Clinical mental health counselors transform the lives of their clients by acting as sounding boards and advisors on a broad range of mental health issues, allowing clients to achieve mental and emotional health and balance.
Through this work, clients receive relief and much-needed support, ultimately leading to concrete improvements in everyday life. In turn, clinical mental health counselors receive fulfillment knowing they have positively impacted their community.
But what does a clinical mental health counselor do, specifically?
This article will explain what a clinical mental health counselor does and their duties, as well as provide an example job description and steps to take to pursue this rewarding career.
What is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?
Clinical mental health counseling involves the services and treatment that trained and licensed professionals provide to clients seeking help with issues that affect their lives, including, but not limited to personal, emotional, behavioral, marital, educational, or vocational matters.
A clinical mental health counselor uses psychotherapy techniques to diagnose, treat, and help individuals, groups, families, and even communities suffering from psychological distress and other mental health issues.
In addition to private practices, individuals in this vocation find work and help clients in a variety of settings, including:
- Mental health clinics
- Community health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Schools
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment centers
- Hospitals
Clinical Mental Health Counselor Job Duties
Mental health counselors advise and are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and providing support to help clients with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional disorders.
These professionals use multiple forms of counseling and therapy to tailor their approach to the client’s specific needs individually. Techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy, help clients establish goals and develop strategies to address mental health issues and promote changes in behavior.
While each day and session looks different depending on the client and their needs, mental health counselors typically fulfill the following job duties:
- Evaluate clients’ mental and physical health and readiness for treatment
- Develop treatment plans and assist clients and their families with treatment
- Work with clients to identify behaviors or situations that impact their recovery
- Document and maintain client progress and records
- Prepare clients for transition out of counseling
- Refer clients to resources and services, like job placement services and support groups.
Mental health counselors may treat several issues, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, phobias, or suicidal ideation. They work primarily on a short-term basis with clients, clients’ families, and larger group settings.
Need a college that will help you gain hands-on clinical experience to better treat your clients? Learn more about UB’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program today!
What Does a Mental Health Counselor’s Job Description Look Like?
In addition to the above definition and job duties, a mental health counselor’s job description requires specific education, training, and licensing.
Generally speaking, most job descriptions for mental health counselor positions require candidates to earn a master’s degree, meaning they must also hold a bachelor’s degree. Both degrees prepare students for the required licensing examinations to become licensed professional counselors.
Many candidates choose to earn their Bachelor’s in Psychology or Human Services, as these degrees and their courses support and meet the admission requirements for Master’s degrees in Counseling or Psychology.
In addition to completing a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling program, employers require candidates to have earned their licensure. This is determined by completing and passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Candidates should also keep in mind that to take these exams, they must have earned three thousand hours of postgraduate supervised experience in counseling, with at least one hundred of those hours under the direct supervision of a board-certified psychologist, psychiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or a licensed professional counselor.
Additional certifications and desired qualities listed on mental health counselor job descriptions may include:
- Basic life support (BLS) certification
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Strong interpersonal and listening skills
- Empathetic and sympathetic nature
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Becoming a Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s Degree
If you are passionate about helping patients with health communication, coping mechanisms, and interrupting trauma cycles to live longer, happier, and healthier lives, then a clinical mental health counselor career is a great career choice.
You can start your next step by earning a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where you’ll study the professional aspects and practical skills of the job rather than the theory to guide clients through life’s challenges.
Common courses in Master’s in Counseling programs include:
- Human Growth and Development
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention
- Clinical Skills for Counselors
- Strategies and Techniques of Counseling
- Group Process Application and Theory
Furthermore, at University of Bridgeport, we ensure students develop all three dimensions of their role as a counselor—personal growth and development, intellectual growth and development, and counseling skill set—through our trauma-informed curriculum and evidence-based practices.
Our flexible program, with classes offered during the day and evenings, also ensures students meet licensure requirements for the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
There’s no better time to start your journey and future toward becoming a clinical mental health counselor. Apply today or contact us for more information.
We can’t wait to help get you through college and into a great career!