Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors treat mental and emotional disorders, and help individuals, groups and families improve and maintain their mental health. They use a full portfolio of counseling techniques to help with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, problems with self-esteem, aging-related issues, career-related issues, family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems. Typically, counselors work alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.

Prospective mental health counselors must be able to inspire trust and respect their clients. They need to have the ability to work unsupervised, and must be able to adhere to the code of ethics as stipulated upon receipt of their counseling certification or license.

Education and Credentials Required
The most common minimum credential for mental health counselors is licensing or certification. Counselors who work for government agencies are expected to have masters’ degrees in some states, while others require only a bachelors’ degree. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited approximately 176 institutions in the United States. Additionally, many counselors voluntarily seek certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for mental health counselors are expected to rise faster than average. As the number of graduates dwindles, the number of counseling programs stays the same or increases. Furthermore, demand is growing, and will continue to grow, mainly because of the diminishing stigma of mental health issues in today’s world compared to the past. More employers are offering counseling as something included in benefits packages as well.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for mental health counselors was $29,940, with the highest ten percent earning more than $50,170. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income.