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What is Mental Health Counseling?

Mental health counseling is a field that provides holistic and developmental therapy to individuals suffering from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Counselors are responsible for identifying and assisting individuals demonstrating symptoms of as well as providing preventative counseling through education, regular sessions, and community service. Mental health counselors provide clarity to issues that may be plaguing individuals and developing a plan to resolve these issues with the patient.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$46,050

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

19.51%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

139,820

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Mental Health Counseling Degree

Johns Hopkins University's Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling degree program offers two concentrations Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Their program prepares competent, ethical, culturally responsive, and passionate counselors who become leaders and advocates. Offering a rigorous evidence-based curriculum aligned with national and state standards. Their faculty consists of distinguished individuals with extensive counseling experience, and a strong clinical-experience support system through partnerships with school districts and mental health settings.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Boston College's Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling prepares students for careers as licensed mental health professionals. The program will train students to serve the mental health needs of individuals, groups, communities, and systems, and to promote and advocate as necessary for social change. Students gain an understanding of developmental and cultural contexts that will aid them to understand and promote mental health and well-being in diverse communities. They develop a solid background in counseling and mental health theory. Graduates are fully prepared to practice mental health counseling or pursue doctoral studies in psychology or another field.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Rochester's Mental Health Counseling major is designed to prepare graduates to work effectively as counselors offering services to people challenged by emotional, behavioral, and relationship issues. The institution is well-grounded in counseling theory, research, and practice. The program prepares qualified, licensed-eligible mental health counselors for practice in a variety of diverse clinical or community settings. It is an affordable and flexible program offered by the university.             

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

UM provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Coral Gables, Florida and operated as a private institution. Approximately sixteen thousand students are enrolled annually at UM. Here is a list of some of the popular programs University of Miami offers:

  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Health And Clinical Professions
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. Either the ACT or SAT exam can be taken to apply to UM. Scores within the range of 28 - 32 on the ACT or 1830 - 2090 on the SAT are needed to increase the chance of admission. Approximately 40% of all students that applied were admitted at UM, with 20% of those accepted choosing to attend.  A full range of admissions information can be obtained by calling the school or by simply requesting information from this page. The cost of tuition is approximately $44,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is estimated to be $7,400. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is typically offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. The UM Hurricanes participate in several athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered may include the following:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Diving (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Football (NCAA Division I-A)
For a complete list of areas of study, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at www.miami.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Florida's degree in Mental Health Counseling is designed to equip students with the pre-professional competencies required for Registered Intern status. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The program seeks to prepare graduates who establish a professional identity as professional counselors with a concentration in mental health. Interact effectively with the full spectrum of mental health professionals.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

George Washington University's Master's in Clinical Health Counseling provides a solid foundation for serving persons facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges, rehabilitation counselors offer hope and empowerment. Counselors serve as a source of personal support and guidance thus enhancing their quality of life. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). The program prepares graduates to enter the counseling profession in a variety of human service settings. They are committed to preparing knowledgeable and ethical Professional Counselors equipped for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University's M.S. program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to enhance the growth and development of all clients and offers a broad range of services and interventions in wellness and advocacy. The program has a unique and foundational commitment to social justice, culturally relevant skills, advocacy, and leadership. Graduates will be able to construct and implement comprehensive needs assessments, collaborative treatment plans, and case notes for diverse clients. They are trained to provide individual and group counseling with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of roles and areas.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Fordham University's Mental Health Counseling Program graduates will be eligible for employment in mental health clinics, community mental health centers, hospitals, non-profit counseling agencies, college, and university counseling centers. The program has a reflective practitioner orientation and includes a strong multicultural counseling emphasis. It can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in three years. Graduates of the program are eligible to obtain a New York State License as a Mental Health Counselor.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Marist College's M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a distinct profession with national and state standards for education, training, and clinical practice. Counselors provide a full range of professional mental health services for individuals, couples and families, and groups. Its Core Counseling Faculty is the academic unit solely responsible for the preparation of students in the program. The program curriculum is rich in the coursework stressing the theory and practice of evidence-based counseling and underscores the importance of a multicultural approach throughout the training process. They will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality mental health care to help their clients function effectively in all aspects of their lives.

