My LER

Mental Health Counselors

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.

SOC: 21-1014.00

Common Job Titles

ClinicianCounselorMental Health SpecialistMental Health Therapist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • MindsetIntegrate client emotional needs with evidence-based therapeutic interventions when addressing complex mental health issues such as addiction, trauma, and family conflict.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate client mental health status and treatment progress using psychological assessment tools and standardized protocols to determine compliance with therapeutic goals.
  • KnowledgeFormulate individualized treatment plans addressing substance abuse, stress management, and family dynamics based on comprehensive psychosocial assessments and client-centered goals.
  • MindsetModel ethical counseling practices and professional values in adherence to legal standards, confidentiality requirements, and cultural competency principles.
  • KnowledgeDesign psychoeducational programs and preventive mental health interventions tailored to community needs and evidence-based best practices.
  • MindsetAdvocate for client well-being and therapeutic needs when coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams and external service providers.
  • MindsetBalance empathy with professional boundaries while establishing and maintaining long-term therapeutic relationships with diverse client populations.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze behavioral patterns, cognitive distortions, and environmental stressors to identify underlying causes of mental health symptoms in individual and group counseling settings.
  • KnowledgeApply crisis intervention techniques and conflict resolution strategies when managing acute mental health crises and facilitating mediation between clients and family members.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize clinical observations, diagnostic criteria, and client self-reports to document comprehensive case notes in electronic medical record systems.
  • MindsetEngage clients in collaborative goal-setting and self-directed recovery processes using motivational interviewing and strengths-based counseling approaches.
  • KnowledgeInterpret psychological test results and clinical assessment data to communicate diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations to clients and referral sources.
Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Psychology4.9/5
  • Therapy and Counseling4.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
  • English Language4.1/5
  • Education and Training3.9/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoft

Technology Skills

Client information database systemsDatabase softwareEmail softwareGoogle ClassroomManagement information systems MISMicrosoft Internet ExplorerNetscape NavigatorOffice suite software

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersDigital medical thermometersFlatbed scannersNotebook computersPersonal computersSphygmomanometers