What Does A Mental Health Counselor Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Stan T.Career, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Mental Health Counselors

Mental Health Counselors counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.

Salary
$51550
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Master's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality


What they do

Mental Health Counselors counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.

  • Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment.
  • Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
  • Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
  • Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Mental Health Counselors maintain the confidentiality of records relating to clients’ treatment. They encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.

  • Plan, organize or lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients.
  • Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.
  • Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
  • Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
  • Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Mental Health Counselors also collaborate with other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans. They may also supervise other counselors, social service staff, assistants, or graduate students.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Mental Health Counselors gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy. They might also counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting clients or patients.

In addition, they discuss with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients’ status.

To some Mental Health Counselors, it is also their responsibility to refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

High

Is this job meaningful

Very High

70% said they were satisfied with their job and 89% said they found their job meaningful.


Bud & Blossom Therapeutics

My Typical Day A typical day at work as a Mental Health Therapist, for me, involves checking emails, voicemails and following up with anyone who has inquired about beginning therapy and following up on any requests or questions of regular clients. Then, I proceed to begin conducting therapeutic sessions from approximately 9 am to 6 … Read More


Inner Solutions Counseling Center, PLLC

I have been a clinical mental health therapist (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) for 20+ years and am still in love with my career choice. I’m honored daily that people allow me to hold space with them as they develop through some of life’s most challenging and exciting moments. As a mental health counselor/psychotherapist, my … Read More


Charleston Counseling Services, LLC

I’m a mental health counselor, specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma. I’m a very client-focused therapist. I help people work through their past traumas, belief systems, and insecurities while bringing emphasis to their strengths, resilience, and self-awareness. My typical day I get in the office around 7:30 am and start to see clients from 8 … Read More


Consilium Behavioral Health

I am an LPC (licensed professional counselor) in the state of PA and currently operate a private practice called Consilium Behavioral Health. I specialize in trauma/PTSD and work with clients anywhere from 14 years old to 70. I also treat anxiety, depression, substance use, grief/complicated grief, and stage of life issues (transitioning to retirement, young … Read More


I am a Mental Health Therapist working with other mental health professionals. I also specialize in how grief and loss impact our relationship with self and others. I have the opportunity to have variety in my typical day of work since I have created a specialty mental health business. The typical day usually begins with … Read More


Growth Point Collaborative Counseling and Group Facilitation, PLLC

I am an integrative feminist therapist, and I work with young adults of all identity intersections to understand their past, make efforts to manage emotions and behaviors in the present, and actively decide and craft their future toward their pleasure, safety, and joy. As a therapist who integrates many theoretical influences and techniques, I make … Read More


Cobb Psychotherapy

I am a pre-licensed mental health counselor working in a group private practice. I hold a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. While I have my degree and I completed all the necessary schooling, I have not yet completed the 3,000 hours of post-graduate work needed to obtain a fully independent license in my … Read More


A public alternative education school in Maryland

I am Wendy B. Pitts, LCSW-C and in my day job, I am a School Mental Health Therapist (MHT) for a public alternative education school in Maryland. Students can be sent to an Alternative Education placement, for a variety of reasons, however, they are typically removed from their comprehensive school because of their behavior. My … Read More


Amanda Conroy Counseling

I am a mental health therapist in private practice. A typical day at work includes many different tasks. First, and most importantly, a typical day involves meeting with clients. I will meet with 4-5 clients a day for a 50–55-minute session. Second, I block time off in my day for potential clients to engage in … Read More


Sara Weand, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and owner of Sara Weand, LPC, a virtual private psychotherapy practice. Because I have a fully virtual private practice, I don’t have to leave my house in order to go to my office. I specialize in anxiety treatment & Borderline Personality Disorder, by helping adults have better relationships … Read More


Pros

Suitable for people who like to help and teach others.

Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

One of the fastest-growing careers.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

Salary is below average.

It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.

