A mental health counselor has a role in promoting wellness for their clients. In the process, they evaluate their current mental state and develop strategies to enhance their emotional well-being and quality of life in the long run. A healthy mental state is crucial to physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
According to the CDC, chronic health conditions are more likely to occur in people who struggle with mental health challenges. If you are interested in becoming a mental health counselor, we have discussed the steps in detail.
However, before we continue on the steps, we must have a clear understanding of what a day in the lives of a licensed mental health counselor looks like.
What is the role of a licensed Mental Health Counselor?
Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) offer treatment and coping strategies to people with mental health problems. These experts can help patients with grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues.
According to their employment settings, mental health counselors provide support to couples, addicts, children, adults, disabled people, and military personnel. Counseling sessions can take place in a group setting or individually.
What are the steps involved in becoming a licensed mental health counselor?
The process of becoming an LMHC involves several steps. Meeting a state’s licensing requirements is one of the most significant steps. Although states set their licensing criteria for mental health counselors, in general, individuals must complete a master’s program or equivalent to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor LPCC.
So, before starting your journey, ensure you aren’t too far along before realizing you don’t meet your state’s requirements.
Below, we have outlined the steps, explaining the process of becoming a licensed mental health counselor.
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step toward working as a licensed mental health counselor. Those who want to pursue careers in mental health often pursue degrees in psychology, social services, or social science.
Enrolling in relevant coursework for your bachelor’s program will set your path to becoming a mental health counselor.
2. Earn a Master’s degree
In most mental health careers, you only need a bachelor’s degree in psychology. However, if you wish to become a licensed counselor, a master’s degree is a must. A mental health counselor must obtain a license before being allowed to practice legally in the U.S., To become licensed, you must hold a master’s or doctoral degree.
In some states, mental health counselors must earn their master’s degree from an accredited university. Therefore, it is paramount to ensure master’s degree programs meet quality standards and cover the necessary material to prepare students for careers as LMHCs.
If you’re considering a master’s program, assess your options based on the following:
Who will you learn from? Ideally, this should include experts with experience in mental health counseling rather than academics.
Formats used for learning: Internships, co-ops, and research are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience during your studies.
Your passion and motivation: If your passion lies in a specific field of counseling, you can choose a course where you can interact with experienced instructors with similar interests and passions.
When submitting your application to programs, it’s crucial to understand the state’s requirements for coursework. Every state has its requirements for licensure. The curriculum typically includes counseling basics, a deeper knowledge of psychopathology, cross-cultural counseling, and developmental psychology. However, other options are available as well.
3. Complete supervised clinical hours
To qualify for licensure, you’ll need to spend a certain amount of time in clinical settings after earning your master’s degree. Individuals often perform duties of this nature in their first job after graduating.
Besides clinical hours, you will also have to complete “supervised hours” as part of this program. Supervision hours involve interacting directly with a licensed practitioner who evaluates your case and treatment strategy.
Although the requirements for the experience vary in each state, you can expect to be supervised by a licensed counselor for approximately 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Your supervisor will assess your abilities and tactics in the clinical setting.
Become licensed
Your state’s licensing board can assist you with applying for licensure after you have completed all other requirements.
A licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) evaluates and treats clients with behavioral disorders or addiction problems. During postgraduate studies, students receive on-the-job training and a degree from an accredited program. Through this process, prospective LPCC therapists can focus on their areas of interest, including counseling with families or working with teenagers. Typically, students’ career goals determine the specialization they choose.
Students interested in LPCC programs should choose a regionally accredited program that will adequately prepare them for careers in counseling.
Consider opting for optional certifications
You may gain a competitive edge in your career if you pursue additional certifications based on your desired job. Although this step is optional, mental health counselors can benefit from these certifications. Several certifications are available through the NBCC that focus on a specific issue or setting, such as substance abuse or youth counseling, among others.
What is the Job Outlook for Mental Health Counselors?
Jobs for mental health counselors are expected to grow. By 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that licensed mental health counselor jobs will increase by 23%. This rate is much faster than the growth rate projected for all U.S. professions during the predicted period (8%).
Considering the significantly increasing demand for mental health counselors over the next several years, it is a wise career choice for those interested in the field.
What can a Mental Health Counselor expect in terms of Salary?
In the mental health profession, licensed counselors make an average annual salary of $48,520, but salaries differ greatly by field. For instance, government employees earn $60,450 annually, while rehabilitation facility employees make $42,900.
Final Words
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there were approximately 51.5 million adults diagnosed with psychiatric, behavioral, and/or emotional disorders in the United States in 2019.
About 44.8 percent of diagnosed adults received mental health treatment in the past few years. These statistics indicate an increased need for mental health professionals today. With this article’s help, you can better understand how you can become one.
A significant requirement for obtaining a mental health counselor licensure is completing the required undergraduate and graduate education and training. Choosing a program that is right for you is crucial to your success.
Also read: How to be Happy: Ways You can Live a Happier Life
