If you鈥檙e thinking of pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in counseling, odds are you have a desire to help people change their lives for the better. But did you know you can leverage your professional skills and knowledge in many different ways?

There is a wide array of professional career paths that can stem from a counseling master鈥檚 degree, whether it鈥檚 done in the private or public sector, in one-on-one counseling sessions or in groups, or in a general and/or specialized area or practice.

To help you better understand the many career options that are available 鈥� both traditional and alternative careers for counselors 鈥� here are 10 professional roles that are commonly filled by individuals with master鈥檚 degrees in counseling or similar fields of study.

Please make sure to research the educational, fieldwork, and licensure requirements for each pathway within your state, as it can vary depending on your location.

10 Counseling-Related Career Paths to Consider

1. Mental Health Counselor

are licensed professionals who help individuals learn how to address and cope with challenges that are affecting their mental and emotional health, such as distressing thoughts or emotions and unhealthy or unproductive behaviors.

Mental health counselors may work with individuals suffering from challenges such as stress, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, phobias, different gender identities, and more. These types of professionals are focused on helping clients identify the context for these challenges and teaching them strategies for overcoming those barriers so they can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Clinical mental health counselors may work with individuals, couples, or groups, and they may work in private practice, for public agencies, or for community organizations.

To become a clinical mental health counselor, you will typically need to earn a master鈥檚 degree
in counseling, completion of a certain number of supervised counseling practice hours, and a
license in your state.

2. School Counselor

The role of a school counselor is to provide students with resources that help them thrive in their academic and personal lives. Some of the duties of school counselors include helping students with academic planning and goal setting, helping them prepare for next steps after graduation (such as applying for colleges, signing up for military, or preparing to enter the workforce), and guiding them through emotional and interpersonal growth.

With ideal caseloads of 250 students per school counselor, school counselors鈥� work with students is more limited in scope (compared to a clinical mental health counselor in private practice), and as such, they may refer the student to other licensed professionals to address more extensive counseling needs. School counselors work closely with parents/guardians, teachers, and school administrators to help ensure that students are prepared for success.

The path to becoming a school counselor varies and requirements can differ from state to state. You may need a master鈥檚 degree in school counseling or a related field and a state-issued credential. Or you may need to have served as a teacher for a certain number of years before pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in counseling. In some states, licensure for career counselors and advisors is required.

3. Substance Abuse / Addiction Counselor

Substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors, help individuals who struggle with being addicted to controlled substances such as alcohol or opioids. Addiction counselors may also assist clients with other types of dependencies, such as gambling, pornography, or video games.

Substance abuse or addiction counselors may help their clients through one-on-one counseling sessions or through group counseling, such as in support groups. Common duties of a substance abuse or addiction counselor include, but are not limited to:

• Assessment of the severity of the client鈥檚 addiction and their readiness for treatment
• Development of personalized treatment plans
• Referrals to other healthcare and social services as needed
• Psychotherapy for clients
• Education of loved ones for how to support the client
• Possible documentation for case management

Common for substance abuse and addiction counselors include private practice, mental health centers, community health centers, and residential treatment facilities.

4. Career Counselor

provide guidance to help people find the right career path, grow in their existing career path, or make a big career change. This type of counseling may be offered in educational, work, or community settings.

In providing this guidance, career counselors will consider the client鈥檚 job skills, values, experience, and personal preferences. Some of the may include administering career aptitude tests, assisting the client with career planning, teaching the client job search strategies, advising the client on opportunities for professional growth, and more.

5. Residential Counselor

Residential counselors work in residential facilities such as shelters, group homes, residential care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and youth camps.

Common duties of residential counselors include supervising residents, observing and documenting their behaviors and mental attitudes, monitoring their progress, facilitating day-to-day activities and support groups, providing one-on-one counseling, and making referrals to community resources.

6. Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities learn how to live independently and engage in employment. Some of their common work environments include rehabilitation centers, senior citizen centers, and youth-focused organizations.

Some of the duties of a rehabilitation counselor may include, but are not limited to:

• Assessing abilities and interests to develop appropriate treatment plans
• Helping clients adjust to their limitations and build up their strengths
• Providing counseling to people with disabilities either one-on-one and in groups
• Connecting clients with necessary resources (such as career training or medical services)

To become a rehabilitation counselor, you typically need a master鈥檚 degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Some positions require certification or a license.

7. Military Counselor

deliver mental health services to active military members, veterans, and military families. These counselors are equipped to help their clients cope with challenges that are common to the military community such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marital issues, and adjustment to civilian life (upon transitioning out of the military). Military counselors may provide individual or family counseling sessions.

