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Mental Health Counselors

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

Compare to another career

Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.

Pay & job outlook

We don't have national pay or outlook data for this role yet.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingWritingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingService OrientationMonitoringActive Learning
Top knowledge areas
Therapy and CounselingPsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSociology and AnthropologyEducation and TrainingAdministrativeTelecommunications
Core tasks

• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.

• Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.

• Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.

• Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.

• Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.

• Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.

• Perform crisis interventions with clients.

• Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.

Frequently asked questions

What education is typically required for Mental Health Counselors?

Typical entry-level education: Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed.