Mental Health Counselors: Schools and Careers

About Mental Health Counselors

Mental health counselors are trained professionals that work with individuals, groups and families to provide treatment for emotional and mental disorders and to promote optimal mental health. Mental health counselors observe, interview, test and evaluate their clients in order to design an effective treatment plan. They help their patients make positive changes in their behavior and lives. Analyzing patient's environmental and societal influences and examining their emotional and behavioral health are essential aspects of the occupation.

Typically, mental health counselors are trained to work with clients who are dealing with issues such as depression, anger, substance abuse, aging, self-esteem, stress and grief. They also often deal with marital, family, parenting and other types of relationship problems. In addition, working with other professionals in the field such as psychiatrists, psychologists and clinical social workers is part of the job.

Many counselors choose a specialty such as substance abuse, rehabilitation or family counseling. Some counselors work with psychiatric patients in hospitals, counseling centers, government agencies, youth homes and corporations. Some work with mentally ill adult clients in continued day treatment programs. In addition, numerous mental health counselors work in private practice.

Mental Health Counselor Responsibilities

• Making mental health evaluations
• Help patients make positive choices
• Assist clients develop skills to deal with their problems
• Schedule appointments with clients
• Maintain records of clients
• Provide other mental health professionals with case records and pertinent documentation
• Consult with other professionals to design an effective treatment plan for patients
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans
• Modify treatment plans
• Learn about the available resources which can be utilized with counseling

The work environment varies depending on the employer and the particular type of counseling they provide. Most counselors work 40 hours per week. Some work evening and weekends due to their clients' schedules or to help people and families that are dealing with a crisis.

Mental health counselors should be good listeners, enjoy helping others, have good communication skills and have empathy for others. Many mental health counselors find the job to be rewarding. However, the work may occasionally feel emotionally strenuous.

Employment Outlook

The number of jobs available are projected to exceed the number of qualified graduates. The growth rate for mental health counselors is projected to be much higher than the average of all occupations through 2016. The need for mental health counselors is projected to grow due to the staffing needs of statewide networks that are being created. These networks will try to improve services for children who have serious emotional problems and for their families. In addition, insurance companies are increasingly offering payments to managed care systems for counselors since they are less costly compared to psychiatrists and psychologists.

Experienced counselors have opportunities to acquire supervisor and administrator positions. Some experienced counselors choose to take jobs in research or teach at colleges. In addition, a doctoral degree improves the chances for advancement.

In 2006, there were approximately 100,000 jobs for mental health counselors. The median annual earnings for mental health counselors was $34,380 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned from $26,780 to $45,610. The highest 10 percent earned over $59,700 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,890.

Mental Health Counselor Education, Certification, and Licensing

Most mental health counselors are required to have a master's degree. The vast majority of the master's programs are two year curriculums. Typically, the master's programs require students to work with people in an internship.

Colleges and universities usually provide areas of specialization including, gerontology, substance abuse, school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling and other subjects.

The licensing requirements vary by state and by specialty. However, most states require a master's degree in counseling and 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience outside of the master's degree program. They also typically require candidates to pass a state-recognized exam and adhere to ethical codes and standards. Participating in yearly continuing education is usually required.

The licensing requirements may be different based on the specialty and the work setting. In addition, in some states counselors may be hired for public employment if they have a bachelor's degree along with appropriate counseling courses.

Some counselors choose to acquire certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors Inc. The national certification is voluntary and distinct from state licensing. However, in some states, those who pass the national exam do not have to take the state certification exam.

Some employers provide their counselors with additional training. Most counselors are required to attend workshops and participate in graduate and personal studies to maintain their certificates and licenses.

Resources for Mental Health Counselors

• American Mental Health Counselors Association
• American Counseling Association
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, American Counseling Association
• National Board for Certified Counselors

Major Employers of Mental Health Counselors

The primary employers are state and local governments and managed care systems.

Schools for Mental Health Counselors are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Mental Health Counselors by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Mental Health Counselors, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.