Students who pursue a master’s degree in counseling develop many valuable interpersonal and technical skills. For instance, strong soft skills help them communicate effectively with clients during individual and group sessions. They also learn to create personalized treatment plans for clients with mental health challenges.1 As a new graduate, you can use these abilities in traditional settings, securing employment in mental health services or school counseling. The job description that motivates you may involve finding treatment options for patient care, or it could be that of a marriage and family therapist, a mental health technician, a case manager or a case worker.
If you have other career goals, however, an Online M.Ed. in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling can unlock many alternatives in related disciplines. Exploring non-traditional career options can help you find the right fit for your skill set and discover new passions. This guide examines 10 fulfilling career paths in publishing, human resources and other fields.
Mental health counselors play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. As awareness grows around mental health issues, the demand for qualified counselors continues to increase. There are many rewarding career paths for those looking to make a difference as a mental health counselor.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a mental health counselor is completing the proper education and training. Here are some of the most common degrees
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Associate’s Degree – An associate’s degree in psychology or counseling can allow you to begin working in entry-level mental health positions These 2-year programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools.
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Bachelor’s Degree – Most students start by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which provides foundational knowledge of mental health. These 4-year programs are offered at colleges and universities.
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Master’s Degree – A master’s degree is required to work as a licensed mental health counselor. These 2-year graduate programs focus on counseling skills, psychopathology, human development, and multicultural competence. Both online and on-campus options are available.
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Doctoral Degree – Although not required to practice, a PhD or PsyD allows counselors to work in advanced clinical, research, or academic roles. These programs take 4-5 years to complete.
In addition to formal education, mental health counselors must complete supervised internships and pass licensing exams to begin practicing. Ongoing continuing education is also required to maintain licensure.
Career Paths and Job Settings
There are many possibilities for licensed mental health counselors across a variety of settings:
Mental Health Clinics and Private Practice
- Provide counseling, assessment, and therapy for individuals, couples, families
- Treat issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems
- May specialize in a specific area like addiction or eating disorders
Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Work as part of healthcare team to serve patients with mental health needs
- Help patients understand and cope with psychological aspects of medical conditions
- Provide grief counseling and counseling for chronic or terminal illness
Government and Community Agencies
- Work for local, state, or federal government departments and programs
- Provide services covered by public funding sources like Medicaid
- Help underserved and vulnerable populations access mental healthcare
Residential Treatment Facilities
- Work with patients requiring intensive psychiatric treatment and around-the-clock care
- Participate in development of individualized treatment plans
- Lead group and individual therapy sessions
School Counseling
- Work in elementary, middle, or high school settings
- Help students deal with issues negatively impacting academic performance
- Provide services like crisis intervention, grief counseling, and substance abuse prevention
Correctional Facilities
- Meet mental health needs of youth or adult offenders
- Conduct risk assessments, provide individual and group counseling
- Help inmates transition back into the community after release
Work Environment
Mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, prisons, residential treatment centers, and community health organizations. Those in private practice may see clients in office settings or make home visits when needed. Telehealth allows counselors to provide care remotely via video conferencing.
Counselors often collaborate with other professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses as part of a healthcare team. Work schedules may include evenings or weekends to accommodate client availability. Self-employment and private practice allow for more control over hours and workload.
Skills and Qualities
Successful mental health counselors possess certain traits and abilities:
- Active listening and communication skills
- Empathy, compassion, and cultural awareness
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and recordkeeping
- Emotional stability and stress management
- Critical thinking and assessment
- Knowledge of therapy models and clinical interventions
Patience, creativity, and commitment to ongoing learning are also advantageous. Strong ethics and personal integrity are vital when working closely with vulnerable populations.
Job Outlook and Salary Potential
The job outlook for mental health counselors is very strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022-2032, much faster than average. This will result in about 42,000 new jobs over the 10-year period.
In addition to new job openings, the need to replace retiring counselors will provide abundant opportunities for new graduates. BLS data shows the median salary for mental health counselors was $49,710 as of 2021. Those working in hospitals, residential facilities, or private practice settings tend to earn higher wages.
With greater awareness and demand for mental health services, there are increasing options for certified counselors to impact lives in roles such as:
- Mental health counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Behavioral disorder counselor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Clinical social worker
- School counselor
- Grief counselor
- Rehabilitation counselor
Rewarding careers exist in a wide range of environments from schools to hospitals to private practice. If you are passionate about helping people overcome challenges and improve their wellbeing, a future as a mental health counselor may be the right path for you!
Human Resources and Employee Relations
Counseling students can apply their knowledge of human psychology and mediation skills in human resources and employee relations. Specialists in this field use human behavior principles to motivate and train employees. For example, they can use the reward system to create incentives for increased productivity. They also use communication skills in the processes of interviewing and hiring new employees and terminating employment when necessary.5
Understanding Alternative Careers for Counselors
Alternative careers refer to jobs outside of traditional counseling roles that leverage related knowledge and skills. For example, counseling professionals can use transferable ‘people skills,’ such as conflict mediation and active listening, to become human resources specialists. Similarly, counseling training enables student affairs professionals to help college students cope with mental and emotional challenges.2
While non-traditional career paths can be personally and professionally satisfying, alternative careers may pose challenges, such as learning new skills and juggling previously unfamiliar responsibilities.2
Mental Health Careers: More Than Just Psychologists
Where can a mental health counselor find a job?
Mental health counselors can find jobs in mental health organizations, educational settings, organizations/agencies, and corporate environments. Licensed mental health counselors can diagnose and treat mental illness as they apply their skills in a variety of career settings.
What can one do to improve their mental health?
Being physically active can reduce feelings of stress and depression and improve your mood. Try connecting with other people. Learn new skills. Give to others. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness).
What does a mental health counselor do?
Licensed mental health counselors — Using a holistic rather than specialized approach, mental health counselors are trained to examine, diagnose, and provide treatment and therapies to people (individuals, families, and groups) struggling with issues that impact their overall psychological well-being.
What is the job outlook for a mental health counselor?
The job outlook for mental health counselors is quite favorable. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Much like physicians, mental health professionals will likely always be in high demand. What Skills Are Required for a Mental Health Career?
