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Mental health counselors provide ongoing psychological care to patients who are dealing with mental and psychological issues such as depression, mental illness and substance abuse. Because mental health issues tend to be complicated and multi-faceted, mental health counselors are trained to treat patients holistically in order to get to the root of each patient's unique problems. Job Opportunities for Mental Health CounselorsDepending on his or her specific career path, a mental health counselor may work at organizations such as:
In addition to working with patients, most mental health counselors also collaborate with other professionals including school counselors, psychiatrists, social workers and colleagues in the counseling field. Duties of a Mental Health CounselorA mental health counselor's duties can vary depending on his or her specific career path, but in general, they include helping patients work through issues such as depression, anger management, suicidal thoughts, parenting, aging, relationship problems, stress, addiction and self-image. Mental health counselors may also provide crisis management services, substance abuse treatment, psychotherapy, assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. Mental Health Counselor Salary and Career OutlookIn May 2014, the mean wage for mental health counselors was $43,990 annually or $21.15 hourly. The top 10 percent of mental health counselors earned an average of $66,930 annually or $32.18 hourly, while the lowest 10 percent earned $26,030 annually or $12.52 hourly.1 Industries that hired the most mental health counselors in 2014 included:2
The top paying industries for mental health counselors in 2014 were:3
States with the highest employment levels for mental health counselors in 2014 included:4
The top paying states for mental health counselors in 2014 were:5
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than one-quarter of all adults suffer from a mental illness each year. As awareness of mental health issues continues to spread, the demand for mental health counselors will grow accordingly.6 To learn more about becoming a mental health counselor, review the resources listed below. Source References [+]
Educational Requirements to Work as a CounselorThe educational pathway to working as a counselor begins with earning a bachelor's degree and is then followed with a master's or doctorate level degree in counseling. A degree does not guarantee work but can of course greatly increase one's chances of being hired in this field. Where Can You Work with a Degree in Counseling?The following places of employment offer work opportunities for someone with a counseling degree: 1. HospitalsFrom assuming the role of a family grief counselor to providing mental health evaluations, counseling professionals with a bachelor's or master's degree often find employment at a hospital. Some counselors are hired to assist patients overcome various psychological and behavioral issues, while others may specifically focus on the rehabilitation of a hospital patient. With a Ph.D., counselors can assume the position of clinical supervisor at a hospital, as well as qualify for many other jobs in administration. 2. Inpatient or Outpatient Detoxification CentersAccording to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2.5 million Americans aged 12 or older (or 10.8 percent of those in need) received treatment in a specialized treatment setting for an illicit drug or alcohol problem. There are a reported more than 23 million Americans altogether who are in need of treatment, and counselors are hired to assist their road to recovery. Counselors are hired to work in:
Substance abuse or addiction counselors may also serve as detox specialists or crisis workers within a detoxification center. 3. Mental Health Facilities & AgenciesProviding one-on-one treatment or holding group therapy sessions, professionals with a graduate degree in counseling are often employed at a mental health facility – oftentimes according to their specialty. For example, community counselors are hired at localized mental health agencies to assist a local population, interact with community leaders, and bridge the gap between support services found in surrounding areas. A master's degree in counseling can lead to employment as a social worker, mental health counselor, or case manager at a mental health agency or facility. A doctorate in counseling qualifies a professional to take a position as a coordinator or director of a mental health agency. 4. Residential Care FacilitiesA residential care facility provides counseling services to people living in a temporary environment that requires continuous supervision. This may include facilities that house troubled or at-risk youths, autistic children, or people with mental or physical disabilities. An associate's degree in counseling prepares graduates to work at a residential care facility as a substance abuse or addictions counselor, where they may hold one-on-one counseling sessions or lead group discussions with people suffering from a chemical dependency. 5. Halfway HousesHalfway houses, also known as transitional housing facilities and recovery houses, hire rehabilitation and substance abuse counselors to guide patients or residents in need of help transitioning back to a societal environment, their family, their community, and/or entering the workforce. Counselors may work in:
Counseling degree programs at the associate's level typically focus on training professionals as substance abuse or drug and alcohol counselors, but the majority of employers are looking to hire a licensed professional or someone with at least a bachelor's degree. 6. Geriatric-Related FacilitiesCounselors, especially geriatric counselors, are often employed by facilities, agencies and organizations that serve the elderly population, such as hospitals, assisted living communities, senior community centers, retirement homes, independent living communities, as well as long- and short-term care facilities. 7. VA Medical Hospitals and Outpatient ClinicsAccording to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are more than 1,200 VA community-based outpatient clinics, VA hospitals, and VA vet centers in the United States. Counselors are hired to work with veterans, their spouses, and family to address issues, such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and anger management. Usually, a master's degree is required for the majority of VA counseling positions. 8. Correctional Facilities and/or PrisonsFrom mental health counseling to substance abuse counseling, the prison system employs counselors to provide individual and group therapy for individuals who are jailed, or living in a correctional facility. Correctional counselors also help develop a plan of action to assist inmates achieve rehabilitation goals, and prepare them for transitioning back into society after being released from prison. 9. Retail BusinessesAssuming positions in the human resources or public relations departments of large retail organizations, counselors with as little as a bachelor's degree are hired in the retail sector. Job duties typically include improving company-customer relationships, as well as designing and conducting training programs. 10. The Educational SystemPrimarily helping students to better navigate the stresses of growing up and successfully completing their studies, counselors play an important role at all levels of the school system, such as providing crisis intervention following traumatic or violent occurrences – like the death of a teacher, a gun violence incident, or peer suicide. Although a master's degree is often preferred, some counselors with a bachelor's degree are able to assume positions at a school. Typically, the higher the degree a counselor possesses, the more job opportunities an individual will encounter regarding the following institutions within the school system:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), elementary and secondary schools employed 47% of all educational, vocational and schools counselors working in 2012 on the state, local, and private level. In an elementary school, a counselor often works with teachers and parents to evaluate a student's strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify any special needs.
