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  1. Occupations
  2. Mental Health Counselors

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

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

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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft

Technology Skills

  • Client information database systems
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Google Classroom
  • Management information systems MIS
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Netscape Navigator
  • Office suite software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Digital medical thermometers
  • Flatbed scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers
  • Sphygmomanometers

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 21-1023.00
  • Healthcare Social Workers 21-1022.00
  • Marriage and Family Therapists 21-1013.00
  • Rehabilitation Counselors 21-1015.00
  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists 19-3033.00

Moderately Similar

  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers 21-1021.00
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors 21-1011.00
  • Social and Human Service Assistants 21-1093.00
  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 29-1141.02
  • Psychiatrists 29-1223.00

Related

  • Psychiatric Technicians 29-2053.00
  • Psychiatric Aides 31-1133.00
  • Community Health Workers 21-1094.00
  • Recreational Therapists 29-1125.00
  • Emergency Medicine Physicians 29-1214.00
  • Clinical Neuropsychologists 19-3039.03
  • Occupational Therapy Aides 31-2012.00
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants 31-2011.00
  • Occupational Therapists 29-1122.00
  • Health Education Specialists 21-1091.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateGraduate Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health CounselingIssuer: Troy University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateGraduate Certificate in Counseling Military PopulationsIssuer: Troy University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateGraduate Certificate in Clinical Mental Health CounselingIssuer: Troy University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateGraduate Certificate in Addictions CounselingIssuer: Troy University
  • Education Specialist DegreeEducation Specialist in CounselingIssuer: Troy University
  • Master's DegreeMaster of Science in CounselingIssuer: Troy University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateCertificate in Clinical Mental Health CounselingIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • CertificateUndergraduate Certificate in Mental HealthIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Master's DegreeCounseling, MSIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Doctoral DegreeCounseling Psychology — PhDIssuer: Auburn University