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What You Need to Know About Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselor Definition Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

What Do Mental Health Counselors Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.
  • Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
  • Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
  • Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
  • Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.
  • Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.

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What a Mental Health Counselor Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Mental Health Counselors say are important on the job.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Child Care Counselor
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Behavioral Health Counselor
  • Behavioral Health Therapist
  • Group Counselor

Is There Going to be Demand for Mental Health Counselors?

There were about 157,700 jobs for Mental Health Counselor in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 36,500 new jobs for Mental Health Counselor by 2026. The BLS estimates 21,600 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Mental Health Counselor are Utah, Arizona, and Virginia. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Kansas, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools & Technology do Mental Health Counselors Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Mental Health Counselors:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Scheduling software
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Statistical software
  • Patient electronic medical record EMR software
  • Netscape Navigator
  • Management information systems MIS
  • Office suite software

Becoming a Mental Health Counselor

Individuals working as a Mental Health Counselor have obtained the following education levels:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor?

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Similar Careers

Those who work as a Mental Health Counselor sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Katie Spencer via Public domain

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