CAREER

Mental Health Counselors

Overview

Salary Median (2023)

$53,710

Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)

+24.7% (much faster than the average)

Career

What Mental Health Counselors Do

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.

Other Job Titles Mental Health Counselors May Have

Behavior Analyst, Behavior Support Specialist (BSS), Case Manager, Clinician, Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Program Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Therapist

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate ,

As a licensed therapist, I provide psychotherapy for clients in-person and via Telehealth. Every day, I create a safe space where young Black men can open up, process emotions, and break free from what’s holding them back. Using cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, I help my clients uncover the root causes of their struggles and build a mindset for growth. No two sessions are the same—my job is to listen, challenge, and guide people toward healing and self-discovery​.

Founder & Executive Director ,

Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

I start my day grounding myself with meditation, movement, and intention, then shift into leading meetings, fundraising, and planning for our organization. Some days I’m holding healing circles, creating space for people to be seen and heard, and teaching tools for mental wellness. I move between strategy and community care, and I close my day with reflection to stay rooted in the work and in myself.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
  • Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
  • Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
  • Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
  • Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.

This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.