Common work environments for military counselors include military installations, mental health centers, medical practices, veteran clinics, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and homeless shelters.

8. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

(LMFTs) are mental health professionals who help clients overcome mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues through the lens of marriage, couples, an family systems. LMFTs typically focus on short-term, solution-focused counseling with attainable therapeutic goals. (The average case of a licensed marriage and family therapist lasts 12 sessions, according to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.)

To become an LMFT, you generally need to complete a graduate-level degree (a master’s or doctoral degree) in marriage and family therapy.

9. Psychologist

Some individuals who begin their educational journey with a focus on mental health counseling may discover that they want to pursue a career as a psychologist. While mental health counselors focus on equipping their clients with strategies for coping with mental health, emotional, and behavioral challenges on a day-to-day basis, psychologists focus more deeply on the science, theory, assessment/diagnosis, and practice of psychology.

They may conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing and they are usually more likely to treat clients with severe mental illnesses (i.e., psychosis or personality disorders). Psychologists may also be involved in clinical research.

To become a psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree, such as a doctorate in philosophy (PhD) or a doctorate in psychology (PsyD).

10. Social Worker

Some individuals who earn a college degree in counseling go on to become social workers. Professionals in this role help people overcome challenges and address needs in their everyday lives, which can include anything from dealing with substance abuse to navigating the process of adopting a child.

Social workers typically assess the needs of people and communities, help clients find ways to adjust to life challenges, refer clients to the appropriate resources available in their community, respond to crisis situations (such as claims of child abuse), follow up with clients to determine whether their situations have improved, and more.

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) can perform duties that unlicensed social workers cannot, which usually include diagnosing and treating clients鈥� mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

A few common work environments for social workers include child welfare and human service agencies, healthcare organizations, and schools.

Pursue a Master鈥檚 Degree in Mental Health Counseling

Depending on your desired career path, you may be interested in enrolling in 国产主播鈥檚 Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which can be completed in as little as 29 months. Explore the program and speak to a member of the WCU team to find out if this program is the right fit for you!

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Cultural Competence in Counseling: A Pillar for Mental Health Counseling Education

As we enter into Black History Month, it鈥檚 important to think about the importance of diversity in the clinical mental health counseling space.

If you鈥檙e considering becoming a clinical mental health counselor, you need to learn about more than just mental health conditions and therapeutic techniques 鈥� it is essential that you also learn cultural competence in counseling.

Cultural competence is a critical skill set that is needed to effectively help clientele from diverse backgrounds improve their mental health and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Through cultural competence, mental health counselors use cultural awareness and knowledge to better understand and support their clients.

Here is an overview of what it means to be a culturally competent counselor today and how practitioners can use this skill set to better meet the mental health needs of their clientele. It鈥檚 also important to choose a mental health counseling master鈥檚 program that teaches you how to become a culturally competent counselor.

What is cultural competence in counseling?

When a counselor has cultural competence, that mental health professional understands how a client鈥檚 cultural background shapes who they are as a person. They are also sensitive to the unique needs of that client based on their cultural identity, and they can provide counseling responses and therapies that are tailored to those needs.

In terms of cultural competence, a client鈥檚 cultural background can refer to a number of different things, including but not limited to their:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Socioeconomic status
• Sexual orientation / gender identity

Below is the definition of cultural competence drafted by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), which merged several existing definitions (as cited in the report 鈥溾��):

鈥淐ultural and linguistic competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enables effective work in cross-cultural situations. 鈥楥ulture鈥� refers to integrated patterns of human behavior that include the language, thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups. 鈥楥ompetence鈥� implies having the capacity to function effectively as an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities.鈥�

were initially established for the counseling industry in the early 1990s. Since that time, they have become an important component within counseling literature, and they have been recognized as a critical element to the work of mental health counselors today.

While the modern-day standards for multicultural competence within the counseling industry are
extensive and complex, we鈥檙e providing a quick, high-level summary on what this looks like in
practice.

3 Key Elements of a Culturally Competent Counselor

1. Cultural Awareness & Understanding

To be culturally competent, a counselor should have knowledge and understanding of different cultures (e.g., different ethnicities, religions, the LGBTQ+ community, etc.) and the history of cultural oppression in the United States and related social movements.

According to 鈥溾�� published in the American Counseling Association鈥檚 Professional Counseling Digest in 2008, the period of history that is especially important to evaluate spans immediately following World War II continuing through the second half of the 20th Century, which represents a significant change in American society when groups that had been historically marginalized and oppressed started to take a stand for social, economic, and political inclusion.

