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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.

SOC: 21-1014.00

Common Job Titles

  • Clinician
  • Counselor
  • Mental Health Specialist
  • Mental Health Therapist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • MindsetIntegrate client emotional needs with evidence-based therapeutic interventions when addressing complex mental health issues such as addiction, trauma, and family conflict.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate client mental health status and treatment progress using psychological assessment tools and standardized protocols to determine compliance with therapeutic goals.
  • KnowledgeFormulate individualized treatment plans addressing substance abuse, stress management, and family dynamics based on comprehensive psychosocial assessments and client-centered goals.
  • MindsetModel ethical counseling practices and professional values in adherence to legal standards, confidentiality requirements, and cultural competency principles.
  • KnowledgeDesign psychoeducational programs and preventive mental health interventions tailored to community needs and evidence-based best practices.
  • MindsetAdvocate for client well-being and therapeutic needs when coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams and external service providers.
  • MindsetBalance empathy with professional boundaries while establishing and maintaining long-term therapeutic relationships with diverse client populations.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze behavioral patterns, cognitive distortions, and environmental stressors to identify underlying causes of mental health symptoms in individual and group counseling settings.
  • KnowledgeApply crisis intervention techniques and conflict resolution strategies when managing acute mental health crises and facilitating mediation between clients and family members.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize clinical observations, diagnostic criteria, and client self-reports to document comprehensive case notes in electronic medical record systems.
  • MindsetEngage clients in collaborative goal-setting and self-directed recovery processes using motivational interviewing and strengths-based counseling approaches.
  • KnowledgeInterpret psychological test results and clinical assessment data to communicate diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations to clients and referral sources.

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Psychology4.9/5
  • Therapy and Counseling4.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
  • English Language4.1/5
  • Education and Training3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft

Technology Skills

  • Client information database systems
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Google Classroom
  • Management information systems MIS
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Netscape Navigator
  • Office suite software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Digital medical thermometers
  • Flatbed scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers
  • Sphygmomanometers