Clinical mental health counselors help clients work through a wide array of mental health conditions and disorders that affect them in their everyday lives, whether that has to do with stress, anxiety, depression, grief/trauma, addiction, relationship conflicts, and more. Mental health counselors help clients understand their challenges and learn new behaviors and coping methods that allow them to live happier and healthier lives.

What Areas Can Mental Health Counselors Specialize in?

When choosing an occupational path, there are many factors to explore when determining if a certain career is right fit for you, from daily schedules and routines to work environments to pay range and more. If you鈥檙e thinking of a career in mental health counseling, you should first get some key questions answered so you鈥檙e fully aware of what the job entails. We explore these questions and answers below.

What Do Mental Health Counselors Do?

Clinical mental health counselors help clients work through a wide array of that affect them in their everyday lives, whether that has to do with stress, anxiety, depression, grief/trauma, addiction, relationship conflicts, and more. Mental health counselors help clients understand their challenges and learn new behaviors and coping methods that allow them to live happier and healthier lives.

What Does a Mental Health Counselor鈥檚 Work Schedule Look Like?

While the majority of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work full-time hours, part-time work is also common in this field. Some work environments such as residential or inpatient facilities may allow for evening or weekend hours.

Private practice can provide greater flexibility in scheduling, allowing the mental health counselor to be in control of their own schedules (i.e., only seeing clients certain days of the week or during certain hours). It should be noted that private-practice mental health counselors typically need to set aside more time for administrative tasks, such as handling business paperwork and investing time in marketing their practices.

What Is the Typical Caseload for a Mental Health Counselor?

The number of clients that clinical mental health counselors see each week varies widely with some seeing 15-20 a week.

There is no true industry average, as caseload size can be determined by many factors such as specialty area (general counselors might see more patients than those who focus on an area like trauma counseling), level of experience (more experienced counselors may be more comfortable taking on more clients), whether the counselor works for an employer or runs their own practice (private-practice counselors may spend more hours completing administrative tasks), and how much time per week a counselors wants to spend working.

Because of the nature of the job (it can be mentally and emotionally draining work), it鈥檚 important for clinical mental health counselors to find a caseload that provides the right level of balance so they don鈥檛 experience burnout.

Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?

Clinical mental health counselors can work in a wide array of settings, from private practices to
drug rehabilitation centers to nonprofit mental health clinics and more. Here are some of the
most common work environments for mental health counselors:

• Residential mental health and substance abuse centers
• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
• Individual and family service agencies
• Private practice
• Hospitals and clinics
• Community organizations
• Nonprofits
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Correctional facilities
• Telemedicine

(Sources: , , )

Which States Have the Most Mental Health Counselor Jobs?

There are a couple ways to think about the answer to this question. There are states with the highest mental health counselor employment numbers (focusing on the number of counselors employed) as well as states with the highest mental health counselor employment rates (the number of mental health counselors employed in relation to the state鈥檚 total employment base).

Here鈥檚 the breakdown, as provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

States with the Most Employed Mental Health Counselors

(Data is for the category of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health
counselors)

States with the Highest Concentration of Mental Health Counselor Jobs

(Data is for the category of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health
counselors)

The First Step in Your Mental Health Counselor Career Path

If you鈥檙e interested in pursuing a career in mental health counseling, you will need to earn a master鈥檚 degree in a related field. 国产主播 offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that can teach you how to help people overcome their mental health challenges so they can cope, heal, and thrive.

WCU鈥檚 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is available in both an online and blended format, with blended allowing for both online and in-person instruction. The program, which is taught by leaders in the counseling industry, can be completed in as little as 29 months.

Learn more about WCU鈥檚 mental health counseling master鈥檚 program.

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Considering becoming a mental health counselor? If so, you鈥檒l join a profession of profound importance and impact.

Before we dive into what the career of a mental health counselor entails and what the typical educational path looks like for this role, let鈥檚 gain some understanding of how the counseling industry as we know it today came to be.

Table of Contents

• History of the Mental Health Counseling Profession
• Why Are Mental Health Counselors Needed?
• What Does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Do?
• Where Do Clinical Mental Health Counselors Work?
• What Type of Degree Do You Need?
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Counselor?
• What Subjects Are Covered in a Mental Health Counseling Master鈥檚 Program?
• What Are the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure Requirements?
• About Our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
• How to Get Started

History of the Mental Health Counseling Profession

The of mental health is fairly recent. Its earliest known application was in 1793 in Paris where a physician named forbade corporal punishment of asylum inmates and demanded their release from chains and inhumane confinement. Pinel pioneered new thinking that gave rise to the modern definitions of mental illness as byproducts of social and psychological stresses, as well as genetics, rather than 鈥渄emonic possession.鈥�

Later, psychiatrists Carl Rogers and Fritz Perls promoted a client-centered approach in which the client is treated as a partner in the process, as opposed to a patient solely on the receiving end of treatment. As of the early 1970s, however, the profession of mental health 鈥渃ounselor鈥� remained loosely defined against its professional cousins: psychologist and social worker. Mental health counselors finally received recognition and definition in 1796, with the formations of the and the .

In the time since Phillipe Pinel redefined the way we view mental health, we have seen a healthcare profession emerge that addresses the mental health needs not just of individuals, but of couples, families, groups, and even entire populations. Through this now firmly entrenched and recognized profession, counselors provide critical clinical care that serves the mental health of individuals and communities.

Why Are Mental Health Counselors Needed?

There is an urgent need for qualified, educated mental health professionals. A few mental health statistics help put this into perspective.

• People with depression and other mental health conditions have higher rates of certain diseases and may have .
• in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause for children ages 10 through 14.
• Currently each year.

Despite this alarming need, more than 150 million people currently live in .

Additional need for mental health counselors is largely driven by spikes in mental health conditions as a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since the pandemic. In the years to come, that will require a robust mental healthcare workforce to address.

Other concurrent in the U.S. This means licensed clinical mental health counselors are needed now and well into the future.

What Does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Do?

Mental health counselors are trained to treat individuals struggling with mental health issues, but they also treat couples, families, and groups. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics鈥� description of , treating patients involves evaluation (both of a patient鈥檚 mental health and readiness for counseling), education of patients on the issues that are affecting their mental health, as well as the coping strategies they can use to overcome challenges in day-to-day life.

These professionals treat , including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Grief
• Post-traumatic stress
• Addiction
• Relationship conflicts

Where Do Clinical Mental Health Counselors Work?

The need for mental health counselors is widespread, and the environments in which they work are diverse. In addition to traditional health settings like clinics, mental health counselors may opt to treat clients through nonprofits or even private practice. The most common settings in which a clinical mental health counselor may work include:

• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
• Residential mental health and substance abuse centers
• Individual and family service agencies
• Hospitals and clinics
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Private practice
• Prisons
• Community organizations
• Nonprofits
• Private practice
• Telemedicine

(Sources: , , )

What Type of Degree Do You Need to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

While by state and the specific type of counseling role, mental health counselors usually need a master鈥檚 degree and an internship followed by licensure. To apply to a clinical mental health counseling master鈥檚 program, you first need a completed bachelor鈥檚 degree. Some programs require your undergraduate degree be in a related field such as psychology. WCU鈥檚 Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program does not require a specific type of bachelor鈥檚 degree for admission.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

Once you enroll in clinical mental health counseling school, most programs take 2.5 to 3 years to complete. The length of the program depends upon the school (WCU’s comprehensive MS In Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can be completed in less than 2.5 years).

Once you graduate, you鈥檒l typically need to complete a certain number of supervised hours as a licensed professional counseling intern (LPCI), with the requirements varying by state. You鈥檒l then need to pass your licensure exam(s) before you can begin independent practice (more on licensure below).

What Subjects Are Covered in a Mental Health Counseling Master鈥檚 Program?

Curriculums vary by program, but a clinical mental health counseling program will typically include coursework in counseling research and methodology, clinical practice, culture and population counseling, research, and psychopathology. We invite you to view WCU鈥檚 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum for a comprehensive look at the courses that are offered in our program.

Here is a sampling of the topic you will study in our program:

• Counseling theories and interventions
• Multicultural counseling
• Tests and clinical assessments
• Crisis and trauma response and intervention
• Psychopathology and psychopharmacology
• Group counseling
• Addictions counseling
• Couples and family counseling
• Human sexuality
• Methodologies of research design and statistics
• Clinical practicum

What Are the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure Requirements?

The is the specialty licensure test for clinical mental health counselors. It is administered by the (NBCC) and is required for clinical mental health licensure in most states. In addition to the NCMHCE, the NBCC administers the certification for counselors of all types. These exams are designed to test the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective counseling.

Many states have , so it鈥檚 important to do your research and prepare for each test that you will need to pass as well as the requirements you need to complete in order to begin practice.

About Our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

国产主播鈥檚 Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers flexibility as you can choose to earn your degree online or in a blended format (a mix of online and on-campus study). We do not require your bachelor鈥檚 degree to be in a related field, and with the program taking 29 months to complete (less than 2.5 years), you鈥檒l be able to streamline your path to graduation and build the knowledge and skills you need to go out and make a difference.

