Counselor (Mental Health)

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Work Tasks

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote the best possible mental health. They deal with human development concerns through support, therapeutic approaches, consultation, evaluation, teaching, and research. Mental health counselors are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address a wide range of issues. These issues include depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, and problems with self-esteem.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $45,500 average per year ($22.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (143,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most states have some form of MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR credentialing, licensure, certification, or registration that governs the practice of counseling. Requirements typically include a completion of a master's degree in counseling, the accumulation of 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master's degree level, the passing of a state-recognized exam, and completion of annual continuing education requirements. Mental health counselors must be aware of educational and training requirements that are often very detailed and that vary by area and by counseling specialty.