Mental Health Counseling Programs

Mental health counseling is a psychology subspecialty where the professional may work with children, adolescents, adults, or families that have multiple issues. Mental health counseling can include diagnosing, treating and helping prevent mental health disorders, addictions, school, work or relationship problems or trauma. Typically, mental health counselors work in an office where they see clients throughout the day, although they may work in nontraditional settings.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

Mental health counselors approach their practices in a different manner than other health professionals. Instead of relying on traditional medical illness treatments, these professionals work with the client to assist positive life choices and a general wellness model for growth. A mental health counselor makes determinations through interviews, observation, and testing to clarify a client's needs.

Clients may be individuals, couples, or entire families, as the origins for mental health issues are often psychological, environmental, social, or family-based in nature. Whatever the factors, it is a mental health counselor's job to work with clients as well as other professionals, such as marriage and family counselors, school therapists, and social workers, in aiding the mental growth and improvement of the patient.

Useful Mental Health Counseling Resources

• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• Occupational Outlook Handbook for Counselors (BLS)

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Mental Health Counselor Duties

The typical day for a mental health counselor may consist of arranging patient appointments. These professionals typically meet with their clients in treatment facilities, homes or hospitals. Evaluating and determining the risk of a patient is vital to job performance. From there, the counselor must help the patient make healthy life decisions to positively shape the future and improve existing relationships.

Depending on the nature, position, and severity of the patient, it is important to collaborate with other health professionals as needed. Collaboration ensures more effective treatments for problems such as substance abuse, sex addiction, depression, and anger management.

Mental Health Counselor Earnings

As of May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that 106,920 professionals were currently practicing within this industry. Earnings for the group were as follows:

• Mental health counselors in the 90th percentile earned an annual salary of $64,610 (or $31.06 per hour).
• Those in the 10th percentile earned an annual salary of $24,230 (or $11.65 per hour).
• Annual mean wages were highest at $60,160 for those who worked at junior colleges.
• Annual mean wages were lowest at $33,020 for those who worked at residential mental retardation, mental health and substance abuse facilities.
• Private practices generally earned more than those working at facilities.

Education/Training as Mental Health Counselor

Going far within this field means treating the undergraduate degree as a first step. For those who wish to become professionals, further education is essential. You are required to earn your master's degree in counseling, social work, or a similar field if accepting more responsibility, and pay, is a goal. That means earning your MA, MS, or MSW, or taking it a step further and attaining a Ph.D. in mental health therapy or clinical/counseling psychology.

Internships and volunteer work at treatment facilities or hospitals are also great resume builders. In all but two states and the District of Columbia, further certification/licensing procedures are required. These include passing a state or nationally certified licensure exam—check with your state for the specifics—and completing two years of supervised work as a post-graduate in a clinical setting.

Working within a peaceful environment conducive to professional growth is a perk of the field. Perhaps the greatest benefit, however, is that you as a mental health counselor, can be the bridge that connects individuals, couples, and families to the peace and happiness they deserve.

You may also be interested in our guides to other counseling specialties, including:

• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• School Counseling
• Marriage and Family Counseling
• Career Counseling
• Pastoral Counseling
• Guidance Counseling
• Online Counseling Degrees
• Counseling Masters Degrees
• Counseling Doctorate Degrees
• Our Counseling Career Guide
• Counseling Psychology Degrees