How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
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More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness. However, in 2022, only about half received mental health treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Mental health counselors are critical to help diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They can work with individuals, families, couples, and groups.
Licensing requirements for mental health counselors can vary by state, but most require counselors to hold at least a master’s degree, complete supervised experience, and take a licensing exam. The process can take 6-8 years to complete.
Read on to learn more about mental health counseling, job requirements, salary expectations, and career outlook.
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor in 4 Steps
Though licensing requirements vary by state, many will require bachelor’s and master’s degrees, supervised experience, and passing a licensing exam. Read more about these steps below:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is the first step to becoming a mental health counselor. Other common fields of study are social work and sociology. This will prepare you for a master’s degree and further specialization in the field.
Most master’s programs require a minimum average GPA of 3.0, but some will accept an average GPA as low as 2.5.
Step 2: Complete a Master’s Degree
Most states require mental health counselors to have their master’s degree in counseling, although exact degree names may vary by state.
Check to see if your state requires your program to be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). While programmatic accreditation may not be a requirement, programs accredited by CACREP or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) will ensure you receive a quality education that will be accepted in all states.
Step 3: Step Gain Practical Experience
After earning your degree, you will be required to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health provider. Most states require between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised experience within a certain period of time.
Step 4: Pass Licensing Exams
Every state requires aspiring mental health counselors to pass a licensing exam to earn their license to practice mental health counseling.
The exam(s) required by each state may vary, but the most common exams are the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
Certain states also require potential counselors to pass an ethics and/or jurisprudence exam.
Additional Certifications and Continuing Education
Once licensed, you may want to pursue additional, field-specific certifications, such as the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification.
Additionally, many states require professional counselors to earn continuing education credits to renew their licenses. Review your state’s requirements for continuing education, including required content areas, on your state’s licensing board website.
What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?
Mental health counselors work to diagnose, treat, and support patients with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, and stress, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
As a mental health counselor, your workday can vary based on what clients you see each day. Typical job responsibilities may include:
- Evaluating your client’s mental and physical health
- Creating treatment plans
- Supporting your clients and their families with treatment
- Recognizing behaviors or situations that affect recovery
Mental health counselors work directly with clients and may sometimes also be in contact with families, social workers, and medical professionals. They often specialize in particular areas or age groups, such as addiction counseling or school counseling.
How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make?
The median annual salary for mental health counselors was $53,710 in 2023, according to the BLS. However, pay can vary depending on the state you’re located in.
Mental health counselors in Alaska and Utah earned an average annual wage above $70,000 in 2023. In Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and New York, mental health counselors earned more than $67,000.
| State | Average Annual Wage (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $77,430 |
| Utah | $70,310 |
| District of Columbia | $67,750 |
| New Jersey | $67,250 |
| New York | $67,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Is Becoming a Mental Health Counselor Right for You?
Pros of Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
- Positively Impacting Lives: Mental health counselors work with patients to improve their lives and help them through mental health challenges.
- Job Availability: Positions in the counseling field are projected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, more than four times the national average growth rate for all occupations.
- Flexible Work Environment: Mental health counselors can work in a variety of different settings, and many can choose to offer their services remotely, if they wish. Mental health counselors may also work in schools, rehabilitation facilities, and private clinics.
Cons of Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
- High-Stress Environment: Working with individuals with mental health challenges can be stressful and emotionally draining.
- Lower Pay: The median average pay for mental health counselors was $53,710 in 2023.
- Large Time Investment: Mental health counselors are required to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree, complete thousands of hours of supervised experience, and pass a state-level exam before licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
The titles mental health counselor and therapist can be used interchangeably. Both can work with clients to approach short-term challenges — like addiction, abuse, school, or marriage — and to provide long-term treatment and support for patients facing mental health issues.
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