What does a Mental Health Counselor do?
Published 3 min read
A mental health counselor is a professional who helps people with mental and emotional disorders. They work with patients to help them understand and manage their conditions.
Mental Health Counselor job duties include:
- Providing individual, couples, and family counseling
- Conducting psychological assessments
- Diagnosing mental health disorders
- Developing treatment plans
- Providing crisis intervention
- Referring clients to other professionals or community resources
- Documenting client progress
- Maintaining confidentiality of client information
- Supervising interns or trainees
Mental Health Counselor Job Requirements
Mental health counselors typically have a master’s degree in counseling, although some may have a doctoral degree. They must also be licensed in the state in which they practice. In order to become licensed, they must complete a certain number of hours of clinical experience and pass an exam.
Mental Health Counselor Skills
- Listening
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Nonverbal communication
- Verbal communication
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Stress management
- Time management
- Organization
Related: Top Mental Health Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Mental Health Counselor
The field of mental health counseling is one that is growing rapidly. With the increase in mental health awareness and the need for more counselors, now is a great time to enter this career. Here are a few steps to take if you want to become a mental health counselor:
1. Get a degree in psychology or counseling. This is the first step to becoming a counselor. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree, but many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
2. Complete an internship. Many programs require an internship as part of the curriculum, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s a good idea to get some experience in the field before you start your career.
3. Get licensed or certified. In most states, you will need to be licensed or certified in order to practice as a counselor. The requirements vary by state, but they usually include passing an exam and completing continuing education credits.
4. Find a job. Once you have your degree and licensure, you can start applying for jobs as a mental health counselor. Check with your state licensing board for information on where to find open positions.
Mental health counseling is a rewarding career that can make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from mental illness. If you have the desire to help others and want to enter a growing field, consider becoming a mental health counselor today.
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