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Southern Methodist University's Master of Science in Counseling Program prepares students for the counseling profession. It involves the application of the development and social sciences in assisting children and adults with psychological growth and social adjustment problems. providing the elements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underline counseling, including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning, and social change. They develop the basic skills in therapy and assessment and become familiar with the legal and clinical considerations confronting practitioners.

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

SUNY College at New Paltz's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling serves students looking to become licensed as mental health counselors and those seeking to eventually proceed into doctoral programs. The curriculum covers mental health counseling practice and research. Practicum and internship experiences provide unique, varied, and intense hands-on mental health counseling training experiences under the supervision of licensed professionals. The program can be completed full-time in two years, including summer classes, Students may attend part-time, but all degree requirements must be completed within five years after admission to degree candidacy.

Acceptance Rate

45.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree offers counseling courses under the guidance of faculty members who are nationally recognized in the field. The program develops knowledge and skills in areas related to the field. Students are provided with an excellent educational foundation that leads to licensure and works in counseling settings. They are dedicated and consistently achieve at the very highest levels.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' Mental Health is a top public health issue facing the institution's students and each campus in the system is committed to actively addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. They facilitate communications between committees and with the Provost's office. The council is representative of many campus units and departments working on related topics. One of their goals is to raise awareness about issues related to students' mental health.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Yeshiva University's Mental Health Counseling Program Master of Arts degree program is designed to meet the changing needs of health care and social services. The program prepares students to test to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMCH) from the New York State Education Department. Its courses are taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields. They are dedicated to providing quality private education and setting students up for career success. Graduates can practice in private practice and mental health centers with specialized LMHC expertise.

Acceptance Rate

55.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College's Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program prepares its graduates to be professional practitioners in a variety of mental health settings. Graduates will be prepared to be generalists in mental health counseling with an added focus in the area of health counseling. The program provides students with a comprehensive background that emphasizes academic coursework and supervised clinical internship training. It is designed specifically to address the needs of those training for the mental health counseling license.

Acceptance Rate

43.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Rollins College's Graduate Studies in Counseling program prepares clinical mental health counselors to engage with clients in cultivating and increasing freedom in their lives. The core guiding principles for their graduate program are academic excellence, transformative education, social justice and advocacy, diversity, ethical practice, and leadership. They strive to build an inclusive community of learners who value personal intellectual growth through the collaborative relationships among students, faculty, and staff. One offering of the program is to provide rigorous fieldwork requirements.

Acceptance Rate

58.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University at Buffalo's Mental Health Counseling, MS focuses on the development of counseling knowledge and skills, supported by research and other empirical evidence. Graduates will meet the requirements for being license-eligible as a mental health counselor in New York State. The program is based on a philosophy that emphasizes personal and professional growth, respect for human diversity, multicultural competence, social justice, client strengths, and ethical responsibility. The institution is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Saint John Fisher College's M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling prepares students for work in several different settings. There are two options that exist within the program. Students can earn either their master's degree or advanced certificate in the program. The curriculum examines the psychological foundations of mental health and related development issues. Courses offer them in-depth, practical insight into counseling areas such as professional identity, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, just to name a few.

Acceptance Rate

64.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Illinois Institute of Technology's Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program teaches future counselors the skills to provide both mental and rehabilitation service delivery. Students are equipped to address broad mental health and disability-related issues in clinical settings, with respect for multicultural factors. The program prepares rehabilitation and mental health counselors for employment. Graduates are eligible to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, a distinguished certificate recognized nationwide.

Acceptance Rate

60.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

SUNY College at Oswego's Mental Health Counseling degree prepares students with the listening, problem-solving, diagnosis, treatment planning, and case consultation skills needed for a successful future in the field. Allowing them to create relationships with area leaders for future opportunities. The program satisfies the state educational requirements leading toward professional licensure and prepares students to sit for a licensing exam. Graduates will be prepared to work as licensed, professional, mental health counselors in a variety of settings.

