What does it take?
Mental health counselor requires knowledge to be professional, these includes (1)Psychology- Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. (2)Therapy and Counseling- Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance. (3)Customer and Personal Service- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. (4)Sociology and Anthropology- Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. (5)English Language- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. (O*NET Online)
Skills are very important of being a mental health counselor, it helps to make the right decision for the client who is in needed. These are the following list of skills that a mental health counselor has: (1)Active Listening- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking the time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. (2)Social Perceptiveness- Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do. (3)Service Orientation- Actively looking for ways to help people. (4)Speaking- talking to others to convey information effectively. (4)Critical Thinking- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. (O*NET Online)
Abilities are provided for a good understanding of the client’s situation. These require (1)Oral Comprehension- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. (2)Oral Expression- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. (3)Problem Sensitivity- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. (4)Inductive Reasoning- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). (5)Written Comprehension- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. (O*NET Online)
Education for Mental Health Counselor
The education of mental health counselor in Capella University was estimated $43,830. Some colleges may cost higher or lower than the Capella University. Taking some courses from other colleges could save money by transferring the credits.
How long does it take? It will take 4 years for a Bachelor’s, 5-6 years for a Masters and 7-8 years for a doctorate. Many colleges offer this field of study, some colleges in Maine are the University of Maine, Orono (UMO), University of Southern Maine (USM), while there are colleges ( such as University of Phoenix, and Liberty University) who offer this online with a summer of taking classes on-site. However, one must check with the licensing board of what colleges are listed as acceptable universities for testing and licensure. There are five types of licensed, professional, clinical professional, marriage and family therapist, pastoral, and registered. Years of experience may require 1-3 years, depending on the employer.
Where is the job located? Mental Health Counselor job is located in all fifty states in the United States.
High demand job field for Mental Health Counselor
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest demand jobs for mental health counselors in 2014 are found in the following area:
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Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities.
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State and local government, excluding education and hospitals
Outpatient Care Centers (COC) are the facilities that deal with people with mental health disorders or substance abuse issue. These facilities can be found in private or public hospitals. Mental Health Counselor provides a group counseling, individual counseling, and family counseling these includes children, teenagers and seniors.
Salary for Mental Health Counselor
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic and Occupational Employment Statistic Program, mental health counselor salary can range from $32,990 to $61,500 in Maine. While other areas like Alaska can range from $41,570 to $64,520.
What are some of the benefits? Benefits for mental health counselor are chances of advancement, raise of salary, offer to send free charge for more education, and some employer provides medical insurance.
Other career options for this experience
Mental health counselor can be a high demand in different states in the United States. Mental health counselors sometimes referred to as licensed professional counselors, are trained to assist individuals, couples, and families with psychological, emotional, and social problems. Career options for mental health counselors include working in private practice, schools, hospitals or community health clinics. Mental health counselors may specialize in other areas such as substance abuse and marriage and family counseling.
Substance Abuse Counselors
The overuse or abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs can cause death and psychiatric and behavioral problems. Mental health counselors who specialize in substance abuse counseling are prepared to treat individuals and groups who struggle with addictions to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. These mental health counselors often work in clinics and treatment centers. Substance abuse counselors may be called upon to intervene in situations where a substance abuser will not seek help on his or her own. The counselor then uses intervention therapy to help both the abuser and their family members by assessing the situation, identifying an appropriate treatment center, transporting the abuser to the center, and coordinating services.
Marriage and Family Counselors
Some mental health counselors work with married couples and families who are having difficulties in their relationships. A marriage and family counselor diagnoses behavioral and emotional problems that may be causing a family’s conflicts. Using psychotherapy and behavior counseling, a mental health counselor helps families understand and resolve their problems. The counselor works individually with each family member and with the family as a whole during therapy sessions.
Who can I talk to regarding this career field choice?