How much do they make

Average salary

$51550 per year

Average hourly wage

$25 per hour

Entry-level Mental Health Counselors with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $30,590 to $36,950 per year or $15 to $18 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $78,700 $38
Senior (Top 25%) $61,760 $30
Median $47,660 $23
Junior (Bottom 25%) $36,950 $18
No experience (Bottom 10%) $30,590 $15

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Mental Health Counselors based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Insurance Carriers $71460 $34.35
Other Ambulatory Health Care Services $71030 $34.15
Specialty Hospitals $70240 $33.77
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals $65530 $31.50
Offices of Other Health Practitioners $65040 $31.27
Local Government $60790 $29.23
State Government $60670 $29.17
Offices of Physicians $60400 $29.04
Educational Support Services $59650 $28.68
Office Administrative Services $58630 $28.19

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Mental Health Counselors work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Mental Health Counselors including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Outpatient Care Centers 27790 $54380 $26.15
Individual and Family Services 16320 $48550 $23.34
Local Government 14220 $60790 $29.23
Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities 12420 $41300 $19.86
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals 9890 $57840 $27.81
Offices of Other Health Practitioners 7260 $65040 $31.27
State Government 6090 $60670 $29.17
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 6020 $65530 $31.50
Offices of Physicians 3300 $60400 $29.04
Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services 2600 $45070 $21.67

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
38%

40 hours
21%

More than 40 hours
41%

Working schedule

89%

11%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
16%

Every day
63%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
12%

Every day
79%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
2%

Every day
84%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
26%

Once a year
28%

Once a month
25%

Once a week
10%

Every day
12%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
3%

Slightly competitive
22%

Moderately competitive
61%

Highly competitive
14%

Extremely competitive
0%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
9%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
9%

Every day
82%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
78%

Once a year or more
9%

Once a month or more
3%

Once a week or more
10%

Every day
0%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
82%

Once a year or more
12%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
1%

Every day
5%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
77%

Once a year or more
20%

Once a month or more
2%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Very Hard
You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge, and experience. Careers in this difficulty category usually require graduate school and more than five years of experience. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include Pharmacists, Lawyers, Astronomers, Neurologists, and Veterinarians.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
0%

High School Diploma or equivalent
0%

Post-Secondary Certificate
0%

Some College Courses
0%

Associate’s Degree or similar
1%

Bachelor’s Degree
34%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
62%

Post-Master’s Certificate
1%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
1%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.

Clinical/Medical Social Work

A program that prepares individuals for the specialized professional practice of social work, in collaboration with other health care professionals, in hospitals and other health care facilities and organizations. Includes instruction in social work, psychiatric case work, clinical interviewing techniques, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient testing and evaluation, patient and family counseling, social rehabilitation, patient care planning, record-keeping, and support services liaison.

Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling

A program that prepares individuals, including but not limited to, ordained clergy and other counseling professionals to respond to the emotional and/or spiritual needs of patients and families in health care emergencies and other situations, and to consult with and counsel other health care professionals. Includes instruction in advanced interpersonal communication; individual and small group counseling; interdisciplinary teamwork; crisis management; extended care relationships; self-analysis; medical ethics; pastoral care art; spiritual dimensions of human growth and health; counseling psychology and therapy; and applications to grief, death, emotional collapse, injury, individual/family adjustment, and chronic illness situations.


Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

A program that prepares individuals to provide evaluations, referrals, and short-term counseling services to help people prevent or remediate personal problems, conflicts, and emotional crises. Includes instruction in human development, psychopathology, individual and group counseling, personality theory, career assessment, patient screening and referral, observation and testing techniques, interviewing skills, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations.

Trauma Counseling

A program that focuses on understanding elements of traumatic exposure, trauma-sensitive care, and crisis intervention. Includes instruction in disaster response, grief and loss counseling, crisis intervention and management, trauma counseling, neurobiology of trauma, PTSD and combat-related trauma, relational trauma and treatment of trauma-related disorders.

Social Work

A program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counseling, and that focus on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Includes instruction in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counseling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counseling.


Counseling Psychology

A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of psychological counseling, involving the rendering of therapeutic services to individuals and groups experiencing psychological problems and exhibiting distress symptoms. Includes instruction in counseling theory, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient/counselor relationships, testing and assessment methods and procedures, group therapy, marital and family therapy, child and adolescent therapy, supervised counseling practice, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
3%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
13%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
5%

1 to 2 years
33%

2 to 4 years
36%

4 to 6 years
10%

6 to 8 years
1%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
6%

1 month
20%

1 to 3 months
20%

3 to 6 months
35%

6 months to 1 year
15%

1 to 2 years
4%

2 to 4 years
0%

4 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Helper

People with this personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.

The Builder
19%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
67%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
57%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
100%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
33%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
33%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

They also like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
76%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
60%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
67%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
90%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
43%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
76%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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