Acceptance Rate

54.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

SUNY College at Plattsburgh's major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focuses on the preparation of professionals. Students learn a combination of theoretical and skill-based approaches to serving clients. They have the opportunity to work at a professional site and with clients and students through their specialized internships. The faculty emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach to the preparation of counselor candidates. Graduates work effectively in a number of work settings.

Acceptance Rate

58.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Bradley University's Master of Arts in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for the National Counselor Examination and careers in community, clinical and mental health settings. They learn to counsel diverse groups of clients to promote positive growth and development. Courses in the program enable them to practice while they learn, as each one includes hands-on experiences.  the degree provides new opportunities to help people as a counselor. Graduates go on to work in a variety of clinical mental health settings.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Chatham University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology provides students self-awareness, knowledge, and skills required of counseling professionals. The program fosters the integration of theory, experience, and research skills with practice. It focuses on the professional, intellectual, and growth of students, emphasizing human-centered values as well as evidence-informed treatment approaches.  Students learn to assess clients in their family and social contexts, design evidence-informed strategies for change, and evaluate the effectiveness of those interventions.

Acceptance Rate

62.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Dayton's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSE) provides students the knowledge and skills to become successful counselors. They embrace a holistic approach to working with individuals, families, and communities.  The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It also meets the requirements for licensure in most other states.

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Springfield College's Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program provides students with a solid foundation of counseling theory and skills. Students are offered opportunities for internships and practicums, along with classes taught by clinically experienced faculty. The program offers full courses in psychopharmacology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, and crisis intervention. The courses are designed to meet the standards required for them to apply for licensure in their state.

Acceptance Rate

68.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Top Mental Health Counseling Degrees

For prospective students considering a career in mental health counseling, it is vital to understand the degree options available.  Below you will find a summary of each degree type along with quick, easy access to connect with accredited colleges and universities.  By providing a singular portal for your counseling career, you can quickly navigate from school to school and degrees within each program with ease.  The degrees offered by colleges in mental health counseling include the following:

Mental Health Counseling Bachelor's Degrees

Online bachelor’s degrees in mental health counseling along with their classroom-based equivalent are conferred as Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees at most institutions.  The bachelor degree program will take full-time students approximately 4-years to complete with part-time students taking longer as a function of course load.

Students will have the opportunity to blend liberal arts education such as communications, philosophy, history, and math with core classes. Core curricula will generally include classes such as: lifespan development, foundations of counseling, theories of personality, research methods, abnormal psychology, family interventions, social policy, contemporary issues in counseling, counseling children & adolescents, and applied group dynamics.

Mental Health Counseling Master's Degrees

Earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling will take 2-3 years of full time matriculation.  Degrees are conferred as Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) correlated with the curricular design.  A master’s degree program will frequently allow students to select specializations or self-designed courses.

Areas of concentration can include: clinical counseling, art therapy, movement therapy, expressive arts therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, holistic studies, community counseling, trauma studies, school counseling, counseling psychology, mindfulness studies, and school psychology.  The thesis project and classes taken in a MA or MS program will depend upon the area of concentration.

PhD in Mental Health Counseling

The doctorate degree in mental health counseling can be earned online, in class, or a hybrid program of both online and on-site studies.  Most schools will confer degrees in the field as a PhD with a small number of schools offering degrees as a Doctor in Philosophy (PhD).   PhD programs will last 3-5 years dependent upon student pace and length of time taken to complete the board-approved dissertation project.  Upper level courses will vary from school to school but can include: transformative leadership, qualitative research, social justice in counseling, quantitative research, trauma counseling, interpersonal neurobiology, applied research, contemplative counseling, and social entrepreneurship.

Mental Health Counselor Requirements

Individuals wishing to become mental health counselors must earn a master's degree in counseling. Graduate programs require one to have earned a bachelor's degree, though the bachelor's degree need not be in counseling to be accepted.