With historical context, counselors can better understand the attitudes, behaviors, and values of certain groups of people, and they can help their clients address the impact of life experiences such as immigration, racism, oppression, stereotyping, and poverty.

According to the cross-cultural competencies and objectives that have been adopted within the counseling industry: 鈥淐ulturally skilled counselors understand how race, culture, ethnicity, and so forth may affect personality formation, vocational choices, manifestation of psychological disorders, help-seeking behavior, and the appropriateness or inappropriateness of counseling approaches.鈥�

It鈥檚 also important for counselors to be familiar with the latest research findings on the mental health conditions that are common among specific cultural groups, as this can assist with more informed counseling interventions.

2. Cultural Self-Reflection

In addition to being aware of other cultures, mental health counselors should also have an understanding of their own cultural identities, particularly looking at the values, assumptions, and biases that may be shaped by those backgrounds.

According to 鈥溾�� published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and sourced from TIP 59, counselors who have a high level awareness of their own cultural backgrounds are more likely to:

• Pay attention to how culture impacts the client-counselor relationship
• Evaluate the ways in which their own experiences, beliefs, and biases affect their classification of what is 鈥渘ormal鈥� and 鈥渁bnormal鈥� behavior
• Be more intentional in understanding how a client鈥檚 cultural background impacts their mental health condition, their relationships, and the therapeutic process

Counselors who are not self-aware and self-reflecting in terms of their cultural background may have a skewed perspective that affects their impression, diagnosis, and treatment of a client.

3. Removal of Cross-Cultural Barriers in Practice

Cultural competence in counseling is not a box that can simply be checked off 鈥� rather it鈥檚 a skill set that requires . Culturally competent counselors continually strive to expand their cultural awareness and understanding through education, training, and consultation with other experts in order to mitigate any cross-cultural barriers that may exist in their counselor-client relationships.

Additionally, counselors should be able to identify when cross-cultural barriers impede them from providing the proper support that the client needs, such as there is a language barrier or when the client would benefit from working with a counselor of the same cultural background. In these cases, the counselor should refer the client to an appropriate mental health care provider.

Counselors who are culturally aware are able to identify potential gaps in care and address those needs in order to provide clients with the best possible outcomes.

Cultural Competence Training is a MUST for Counseling Education

In a climate of ever-increasing diversity and heightened awareness around social justice, it is imperative for counselors to be equipped with the cultural competencies necessary to deliver quality and equitable mental health services 鈥� and it starts in counselor education.

As you search for a mental health counseling master鈥檚 program, make sure that the program includes education on cultural competence so you are prepared to meet the needs of diverse clientele.

国产主播鈥檚 Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides education and training that helps prepare students to become culturally competent, trauma-informed, and stalwart advocates for social justice.

One of our program learning outcomes is to 鈥淐ultivate a Culturally Competent Identity,鈥� which means the program helps students establish a professional identity as culturally competent clinical mental health counselors. Through this outcome, students learn how to use the therapeutic relationship to promote healing, empowerment, and emotional and mental well-being while working effectively and affirmatively with diverse individuals, couples, families, and communities.

Here is a quick snapshot of the program details:

• Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Instruction Method: Online or Blended
• Program Pace: 29 Months
• Semesters: 6 Semesters
• Credits: 60 Credits

Learn more about the mental health counseling master鈥檚 program at WCU, including information about curriculum, tuition and financial aid, and admission requirements.

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If you鈥檙e planning on becoming a clinical mental health counselor, a couple critical components of your graduate program will be your supervised clinical practicum and internship, which allow you to apply what you learned in your classes to real clinical settings.

Your clinical practicum and internship are where you get to see firsthand what your on-the-job duties of a clinical mental health counselor will look like, receive training and guidance from a seasoned licensed professional, and gain hands-on practice.

At 国产主播, we believe in supporting the students in our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program every step of the way, including through their practicum and internship experiences.

鈥淲e actually help students with finding the practicum site, and we help them with finding the site for their internship as well,鈥� said Dr. Colleen Logan, Dean and Program Director of Counseling at WCU. 鈥淓ven after graduation, we help them find employment where they can accrue the licensure hours that’s needed under an approved supervisor. Whenever students find out about the level of support we offer, it鈥檚 always a huge point of relief for them.鈥�

Continue reading to learn more about WCU鈥檚 mental health counseling practicum and internship requirements and how our faculty can assist you.

Counseling Practicums & Internships at WCU

How many practicum and internship hours are required at WCU?

