Mental health counselors are professionals who are responsible for advising people on a wide array of mental health issues that they face in their daily lives. Mental health counselors comprise one of the most popular subspecialties in counseling, and they can further specialize.
In the guide below, we examine the general responsibilities of a mental health counselor before exploring specific work environments and specialties that arise from where professionals choose to work. The guide also covers how to become a mental health counselor, educational considerations, licensing and certification, and more avenues for career growth.
Finally, we conclude with a look at the potential earning figures for mental health counselors and the career outlook for the profession over the next decade.
What are a Mental Health Counselor’s Responsibilities?
The responsibilities of a mental health counselor usually encompass a series of actions geared towards providing support and helping clients recover from mental health issues. During the course of their careers, mental health counselors are usually called upon to carry out the following responsibilities:
- evaluating the mental and physical health of a client,
- assessing how ready clients are for treatment and how problematic their behavior may have become,
- developing and reviewing treatment plans,
- explaining treatment plans to the clients and to their families,
- assisting with behavior modification,
- assessing and optimizing client progress through proper record documentation and maintenance,
- providing referrals in cases where clients need additional resources and services,
- carrying out outreach initiatives to educate the public on mental health issues.
It is common for mental health counselors to actively help their clients improve their lives by, for example, assisting them in establishing a professional career.
Mental Health Counselor Work Environment
Mental health counselors usually work full-time in an office, but it is also possible for professionals to offer inpatient and residential services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that there are more than 480,000 mental health counselors currently employed in the United States.
Among these, 17% work in outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, another 17% work in the offices of other practitioners, 15% work with individuals and family services, and 9% work in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities.
The rest are found in state, local, and private hospitals.
It is also worth pointing out that working as a mental health counselor can sometimes be stressful. This is due to the significant workload and often limited resources.
Mental health counselors also tend to find themselves handling crises in charged environments with agitated clients, which may increase the potential stress load.
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
The following steps are necessary to become a mental health counselor.
High School Diploma or GED
The typical first step to begin a career in mental health counseling is to hold a high school diploma or a GED. These are the foundational steps before more advanced education.
Candidates also need transferable attributes like communication, compassion, listening skills, patience, and interpersonal skills.
Bachelor’s Degree
Although there may be some variation depending on the specific state and position in question, mental health counselors typically require at least a bachelor’s degree to begin working professionally. It is also possible for certain positions to require a master’s degree.
During their undergraduate studies, candidates may apply for courses in psychology, public policy, social science, and social services. Afterwards, they can then participate in the master’s degree program.
Internships
To ensure that candidates are not only knowledgeable in theoretical principles but can also apply their skills in the real world, mental health counseling programs typically provide for a clinically supervised internship.
Licensing and Certification
Mental health counselors who work in private practice must be licensed before they can assume professional positions. The steps to become a licensed mental health counselor vary by state.
Generally, a master’s degree and a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience are essential.
In states where candidates are not required to hold a degree, they must still pass a professional examination.
Career Growth
To continue growing as a mental health counselor, professionals can take a few advancement steps, including earning an advanced degree and completing supervised clinical experience. Candidates may also start their own businesses once they have a sufficient understanding of the technical and entrepreneurial aspects of the profession.
Specializations
Specializations for mental health counselors often depend on the environment. As mentioned earlier, we have mental health counselors working in outpatient and substance abuse centers, health practitioners’ offices, substance abuse facilities, and hospitals.
It is also possible for a mental health counselor to specialize in individual and family services only.
Salary & Career Outlook
A mental health counselor can expect an annual average salary of around $59,190. This figure was reported as the median by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on a 2024 survey.
The data also showed that mental health counselors in the top 10% nationwide earned an annual average salary of $98,210, while those in the bottom 10% earned an annual average salary of $39,090.
Sorting by specialties, mental health counselors in hospitals manage an annual average salary of $61,930; those who work in health practitioners’ offices manage an annual average salary of $59,570; while candidates in outpatient facilities take home an annual average salary of $58,200.
Professionals who offer individual and family services are also well-rewarded with an annual average salary of $57,080.
Career Outlook
The career outlook for mental health counselors is quite positive, according to estimations from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The employment rate nationwide is expected to increase by 17% from 2024 to 2034.
This is significantly greater than the average for other occupations.
During that time, the Bureau projects around 48,000 openings every year. Factors behind the projections include the replacement of retiring workers and those who choose to transition into other occupations.
The increased need for behavioral and mental health treatment will significantly drive its growth.
