Mental Health Counselor
What does a Mental Health Counselor do?
- Mental Health Counselors assist individuals, couples, and families to
deal with emotional and interpersonal problems and to achieve satisfying
lives.
- They use a variety of techniques ranging from individual psychotherapy
and group sessions to hypnosis and biofeedback.
- Some Therapists specialize in particular problem areas such as family
and parent-child relationships, chemical dependency, domestic violence,
problems of the emotionally disturbed, marital dysfunction, or sexual
problems.
- Extensive professional preparation is required to do this work, but it
may come from any of a number of disciplines: Psychiatry, clinical or
counseling.
- Some Clinical Psychologists and clinical Social Workers may call
themselves Psychotherapists., although Psychoanalysts are typically
Psychiatrists.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
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Occupational Outlook
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Typical Employers:
Counselors are often self employed or work in partnerships with other
therapists. Others work for public or private hospitals, health maintenance
organizations, or social service agencies, the military. A few are employed by
large business organizations as a service to their employees. They are also
employed in colleges and community colleges.
Preparation:
A master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work at an accredited
college and two years of supervised experience are required to qualify for this
occupation. You can also get education and experience in the military.
Educational Program(s):
Counseling
Related Programs: Psychology, Religion, Social Service, Sociology, Theology