Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation.
Sheryl Grey Education WriterSheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation.
Written By Sheryl Grey Education WriterSheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation.
Sheryl Grey Education WriterSheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation.
Education Writer Valerie Catalano, J.D. Lead Editor, LegalA licensed attorney with nearly a decade of experience in content production, Valerie Catalano knows how to help readers digest complicated information about the law in an approachable way. Her writing has been featured in the State Bar of Texas Fami.
Valerie Catalano, J.D. Lead Editor, LegalA licensed attorney with nearly a decade of experience in content production, Valerie Catalano knows how to help readers digest complicated information about the law in an approachable way. Her writing has been featured in the State Bar of Texas Fami.
Valerie Catalano, J.D. Lead Editor, LegalA licensed attorney with nearly a decade of experience in content production, Valerie Catalano knows how to help readers digest complicated information about the law in an approachable way. Her writing has been featured in the State Bar of Texas Fami.
Valerie Catalano, J.D. Lead Editor, LegalA licensed attorney with nearly a decade of experience in content production, Valerie Catalano knows how to help readers digest complicated information about the law in an approachable way. Her writing has been featured in the State Bar of Texas Fami.
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Updated: Feb 21, 2024, 5:40am
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Mental health counselors promote wellness by evaluating mental health conditions and providing strategies for their clients to improve their mental health and quality of life.
Good mental health is essential to our psychological, emotional and physical well-being.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who struggle with mental health challenges may be at increased risk for chronic health conditions. If you would like to know how to become a mental health counselor, below are the steps to reach your goal.
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The employment outlook for mental health counselor jobs is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for licensed mental health counselors will increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032. This rate is much faster than the average projected growth rate for all U.S. occupations in that time frame (3%).
Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) work with people to assess their mental health, develop treatment plans and provide treatment and coping strategies. These professionals can treat anxiety, depression, grief and other mental health conditions.
Mental health counselors may work with children, adults, people with disabilities or veterans, depending on their place of employment. Counseling may take place in group settings or individually.
Licensed mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $49,710, though earnings vary significantly by workplace. For example, those who work in hospitals earn a median of $54,740 per year, while those working in residential mental health facilities earn $44,150.
LMHCs must complete several steps before they can gain employment. One of the most crucial steps is meeting a state’s requirements for licensing. Each state sets its licensing requirements for mental health counselors, and you don’t want to get too far along in the process before realizing you’re not meeting your state’s standards.
The steps below explain how to become a licensed mental health counselor.
The first step to becoming a mental health counselor is a four-year undergraduate degree. Bachelor’s programs in psychology, social services, social science and other related areas of study are common degree paths for those who want to build careers in the mental health field.
If you study relevant coursework, your bachelor’s degree can provide a strong foundation for your mental health counseling career.
Many mental health careers only require a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field, but if you want to work as a mental health counselor, you will also need a master’s degree.
Every state in the U.S. requires mental health counselors to gain licensure before they can legally practice. If you want to be licensed, you’ll need a master’s degree in counseling or a similar field. Licensed mental health counselors may also hold doctoral degrees.
Some states require licensed mental health counselors to earn their master’s degrees through programs that are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This accreditation ensures that the master’s degree program meets specific quality standards and covers the appropriate content to train students to become LMHCs.
LMHCs must complete supervised clinical experience. Requirements for this experience vary by state, but you should expect to spend between 2,000 and 3,000 hours working under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Your supervisor will evaluate your performance in a clinical setting.
Each state licensing board determines exam requirements for LMHCs. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers two examinations. Some states require the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination. Others require the National Counselor Examination.
After you have completed all other requirements, you can apply for licensure through the appropriate licensing board in your state. You can use NBCC’s board directory to confirm your state’s requirements and contact information.
Depending on the job you want, pursuing additional certification may give you an edge in your career. These certifications are optional in most cases, but they can help you stand out as a mental health counselor. NBCC offers certifications focused on specific issues and settings, such as addiction counseling and school-based counseling.
Mental health counselors help people who are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and grief. They assess clients’ mental health and provide coping strategies and assistance to help improve their quality of life.
A mental health counselor is not the same as a therapist, though both professionals work to help improve people’s mental health. Mental health counselors provide practical strategies and steps for people to manage their mental health challenges. Therapists also work with patients to get to the root of mental health concerns or conditions.
Mental health counselors must be compassionate and patient when working with their clients. They need excellent interpersonal, listening, speaking and problem-solving skills.
It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, after which you can expect to spend three to five years becoming an LMHC. This education and licensure adds up to seven to nine years of study and supervised work experience.
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Education WriterSheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.
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