An education at WCU is always student-centric, and our mental health counseling master鈥檚 program is designed for comprehensive, versatile learning that emphasizes intersectionality and mental health advocacy.

As a student in WCU鈥檚 clinical mental health counseling master鈥檚 program, you will benefit from:

• A combination of classroom (virtual or in-person) learning and clinical practicum experiences
• Engaging educational content that leverages innovative learning tools such as original video content and virtual simulations
• A curriculum that prioritizes relationship, both in counselor training and in relationship-building with classmates and faculty
• Opportunities for online and blended program students alike to experience hands-on, in-person learning through weekend-long, on-site intensives (OSIs) that occur on campus, as well as local events (such as seminars and roundtable discussions) that occur in or near student鈥檚 local communities. 
• Job placement assistance and a full scope of career support services that are available for life

How to Get Started

Mental health counseling is a meaningful career path that can have a profound effect on the people and populations you serve. If you鈥檙e ready to take the first step, we invite you to learn more about our mental health counseling master鈥檚 program.

You can also complete the form on this page to request further information and connect with our admissions team. A representative will help you get started on your path to making a difference!

The post WCU鈥檚 Guide to a Master鈥檚 in Clinical Mental Health Counseling appeared first on 国产主播.

国产主播 is proud to announce the new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, designed inside and out to help prepare aspiring healthcare professionals for rewarding and impactful careers in the mental health field.

With more than 110 years educating generations of healthcare workers, we at WCU are aware of the importance of mental health in today鈥檚 environment. At a time when many are still grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19 and growing social unrest, mental health counselors are uniquely positioned to provide care and support to individuals, couples, and families.

鈥淭he MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to be culturally competent, trauma-informed stalwart advocates for social justice so you can actively promote equity and access to effective and affirmative clinical mental health care for all. You bring you and we鈥檒l teach you the rest!鈥� said Dr. Colleen Logan, dean of the program.

The program is now accepting applications for the first available term, which begins Fall 2023.

What to Expect in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Students will have the option of completing their coursework online or in a blended format, which combines both online and in-person learning. Students who choose the blended option will attend some of their classes at either our Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles or the WCU-Texas campus in Richardson. The 60-credit, 29-month curriculum allows students to earn their master鈥檚 degree in just under 2.5 years.

Regardless of which option they choose, students have the opportunity to interact in person with both peers and faculty during On-Site Intensives (OSIs) hosted at the university. During these events, students are able to get hands-on practice while receiving immediate feedback from instructors. These will take place over weekends to help accommodate working students.

Online students may also be able to attend local, in-person events such as seminars and roundtable discussions with classmates.

Students in the mental health counseling master鈥檚 program will take courses in topics such as crisis/trauma response and intervention, multicultural counseling, legal and ethical issues in counseling, and more.

Additionally, practicum and internship experiences help provide real-world experience before graduation. WCU offers assistance with practicum and internship placement as well as job placement assistance and a full range of career support services for students and alumni.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do mental health counselors do?
, mental health counselors evaluate a client鈥檚 mental health, addiction, or problematic behavior and help them develop the skills and tools necessary to recover or modify their behavior. In other words, they help people function better during their time of need. Additionally, they often refer clients to other resources and services, such as job placement services and support groups, and prepare clients to transition out of counseling.

What if my bachelor鈥檚 degree isn鈥檛 related to mental health counseling?
That鈥檚 alright! As long as you have an undergraduate degree in any field, you can apply for the master鈥檚 program. We will teach you the skills and tools you鈥檒l need to enter the counseling field.

What is the coursework like in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?
The program includes a variety of innovative learning tools such as original video content, virtual simulations, and mobile-friendly study materials. Additionally, you鈥檒l learn from leading industry professionals, participating in seminars and roundtable discussions on current topics in the counseling field.

How do I find facilities where I can complete my practicum and internship?
At WCU, we foster relationships with different healthcare facilities and can help you find a placement that meets requirements.

Is WCU鈥檚 mental health counseling master鈥檚 program CACREP-accredited?
WCU desires to obtain CACREP accreditation. Therefore, the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has been designed to align with CACREP accreditation standards so that the pursuit of accreditation can be facilitated. 

Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify! You can explore our scholarship and grant options or get general information about financial aid.

Learn more about WCU鈥檚 mental health counseling master鈥檚 program and its admission requirements on our website, or fill out the form on this page to request more information.  

WCU distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

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