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at WCU requires each student to complete a total of 135 hours of supervised clinical practicum, which must include 60 direct hours and 40 indirect hours under the supervision of a site supervisor and a faculty supervisor.

Students in the program must also complete 600 internship hours, which do not count toward the licensed professional counselor intern hours that they must acquire after graduation and before licensure. The internship hours must include 240 direct hours and 360 indirect hours. Students are usually at their internship site 20 hours per week, though the hours may vary.

Clinical and internship site placements must be approved by WCU.

As part of your Fieldwork Practicum course requirements, you will participate in various activities that are commonly required of a professional counselor, including activities such as:

• Intake interviews
• Client assessments
• Diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Treatment planning
• Individual, group, and family counseling

These practicum experiences allow students to see the key concepts of professional counseling they are learning through their coursework applied in real-life clinical settings. Students are able to learn through application of:

• Theoretical knowledge and skills
• Communication/counseling techniques
• Professional dispositions

Teaching and learning through the student鈥檚 clinical practicum may be completed online, in-person, or through a blend of the two modalities.

What will I do in my internship?

Your internship is where you will gain more hands-on experience with direct clinical practice. Not only will you have the chance to interact more directly with clients, but you will get to practice case conceptualization, help develop clinically relevant interventions for groups, and much more.

You are required to have individual supervision with your site supervisor for a minimum of 1 hour per week in both your practicum and internship. You will have the opportunity to work with your assigned faculty member in a group setting in the course itself.

Similar to your practicum, teaching and learning for your internship may be completed online, in-person, or through a blend of the two modalities.

Leveraging Partnership & Deep Industry Connections

While we cannot guarantee placements, we are committed to providing assistance and guidance wherever we can in the practicum and internship site selection process. Our instructors are veterans in the mental health counseling field who are well-connected within the industry.

Between WCU鈥檚 formal partnerships and our faculty鈥檚 personal networks, we leverage as many resources as we can to help connect our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students with strong fieldwork and internship opportunities that match program requirements as well as their interests.

We also gladly offer students guidance along the way to help them overcome any hurdles they鈥檙e experiencing as they complete their supervised clinical practicum and internship hours.

鈥淐oordinating clinical practicum placements and internships can be a really overwhelming process,鈥� Dr. Logan said. 鈥淲e have been able to take some of the stress off students by saying, 鈥榃e’re here for you from the beginning of the program through your courses, through your immersive learning experiences, through fieldwork, and beyond. Because one day, you’re going to be our colleague.鈥�

WCU鈥檚 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at WCU is a 29-month program that is offered both online and in a blended format, meaning it combines both online and regular in-person instruction. Students in the program learn from well-established leaders within the field of counseling and benefit from innovative learning tools, whether they鈥檙e learning online or in the classroom.

Learn more about our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or read our recent post about what a mental health counseling career looks like.

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We know navigating the process of becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor can seem daunting. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here to help!

If you鈥檙e looking to become a clinical mental health counselor in Texas, you will need to apply to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), or an LPC Associate to start. You will also need to meet a number of other requirements, which includes passing one of two national licensure exams for counseling.

Let us walk you through the Texas LPC license requirements with the frequently asked questions provided below.

How do you apply to become a mental health counselor in Texas?

Types of Applications

There are a few different you can apply for in Texas,
including:

• LPC Associate (formerly 鈥淟icensed Professional Counselor Intern, or LPCI)
• Upgrade from Associate to LPC
• LPC (coming from a different state)

When you graduate from a mental health counseling master鈥檚 program, you will first apply for an LPC Associate license and then upgrade to an LPC license once you complete all your required supervised practice hours.

How to Apply

You can apply to become an LPC through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council鈥檚 Online Licensing System. Before setting up an account on the system and submitting your electronic application, you should first have all the required documentation completed and scanned to your phone or desktop computer (whatever device you鈥檒l be using to submit your application).

Below is the required documentation for the LPC Associate application.

Documentation to be completed and loaded onto your device:

• Practicum Documentation Form (to be completed by a faculty/administration member from your counseling program)
• Jurisprudence Examination Completion Certificate (You must complete your exam no sooner than six months prior to your application submission. You will be issued a certificate once you complete the exam.)
• Supervisory Agreement Form (to be completed by you and signed by you and your board-approved supervisor)
• Military Supplemental Form (only for qualifying service members and their spouses)

Documentation to be provided by a third-party source:

• NCE/NCMHCE licensure exam scores
• National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report
• Fingerprinting
• Official transcripts

Once you have uploaded all your documentation, you can then set up an account on the and start your application.