A graduate with experience in vocational or career counseling may find a fit at a high school, where they can advise students making future decisions regarding higher education and/or making career plans. Often called guidance counselors, they also assist students with various issues commonly associated with teenagers, which range from self-esteem to behavioral issues to college and/or career planning. In high schools, a degree in counseling can also lead to job positions as academic adviser, career counselor, career services director, and guidance counselor.
The BLS reports 31 percent of school and career counselors are employed at junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools on the state, local, and private level. Those with a doctoral degree in counseling can teach undergraduate or graduate level studies at a public or private college/university. A director of career counseling with a college or university often holds a Ph.D. related to the field. Additional work opportunities for counselors with an interest in higher education include:
11. Career CentersThe majority of graduates with a vocational or career counseling degree work in career centers associated with high schools, colleges, as well as state government agencies. A bachelor's degree in vocational counseling is acceptable for some places of employment, but a master's degree is typically preferred, especially for counselors applying for a position at a college and university career center. Outside of a career center, some counselors work as consultants that match candidates to corresponding employment opportunities. 12. Rehabilitation Centers & AgenciesGraduates with a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling may assume a position with a rehabilitation agency on the state, private, and nonprofit level. A professional with a doctorate in counseling qualifies to become a director of a rehab facility. Counselors also find work in other job settings that involve rehabilitation, such as colleges, elementary and secondary schools, prisons, and independent-living facilities. 13. Nonprofit or Social Service AgenciesProviding an array of counseling services centered on mental health, rehabilitation, substance abuse, and other areas of social work, counselors with undergraduate and graduate degrees find work at nonprofit or social service agencies. Job candidates with a Ph.D. are qualified to oversee family counseling services for such agencies, including the governmental division of Child and Family Services. 14. Religious InstitutionsCounselors who specialize in combining traditional mental health counseling with the Christian faith often work in private practice and/or religious work environments, such as a church. Professionals must obtain a certificate in Christian counseling before they are able to use the Bible and religious teachings to treat clients. This type of professional is also not limited to strictly working in a religious setting, and may assist anyone in need of counseling. 15. Public or Private PracticeThose with a Ph.D. in counseling can become a licensed professional counselor that works in a public or private practice. Most often, this type of counselor concentrates on a particular area of specialization, such as mental health counseling, family and marriage counseling, or substance abuse counseling. A bachelor's degree in counseling allows a graduate to assume the position of an administrative assistant or researcher that works under the direct supervision of a certified psychologist with his or her own practice or business. In conclusion, the number of places that a graduate with a counseling degree can work is wide-ranging, and the above-mentioned employment opportunities are non-exhaustive. Depending on a professional's level of education, counselors are also hired at insurance companies, private government agencies, summer camps, law offices, and Fortune 500 corporations. Available Counseling Degree Programs:
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Related CareersWhere do most mental health counselors work?Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, such as mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Most work full time.
Where is the highest demand for mental health counselors?Top 100 cities for mental health counselors. Where is the specific work areas of counselors?Settings in which a counseling professional may work include private practice, community settings, the legal system, group homes, long-term care facilities, short-term care facilities, in advocacy roles, and in the educational system. In each setting, different skills and training are required.
What type of mental health counselor makes the most money?Highest paid counseling jobs. Pediatric counselor. National average salary: $63,934 per year. ... . Licensed clinical social worker. National average salary: $64,671 per year. ... . Direct support professional. ... . Therapist. ... . Physician assistant. ... . Mental health counselor. ... . Registered nurse. ... . Physical therapist.. |
Where do clinical mental health counselors work
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