Becoming a Mental Health Counselor in 5 Steps

<p>A mental health counselor is someone who provides counseling to individuals dealing with trauma, depression, adjustment to major life chances, and other circumstances that affect their mental wellbeing. </p> <p>Mental health counselors are not psychologists, but the services they provide do require an understanding of psychological principles. Mental health counselors must also be compassionate and empathetic with a strong desire to help people. </p> <h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3> <p><b>These professionals may work in a variety of settings including:</b> </p> <ul><li>hospitals </li><li>mental health clinics </li><li>schools </li><li>correctional facilities </li><li>private practices </li></ul><p>No two days are exactly alike for mental health counselors. Their approaches and duties can vary widely depending on each individual patient they work with. </p> <p>Generally, however, mental health counselors aim to diagnose and treat a variety of mental illnesses and conditions, as well as identify triggers and coping strategies. </p> <p>They may work with military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, school children with eating disorders, young women who have been sexually abused, or families dealing with a loved one's dementia diagnosis. </p> <p>Mental health counselors typically work within normal business hours, though their services may be needed on nights, weekends, and holidays as well, depending on their work environment and the needs of their patients. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3> <p>Mental health counselors earn a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Salary_FAQs.html">median income</a> of a little over $56,000 a year. The field is projected to grow at up to three times the normal rate by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. </p> <p>Want to start your path to becoming a mental health counselor? Follow the steps below. </p> <h2 id="section---Step1DevelopNecessaryProfessionalSkills">Step 1: Develop Necessary Professional Skills</h2> <p>Before you even start attending college, it's a good idea to evaluate yourself and see if you have the soft skills and personality traits that will allow you to thrive as a mental health counselor. </p> <p>As we already mentioned, you must be empathetic and compassionate. A desire to help people is also essential. </p> <p>You will also need to be flexible, patient, and able to thrive even in uncomfortable settings. </p> <p>It takes a special sort of person to succeed as a mental health counselor, and you may not know whether it's the job for you until you have spent some time working in a mental health setting. </p> <p>Consider job-shadowing a counselor or working an entry-level job in a mental health clinic to gain relevant on-the-job experience that can help you decide if you want to pursue this field. </p> <h2 id="section---Step2ObtainABachelorSDegree">Step 2: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree</h2> <p>Completing post-secondary education is a crucial step for anyone hoping to become a mental health counselor. </p> <p>Having a master's degree is a requirement to practice as a mental health counselor in most states, and the first step to obtaining a master's degree is obtaining a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a>. </p> <p>There is no specific degree you have to pursue, but it would be a good idea to take classes that will help prepare you for a career in counseling. </p> <p>Bachelor's degrees in psychology, counseling, health sciences, social work, or related fields are all good options to consider. </p> <h2 id="section---Step3ObtainAMasterSDegree">Step 3: Obtain a Master's Degree</h2> <p>Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, you can begin working on your <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Masters_Degree_FAQs.html">master's degree</a>. </p> <p>Most master's degrees are more targeted and specific than bachelor's degrees. For example, many schools offer master's degrees specifically in mental health counseling, while others allow you to pursue fields like substance abuse counseling or trauma counseling. </p> <p>A master's degree in counseling or mental health counseling is ideal for anyone who wants to become a mental health counselor. </p> <p>However, it's also a good idea to explore various schools and see what specific master's degree programs are available. </p> <p>If you can find one that focuses on a specific area of interest within mental health counseling, that program may allow you to specialize. </p> <h2 id="section---Step4CompleteInternshipsOrResidencies">Step 4: Complete Internships or Residencies</h2> <p>Many counseling degrees include internships and residencies as part of the program. Even if yours does not, it's a good idea to seek out these opportunities independently. </p> <p>Internships allow you to gain experience working with patients face-to-face. Residencies provide the same opportunities while also giving your instructors the chance to evaluate your skills and determine your competency as a counselor. </p> <p>What's more, internships and residencies allow you to log hours of job experience that you will need to obtain various licenses and certifications. In most cases, there will be a set number of hours you will need to work to complete the internship or residency. </p> <h2 id="section---Step5GetLicensedAndCertified">Step 5: Get Licensed and Certified</h2> <p>Once you have completed your education and logged the required number of hours, you can begin practicing as a mental health counselor. First, though, you will need to obtain the appropriate licenses and certifications. </p> <p>Most states have specific licensing requirements for mental health counselors. The requirements to become licensed can vary from state to state but generally involve holding a master's degree and showing proof of internship or other work experience. </p> <p>Find out about the requirements in your state and make sure you meet all of them before applying for a license. </p> <p>Additionally, you can obtain certifications that will look good on a resume and signal your worth to prospective employers. While not required in most states, these certifications can give you a better chance of landing good counseling jobs. </p> <p>You can obtain various professional certifications through the National Board for Certified Counselors, or NBCC. </p> <h2 id="section---YourPathwayToBecomingAMentalHealthCounselor">Your Pathway to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor</h2> <p>By following the step-by-step process above, you will be well on your way to becoming a mental health counselor and finding fulfillment in a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Psychology_Career_Profiles.html">rewarding career</a>.</p>