information such as family background, health history, and current behaviors. They then take this information and develop a treatment plan which can include individual and group counseling sessions, behavior modifications, lifestyle changes, or special programs. Mental health counselors usually only provide short-term counseling before referring patients to other professionals in the mental health field like social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
They work in health-related environments at private practices, community organizations, treatment programs, or hospitals. Most work during regular business hours and see patients by appointment throughout the day, but some may also work evenings and weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules.
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Those interested in becoming mental health counselors should earn a bachelor’s degree in an area related to mental health like psychology before entering a master’s program in clinical mental health counseling.
In psychology and counseling programs students learn about human develop and psychology, as well as important counseling practices like observation, testing techniques, and counseling methods. Common courses include personality theories, biological basis of behavior, theories and methods of counseling, ethics and professional orientation, psychopathology, group dynamics and counseling, and cognitive processes. Most graduate programs require students to complete a clinical practicum to obtain practical counseling experience.
Depending on the state and type of environment a counselor wants to work in, they may be required to pass a licensing examination or earn specific certifications. Some employers may provide on-the-job training and it is not uncommon for beginning counselors to start out in entry-level or assistant positions before advancing to independent practice.
Mental Health Counselor Career Outlook & Salary
As mental health becomes more of a priority people are starting to look to counselors for occasional help. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of counselors is projected to grow by 18% within the next decade, with employment in the field of mental health counseling increasing by 24%. This is due to more insurance companies providing coverage for counseling services as they are less expensive than those of psychologists and psychiatrists, and more people seeking mental health services as it becomes more widely accepted.
The chances of obtaining a counseling job are high since there will likely be more job openings than individuals who successfully complete graduate counseling programs. Licensed counselors with a high quality education, specialized certifications, and relevant experience will have the most lucrative careers.
The Bureau reported that the median annual wages of mental health counselors was $36,810 in May 2008, with those working within the local government, offices of other health practitioners, and outpatient care centers earning the highest amounts.