A mental health counseling program will provide individuals with the knowledge and techniques necessary to perform one's duties, with courses describing the various disorders one may encounter, social factors that may be present, and the methodologies used for diagnosis and treatment. A curriculum in mental health counseling may include:

  • Ethics
  • Counseling Theory
  • Psychopathology
  • Crisis and Trauma Intervention
  • Psychopharmacology

Employment Opportunities and Counseling Licensure

Individuals seeking employment as mental health counselors may find opportunities within hospitals, clinics, schools and colleges, private practices and private employers. Individuals will provide assistance based on the goals and needs of the employer, providing care and assistance to a variety of patients based on the type of employer. Individuals working in a private practice will have more control over their hours and choice of patients.

Licensure is required by all states in order to practice mental health counseling. Individuals must have earned a set number of hours of supervised clinical experience, take a state issued exam, and participate in annual continuing education courses in order to maintain one's license. Specific requirements will vary from state to state, and as such it is recommended that individuals research the requirements of the state they plan to practice in.

What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?

Mental health counselors work with families and individuals with an array of psychiatric disorders and/or mental health problems. A common set of mental health and psychiatric disorders a mental health counselor is trained to work with include: stress, substance abuse, self-esteem, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, OCD, panic disorder, postpartum depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, seasonal affective disorder, social anxiety disorder, hypersomnia, sex addiction, acute stress disorder, aging, kleptomania, antisocial personality disorder, and pain disorder.

A recent survey administered by the United States Department of Labor of mental health counselors helps to shed light on daily activities of professionals in the field. A broad-based sample of counselors from across the country reveals a common set of job responsibilities we have clustered together. The top 10 job duties of a mental health counselor include:

  1. Distinguish between physiological and psychological disorders & provide an accurate and timely diagnosis
  2. Build a working framework of psychological development at every stage of life
  3. Diagnose a variety of psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions
  4. Appropriately apply theories of human behavior to mental, emotional, and/or behavioral problems
  5. Manage a patients medication intake, usage, and results
  6. Develop unique treatment plans for individuals, couples, and groups
  7. Accurately document patient history in addition to clinical diagnosis, physical changes, emotional changes, treatment plans, and outcomes
  8. Evaluate behavior over time and update treatment plans accordingly
  9. Provide targeting intervention plans and counseling sessions
  10. Prudently apply multicultural & global perspectives into counseling practice

Mental Health Counselor Salary & Job Growth

Mean annual income of $46,050 which is equivalent to $22.14 per hour with the top 10% earning $70,100 a year and the bottom ten percent earning just under twenty-seven thousand dollars a year.The average salary for a counselor is approximately $48,000 per year, with starting and low end salaries being approximately $24,000 per year. Individuals working in larger, more populated cities will have an easier time finding work, and are more likely to have higher wages.

Job growth is expected to increase by some 54,500 jobs over the next decade equal to a 14% due to the effectiveness of such counseling and the increased interest in preventative healthcare. These factors when coupled with the waning stigma of individuals seeking professional assistance will help the industry continue to flourish. Additionally, insurance companies are beginning to provide more coverage for such assistance, resulting in a larger number of individuals able to seek assistance.

Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?

A mental health counseling professional can work in a variety of professional settings. The most common examples of work settings for counselors include public schools, private schools, colleges, hospital, mental health facility, medical office, correctional facility, medical office, medical clinic, home health organization, community health organization, social services, local government agencies, and state government agencies.

Top Employers of Mental Health Counselors

  1. Individual and Family Providers 30,170
  2. Outpatient Care Centers 29,890
  3. Mental Health Facilities 16,160
  4. Practitioners Offices 11,490
  5. Local Government Agencies 11,130

States with the Highest Employment of Mental Health Counselors

  • California 15,300
  • Pennsylvania 13,020
  • Virginia 8,980
  • New York 6,970
  • Massachusetts 6,830

Top Paying States for Mental Health Counselors

  1. Alaska $64,520
  2. Utah $61,080
  3. Wyoming $58,020
  4. Oregon $55,670
  5. New Jersey $53,410

Resources for Mental Health Counselors

Individuals interested in mental health counseling may also be interested in social work, substance abuse and addiction counseling, or marriage counseling and family therapy. Additionally, students may benefit from researching the AMHCA or ACA to learn more about the counseling industry. Trade associations such as these provide graduates and working professionals with member benefits and resources to grow in the counseling sector.

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