If you鈥檙e submitting an LPC application (either as an upgrade from Associate or from out of state), you will need to provide a Supervised Experience Documentation Form Supervisory Agreement form.

If you鈥檙e coming from out-of-state and applying from out-of-state, you will need to submit a form for Verification of Licensure in Another State. And if you鈥檙e already in the state and upgrading from an Associate to an LPC, you will not have to submit as many forms. See the for more information.

All applicants must also pay associated application fees.

How many supervised practice hours do I need to become an LPC in Texas?

You will need to complete a minimum of 3,000 (includes both direct and indirect combined) before you can be fully licensed as a professional counselor. At least 1,500 of those hours must be from direct counseling practice.

If you鈥檙e an in-state LPC applicant, you must complete your supervised practice hours within the span of 18 to 60 months.

Which licensure exam do I need to pass to become an LPC in Texas?

Before you become a licensed professional counselor in Texas, you will need to pass one of two : the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which are each administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

What鈥檚 the difference between the NCE and NCMHCE?

The is the exam that was originally used starting in 1983 as part of the process of applying to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and it is still used to this day. The NCMHCE is an exam that can be used to fulfill the requirements for both the NCC certification and the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) specialty certification.

The CCMHC certification exam was first developed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association and then later expanded into a national exam overseen by the NBCC in the early 1990s. The NCMHCE was designed to use real-world simulated cases to reflect the clinical requirements that are central to the profession of counselors.

The NCE is a multiple-choice test that consists of 200 questions, with only 160 of the questions being scored. The scored questions are on the following topics in the following percentages:

• Professional Practice and Ethics 鈥� 12%
• Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 鈥� 12%
• Areas of Clinical Focus 鈥� 29%
• Treatment Planning 鈥� 9%
• Counseling Skills and Interventions 鈥� 30%
• Core Counseling Attributes 鈥� 8%

While the consists of 11 case studies, with only 10 being scored. Each case study includes one narrative and 9 to 15 multiple choice questions. Of all the multiple-choice questions on the test, a total of 100 questions will be scored.

The exam questions cover the following topics in the following percentages:

• Professional Practice and Ethics 鈥� 10-20%
• Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 鈥� 20-30%
• Treatment Planning 鈥� 10-20%
• Counseling Skills and Interventions 鈥� 25-35%
• Core Counseling Attributes 鈥� 10-20%

The NCMHCE does not include Areas of Clinical Focus (covering diagnoses and main presenting problems found to be the most common in clinical work) as a formal test question category like the NCE does. This is because this topic is evaluated through various diagnoses and case scenarios that are incorporated into each exam form rather than at the question level.

What are the education requirements for becoming a licensed professional counselor in Texas?

You need to have a graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited program.

Do you have to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program to become licensed as a mental health counselor in Texas?

No, you can still take the NCE or NCMHCE licensure exams and obtain LPC licensure in Texas even if you did not graduate from a program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

If your program was not CACREP-accredited, the state licensing board will simply review the coursework you completed to ensure that it meets the minimum educational requirements for licensure.

WCU鈥檚 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP-aligned (meaning it is set up to model CACREP standards) and the program will submit its CACREP self-study when the first group of students begins fieldwork in accordance with CACREP procedures. The self-study is the initial step toward the formal process of pursuing CACREP accreditation.

What should I look for in a mental health counseling graduate program?

If you鈥檙e looking to start your educational path to become a clinical mental health counselor, you should look for a program that offers the rigorous and well-rounded curriculum you need to prepare for a career in mental health combined with the flexibility needed for your personal schedule. You should also choose a program that combines both classroom instruction (whether that鈥檚 in-person or virtual) with hands-on practice.

国产主播鈥檚 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling gives students the option to choose a completely online or blended program (blended being a combination of in-person and online learning), giving students the flexibility to better balance school with work and personal responsibilities. Our courses are taught by well-known leaders and veterans within the counseling industry leveraging advanced technology and innovative learning tools.

We also offer in-person immersive learning experiences where our students come together (including our online students) at a single location to meet faculty members and classmates, hear guest speakers, demonstrate what they鈥檝e learned and practice skills in a group setting.

We also provide support to our students, helping them identify opportunities for internships and jobs that will help them work toward their supervised practice hours.

Learn more about WCU鈥檚 MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Where do I go for more information about the LPC application process?

If you have additional questions about the process of obtaining your LPC Associate or LPC license in Texas, check out these on the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council website.

For more insights, check out our post to learn what a mental health counseling career looks like.

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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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