Mental Health Counselors
What is a Mental Health Counselor?
Mental health counselors are trained professionals who provide support, guidance, and therapy to individuals experiencing emotional or psychological distress. They work to help clients cope with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma, and more. Mental health counselors utilize various therapeutic techniques to facilitate healing and personal growth, tailoring their approach to meet the unique needs of each client. They often conduct initial assessments, develop treatment plans, and track progress over time, empowering clients to develop coping strategies and improve their overall mental well-being. Their work may be conducted in various settings, such as private practices, schools, hospitals, or community health organizations, and they are often an essential part of a broader mental health care team. Mental health counselors must hold at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and are typically required to be licensed in the state where they practice. Through a compassionate and supportive environment, mental health counselors play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Tasks
- 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.
- Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
- Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
Technology Skills
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Management information systems MIS
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle PeopleSoft
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Internet browser software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Netscape Navigator
- Web browser software
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Medical software
- Client information database systems
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Blood pressure cuff kits
- Electronic medical thermometers
- Scanners
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Notebook computers
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Desktop computers
Knowledge
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
- Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.
- Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
- Write reports or evaluations.
- Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
- Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36700.0 - $89920.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.