Are you looking for a career in a caring profession that offers great rewards not only in terms of remuneration but also in job satisfaction? If so, then a career in mental health counseling could be just what you are seeking.

This profession offers plenty of variety, with a number of different sub-specialties you can practice in.It’s a great fit for anyone who thrives on helping others to grow, develop and thrive, and loves the challenge of responding to the unique needs of individual clients.

In this article, we’re going to take a close-up look at the career of mental health counselors and discuss why it’s a rewarding career choice.We’ll also examine what the jobentails and how you can plan your career to step into this role. 

What does a mental health counselor do?

A mental health counselor helps people who are experiencing mental health or emotional issues. They offer a range of therapies and treatments to help them manage their condition and/or find a way to cease or modify harmful or distressing behaviors.

This means that they can support a wide range of issues. These can include:

• Anxiety disorders (for example, generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Depression
• Substance abuse
• Relationship difficulties
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bereavement
• Phobias
• Eating disorders
• Anger issues
• The impact of serious illness
• Sexual abuse

Therapies and treatments that mental health counselors may use can include talking therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnosis.

Mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Health centers
• Private practice
• Schools and colleges
• Workplaces
• Prisons

Ultimately, a mental health counselor will empower their clients to understand their feelings and resultant behaviors, as well as the underlying issues that trigger these feelings, and to develop skills and strategies to work through their issues so that they can live a full and meaningful life.

What skills do I need to become a mental health counselor?

A good mental health counselor will need to have a mix of personal attributes and academic qualifications to enable them to practice.

In terms of personal qualities, they should have great communication skills, empathy, trustworthiness, a lack of judgement about the circumstances around their clients’ behaviors, and a passion for discovering more about mental health and emotional wellbeing.

In terms of academic requirements, a mental health counselor will usually have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject – for example, psychology, biology or social work – and a master’s degree in counseling. In addition to these qualifications, they will need to undertake an internship program, which usually lasts for two years, and pass the licensing exam for the state in which they wish to practice, enabling them to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

The journey doesn’t end there, as they will also have the option to deepen their knowledge with further study in specialized areas, such as substance abuse counseling.That’s the beauty of this career – it can lead you in many different directions and you will be certainto find a career option that matches your interests and experience.

How is mental health counseling rewarding?

If you’ve read this far, you’ll already know that a career in mental health counseling offers a productive and rewarding career.One of the most fascinating aspects of this profession is that no two clients are the same and so every day of your working life will offer fresh challenges and new rewards.You will experience the satisfaction of seeing your clients develop from a place where their mental health is inhibiting their day-to-day life to one of empowerment, where they are equipped to deal with life’s challenges come what may.

As a mental health counselor, you will also have the freedom and flexibility to work in a variety ofsettings, finding one that suits your working style. For example, you may thrive in the bustling environment of a hospital, or you may prefer to set up in private practice and manage your own business and working pattern.You will also be in a position where you can put your learning to work in a practical way, helping to support clients at a challenging time in their life and seeing them grow, thrive and positively blossom!

Finally, you will be able to enjoy a good level of remuneration to reflect your hard work and dedication, and your job is highly likely to be in constant demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health counselors is predicted to grow 22% during the period 2021 to 2031, meaning that there will be plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy a long and fruitful career.

What’s the next step to becoming a mental health counselor?

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, then becoming a mental health counselor is already within your grasp.American International College’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs are ideal for anyone with a desire to step into this rewarding career.For example,you could choose the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which offers a comprehensive program covering the theory and clinical skills you need to practice confidently.Or you may be eligible to enroll on the Doctorate in Mental Health Counseling, giving you a deep understanding of psychology and mental health issues and enabling you to work as a practitioner-educator.

One of the most appealing aspects of these programs is that they are offered online, which means that you save on traveling to campus and can study at your own pace – either full-time or part-time – and in your preferred location. You will be fully supported by faculty staff and will be helped to find a clinical placement to complete your studies.

The rewards and opportunities of mental health counseling

If you enjoy spending time with people and seeing them progress to a place of confidence and optimism, then a career in mental health counseling could definitely be for you.By embarking on a program of study such asa master’s or doctorate in counseling, you will be taking the first step toward a career that’s extremely satisfying, offering you many rewards and opportunities.

Why not make that move and find out more about American International College’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs today? A new and exciting career could be yours sooner than you thought possible!