How to become a Mental Health Counselor
Official title: Mental Health Counselors
Also called: Behavior Analyst, Behavioral Health Counselor, Case Manager, Clinician, Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Therapist
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.
Main 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.
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.
- Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
- Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
- Perform crisis interventions with clients.
- Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.
How to become one
Education and training requirements vary for entering these occupations. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree, whereas mental health counselors typically need a master's degree and an internship. Some counselors need a state-issued license.
Typical education to start: Master's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Lcmhc).
- College: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 29 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 47 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 533,400 people work in this job now, and about 631,400 are projected by 2035. (+18.4%)
Related jobs
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a Mental Health Counselor?
Education and training requirements vary for entering these occupations. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree, whereas mental health counselors typically need a master's degree and an internship. Some counselors need a state-issued license.
Is a Mental Health Counselor a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 533,400 to about 631,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Mental Health Counselor?
Usually. 85% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.