Mental health counselors are licensed professionals who offer a variety of services including diagnosis, therapy, educational programs and development of treatment plans. Diverse working environments are common for counselors and can be found in such places of employment as schools, rehabilitation centers, jails, employment facilities and family services. Use these tips to learn how to become a mental health counselor.
Education and Experience Requirements
Particular education requirements are necessary for a career in mental health therapy. A master’s degree is the most common educational requirement. In order to meet state licensing requirements to become a mental health counselor, a person must complete a master's degree in a program of study related to counseling. This includes a variety of degree programs such as mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, rehabilitation counseling or community counseling.
In addition to the educational requirements, experience in mental health counseling jobs is required for licensing. Prior to taking the test to become a licensed mental health counselor, professionals must work in a clinical setting providing mental health therapy for two years. A two-year internship is required by most schools and may or may not be a paid position.
The work experience must be completed under the supervision of someone who is licensed or certified in a mental health profession. Following completion of the required work experience or internship, it is necessary to pass the licensing examination required by the state in which the professional resides.
Students who have families or already established careers and are going back to school to gain the education they need to switch gears may want to consider earning their mental health counseling degrees online. Online programs allow students to obtain the education they need without disrupting their lives. Depending on the student’s individual needs, any accredited university or college that offers mental health counseling studies is sufficient. This may include an online university or campus-based college program.
Licensing Requirements
Licensing requirements for mental health counseling are similar to those required for marriage and family therapists as well as clinical social workers. Licensure varies by state and work setting. Continuing education requirements may be necessary in some states in order to achieve the required license. Public schools in nearly every state require licensing and counseling certifications.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to the reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2012, mental health counselor occupations are expected to increase at a greater rate than the average job. Projected employment growth is favorable and expected to increase approximately 20%. Substance abuse counselors and mental health counselors who deal with behavioral disorders are among the fastest growing occupations in the industry. Openings for employment are expected to rise over the next decade in jails and treatment program facilities.
Education and Experience Requirements
Particular education requirements are necessary for a career in mental health therapy. A master’s degree is the most common educational requirement. In order to meet state licensing requirements to become a mental health counselor, a person must complete a master's degree in a program of study related to counseling. This includes a variety of degree programs such as mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, rehabilitation counseling or community counseling.
In addition to the educational requirements, experience in mental health counseling jobs is required for licensing. Prior to taking the test to become a licensed mental health counselor, professionals must work in a clinical setting providing mental health therapy for two years. A two-year internship is required by most schools and may or may not be a paid position.
The work experience must be completed under the supervision of someone who is licensed or certified in a mental health profession. Following completion of the required work experience or internship, it is necessary to pass the licensing examination required by the state in which the professional resides.
Students who have families or already established careers and are going back to school to gain the education they need to switch gears may want to consider earning their mental health counseling degrees online. Online programs allow students to obtain the education they need without disrupting their lives. Depending on the student’s individual needs, any accredited university or college that offers mental health counseling studies is sufficient. This may include an online university or campus-based college program.
Licensing Requirements
Licensing requirements for mental health counseling are similar to those required for marriage and family therapists as well as clinical social workers. Licensure varies by state and work setting. Continuing education requirements may be necessary in some states in order to achieve the required license. Public schools in nearly every state require licensing and counseling certifications.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to the reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2012, mental health counselor occupations are expected to increase at a greater rate than the average job. Projected employment growth is favorable and expected to increase approximately 20%. Substance abuse counselors and mental health counselors who deal with behavioral disorders are among the fastest growing occupations in the industry. Openings for employment are expected to rise over the next decade in jails and treatment program facilities.
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