From increasing rates of anxiety and depression to greater awareness of trauma and behavioral health issues, people across the U.S. need help improving and maintaining their mental and emotional wellness. Mental health counselors around the country are stepping up to the challenge. Still, more counselors may be needed to meet demand for these services as mental health continues to become a higher priority in our society.
What Is a Mental Health Counselor?
A mental health counselor works with individuals, families, couples, and groups to support emotional and psychological health. They use proven therapeutic approaches and counseling techniques to help clients address stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction, depression, grief, and many other issues. Mental health counselors emphasize both prevention and treatment to help people with their overall mental health.
Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?
Many types of organizations hire mental health counselors, which means that people in this field work in a variety of environments. Common workplaces include:
- Community health clinics
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse facilities
- Inpatient treatment facilities
- Hospitals
- Private healthcare practices
- Corrections and probation settings
- Schools and universities
- Nonprofit and social service agencies
In many places, counselors collaborate closely with psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and others to care for clients. Some work with specialized groups like youth, veterans, or individuals with substance use issues. Trauma and crisis intervention are also possible specialties.
Are Mental Health Counselors in Demand?
Yes, the demand for mental health counselors is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups mental health counselors with substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, and estimates that these roles will grow much faster than the average job. Between 2024 and 2034, employment is projected to grow by about 17%, compared with 3% growth for all jobs. During this time, the BLS expects the field to see tens of thousands of job openings each year. This reflects both new roles and existing roles as current counselors retire or leave the profession.
According to the Department of Health & Human Services, the U.S. may even face a shortage of mental health counselors. They currently estimate a shortage of 14,600 mental health counselors. By 2038, they predict that this shortage will reach almost 100,000 counselors.
Why Is the Need for Mental Health Counselors Growing?
1. Rising Mental Health Awareness and Access
More people, including children and young adults, now know that mental health is important. While the stigma isn't entirely gone, we still feel more comfortable getting help for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and other mental health concerns than we once did. Better insurance coverage has also made seeing a mental health counselor less expensive.
2. Substance Use Challenges
The ongoing effects of substance abuse, including opioids and stimulants, have fueled demand for addiction counseling, relapse prevention, recovery management, and other clinical mental health services.
3. Policy and Court Requirements
More states and cities are prioritizing treatment for those with substance use or behavioral health needs. In many places, counseling is becoming a common part of criminal sentencing and rehabilitation.
4. School, Community, and Workplace Needs
Schools, colleges, and workplaces are increasingly aware of mental health, trauma, and stress at all ages. This change has created new roles for counselors outside traditional settings. Expanded programs in schools and community health clinics are allowing counselors to support people in need.
How Do I Prepare for a Mental Health Counseling Career?
1. Graduate Education
Most mental health counseling jobs require a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, psychology, or a closely related field. The program classes typically cover topics like counseling theory, human development, ethics, research, and assessment methods.
2. Supervised Clinical Experience
Graduate programs usually include a supervised internship or practicum, where you work directly with clients under the supervision of a licensed clinician. This experience gives you the chance to hone your skills and helps you meet licensure requirements.
3. Licensure and Certification
All states require mental health counselors to be licensed. Requirements vary, but generally include completing a set number of supervised clinical hours and passing a national licensing exam.
Do Your Part to Meet the Need for Mental Health Counselors
The need for mental health counselors continues to grow as our society recognizes the importance of mental health to our overall health. With strong job growth and meaningful work across many settings, counseling can be a rewarding career for people passionate about making a difference in others' lives. If you're interested in taking the next step, learn about the South University Clinical Mental Health Counseling program today!
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
