Mental Health Counselor
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This page provides an overview of the Mental Health Counselor profession, including typical job responsibilities, required skills, and educational pathways.
Please note that this is not a job posting, but rather an informational guide to help you understand what a career in Mental Health Counselor entails
What Does A Mental Health Counselor Do
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Other Job Titles
Behavior Analyst, Behavior Support Specialist (BSS), Case Manager, Clinician, Correctional Counselor, Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Therapist, Therapist
Job Tasks
- Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
- Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
- Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
- Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
- Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
Annual Salary
- Workers on average earn $22,41/hr. – $46,620 annual.
- Projected Growth (2019-2029) Much faster than average (8% or Higher)
- Projected job openings (2019-2029) 39,400
Required Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Resources
The Occupational Information Network is a free online database that contains hundreds of occupational definitions to help students.
Learn More >>The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government’s premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations.
Learn More >>My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options.
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