Written by Laurie Davies
Reviewed by Christina Neider, EdD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Written by Laurie Davies
Reviewed by Christina Neider, EdD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Human behavior is complex and so too is Mental Health Counseling! But, as any successful counselor will tell you, there’s almost no more gratifying job than helping someone overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of a fulfilling, productive life. You could be the difference-maker that helps clients elevate their well-being and make recovery a reality.
According to the American Counseling Association, counseling is a collaborative effort between a counselor and client(s) that aims to:
If you would like to help others as a counselor, you’ll need a mix of soft skills based in interviewing and assessment, along with theoretical knowledge based in human psychology. According to Indeed.com, skills that those practicing mental health counseling should have include:
A mental health counselor should also master skills in counseling ethics, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development and the differences between one-on-one and group dynamics. The variety of skills is understandable, given the number of career paths that are possible with a mental health master's in counseling degree.
Right about now you might be asking, “So, what can I do with a master’s in counseling?” Or perhaps your heart is racing because a counseling program sounds like the right fit for you. Either way, read on.
Job growth for mental health counselors is projected to be 18% between 2022 and 2032, according to BLS. This is much more robust growth than the projected national average growth rate of 8% for all professions. They may find work in both the public sector, such as agencies, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, as well as in private practice.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
This adds up to increased demand for skillful mental health counselors who have achieved a counseling degree.
With the jobs outlook pointing in such a positive direction, you might be wondering about the kinds of careers you could pursue once you earn a master’s in counseling.
According to U.S. Department of Labor figures cited by the American Counseling Association, more than 665,500 counselors work with patients ranging in age from children to seniors in agencies, organizations, private practice, personal and healthcare delivery systems and other settings.
According to O*Net, the national primary source of occupation information developed under the sponsorship of the Department of Labor, reported job titles for mental health counselors include:
What would it look like to be a master’s level counselor, specifically? Let's look at average salary, education requirements and job outlook.
Overview: Mental health counselors treat clients with a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress and suicidal impulses. They also help with emotional health issues and relationship problems.
National Median Salary: $53,710 in May 2023 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, according to BLS.
Education Requirements: A master’s in counseling and an internship is typically required, according to BLS.
Job Outlook: 18% between 2022 and 2032, according to BLS.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
To pursue a career as a mental health counselor, you’ll need to earn master’s in counseling and meet the requirements for licensure in the state where you want to practice.
At University of Phoenix, a Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSC/CCMH) is a 60-credit, online, clinical mental health counseling program that includes all of those requirements. (Licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to review the state licensure requirements in the state where you wish to practice.)
Licensing requirements vary by state, so be sure to review the state licensure requirements in the state where you wish to practice.
The pandemic definitely heightened the need for access to mental health care. Meanwhile, the stigma around mental health care is [declining]. You see athletes talking about it openly. A whole-person concept is becoming more of a topic with healthcare clinicians.
Christina Neider, EdD
Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at University of Phoenix
Get more information about starting your master's in clinical mental health counseling online at University of Phoenix.
Christina Neider is the dean of the University of Phoenix College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Neider’s career spans more than 30 years in academia, healthcare and the U.S. Air Force. She has held several academic leadership roles at University of Phoenix, and she is the Vice President of membership for the Arizona Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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