How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
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More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health counselors help clients with a variety of issues that impact health and well-being.
They provide support and treatment for mental health challenges and behavioral disorders.
This guide explains how to become a mental health counselor, including training requirements and job outlook.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is a Mental Health Counselor?
A professional mental health counselor is trained and licensed to provide a variety of interventions to help alleviate human suffering. Mental health counselors treat conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Some counselors may specialize in behavioral conditions such as gambling or substance use disorder. Others may focus on specific populations, such as those seeking marriage and family therapy or treatment for autism.
Mental health professionals may work independently in private practice or at facilities such as mental health centers. These counselors work closely with other mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, who are licensed to prescribe medications.
Responsibilities
Mental health counselors have many responsibilities, including the following:
Assessing and diagnosing clients’ mental and behavioral health conditions- Developing evidence-based interventions and reviewing treatment plans
- Providing individual, group, and family therapy sessions
- Maintaining records of clients’ progress
- Providing referrals for additional resources/professionals
Related Fields
Psychology majors can enter a variety of alternative careers outside of being a therapist or counselor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61% of psychology majors found employment in the following non-psychology fields in 2022:
- Management
- Community and social service
- Educational instruction and library
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
- Business and financial operations
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
A career in mental health counseling requires a deep desire to help others. If you’re interested in this profession, you can expect to spend 5-8 years completing the requisite education and training. The licensure process for mental health counselors, or the equivalent, varies by state.
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or a Related Field
The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students interested in a counseling career tend to complete majors in subjects such as psychology, human services, or behavioral health science. The degree usually requires 120-126 credits and may provide internship or practicum experience such as interviewing and case management.
- 2
Earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling or a Related Field
Many states require a master’s degree in counseling, counseling psychology, or a related field as the minimum educational requirement for licensure. Students usually complete a master’s in 2-3 years. State licensing boards widely accept degrees accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This ensures the program meets high standards established by the mental health profession.
- 3
Complete Post-Graduate Supervision Requirement
Aspiring professional counselors must complete 2,000-3,000 clinical hours providing both direct and indirect services under the supervision of a licensed mental health provider.
- 4
Apply for Licensure with Your State Board
All 50 states and Washington, D.C. require that mental health counselors earn a license to practice. Applicants must successfully complete supervised clinical work experience and pass a National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exam for licensure. Once applicants pass the exam, they can apply for licensure through the designated licensing board in their state.
- 5
Pass the National Licensing Examination
NBCC administers two examinations: the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). A state may require one or more for licensure.
The NCMHCE exam consists of 11 case studies that simulate scenarios a clinical mental health counselor encounters. Applicants must complete affiliated multiple-choice questions in 255 minutes. The NCMHCE is also required for NBCC’s certified clinical mental health counselor certification.
Mental Health Counselor Licensure
Passing a national licensing exam is a crucial step in becoming a mental health counselor. Each U.S. state’s counseling board establishes the license application process. Some states issue mental health licenses, such as the licensed professional counselor, to graduates who pass the NCMHCE and meet other requirements for licensure as an independent practitioner.
Other states issue credentials such as licensed professional counselor of mental health and licensed mental health counselor. States may also have associate licenses, such as licensed clinical mental health counselor associate, for pre-licensure candidates who complete supervised experience for licensure.
States could soon join an interstate counseling compact, allowing for the portability of counseling credentials in 2025. In the meantime, licensed practitioners in good standing in their jurisdiction can apply for licensure by reciprocity.
Mental Health Counselor Outlook and Salaries
Mental health counselors are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of mental health counselor jobs is projected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032, over four times the average growth rate for all U.S. jobs.
Salaries depend on various factors, including a practitioner’s experience level, location, and employer. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for mental health counselors was $53,710. The lowest 10% earned $36,700, while the highest 10% earned $89,920.
The top five highest-paying states for mental health counselors are Alaska, $77,430; Utah, $70,310; Washington, D.C., $67,750; New Jersey, $67,250; and New York, $67,240.
| Annual Salary Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $36,700 |
| 25% | $44,600 |
| Median (50%) | $53,710 |
| 75% | $70,130 |
| 100% | $89,920 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
Counselors and therapists use applied psychology to help clients with mental health challenges, and both require state licenses to practice. Therapists use psychotherapy over the long term to explore the root cause of behavioral and mental health conditions. Counselors focus on empowering clients with practical tools to address these challenges.
