Mental illnesses are one of the most common conditions among individuals across the world. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the US live with a mental health condition. These illnesses vary in severity and are mainly categorized into two sections – Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
Those in the mental health profession or studying an online counseling degree understand the scale of the mental health issues in the country. However, these conditions can sometimes go under the radar and remain undiagnosed for many years.
This subset of the health sector is growing, and it could be a great career path for anyone looking to help others regain mental wellness. Take a look at the below information on careers in this field and how to take the next steps towards becoming a mental health counselor.
Career Progression In The Sector
There are many pathways to choose from if you’re looking to enter a career in mental health counseling or therapy. The differences in professions also carry varying educational requirements from high school diplomas to online counseling degrees. Mental health counselors may also work in a variety of environments such as schools, mental health centers, and prisons.
The median wage for this career path was $47,660 in May 2020. The sector is projected to grow by 25% between 2019 and 2029, which is considered faster than other employment sectors. The scope of progression is also good in this area. There are many opportunities to branch out into other careers such as psychology and nursing.
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Why Become A Mental Health Counselor?
Going into a career in mental health counseling is more than gaining your online counseling degree and getting a job – it’s a vocation.
This pathway is for individuals that want to help others get back to positive mental wellbeing and support the journey to feeling healthy in mind and body. A career in this area is ideal for anyone with excellent organizational skills and is committed to playing an impartial but supportive role in an individual’s treatment.
Jobs in the mental health sector are rewarding but require patience and empathy, as you will be working with a variety of illnesses and severities. Education and training will provide ample opportunities to grow in this career. Plus, a solid education such as studying an online counseling degree can help you gauge your specialism and future pathway.
What Does A Therapist Do?
Mental health counselors and similar professions work with people in one-to-one settings or within a group environment. Counselors also work in a variety of workplaces depending on the specialism. For example, some may counsel children, where some may work alongside convicted felons.
The role of a mental health counselor is to assist clients in finding healthy and safe solutions to current issues. By creating a space to share and connect, a counselor enables individuals to make their own choices and define their own answers to move forward in life.
This job does not involve telling patients what is right or wrong or prescribing medication. However, a counselor may prescribe other treatments such as reprocessing therapies for people suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Taking Steps To Become A Mental Health Counselor
As mentioned above, a career in this area is a vocation rather than a job, so a dedication to education and training is necessary. Becoming a counselor or therapist takes many years. However, once you are licensed, there are also further opportunities for career progression with development.
To start the journey, there are typically three main areas to cover. Completing these steps will enable you to practice in your state. First, take a look at what you need to become a mental health counselor:
Obtain A Bachelor’s And Master’s Degree
The first step in your career is to gain a solid understanding and a foundation in counseling by getting your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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There are many ways to get the best education, including studying for an online counseling degree.
The type of degree you choose should also complement the area of study and practice you want to move into. There are different specialisms within the counseling and therapy sector, so it is a great idea to know which area you’d like to specialize in before committing to study.
According to the state requirements, some colleges and universities have specific programs tailored to gaining a qualification and relevant experience. However, many states are now moving towards reciprocity partnerships so if you take an online counseling degree, it can be used in different states rather than limiting your options.
Complete Clinical Training
Whether you’re completing an online counseling degree or have finished your studies, the next step is to gain relevant clinical training. Whatever course you do, practice training is necessary to apply for your license to work.
Clinical training usually involves taking an internship or working alongside your studies. This experience will provide a mentor and supervisor to guide you through applying your knowledge and understanding to real work situations.
This time is invaluable to back up your studies, and licensure typically requires between 2000-4000 hours of training alongside your degree. For those taking an online counseling degree, speak to your program advisors about options closer to home. You may be able to complete your clinical hours in a community setting rather than traveling outside your state to gain the experience.
Apply For Your License To Practice
After gaining an online counseling degree and doing the work experience to back up your education, it’s now time to apply for licensure. This is the final step in becoming a mental health counselor. However, it’s not just a case of filling in a few forms. Applying for your legal right to practice involves taking an exam.
It will prepare you for taking the exam and what to expect to gain your license during your online counseling degree. Each state has different requirements for initial application depending on where you want to work. Some require longer periods of clinical work experience, and some also require further training in a specialism to get started.
All states require aspiring counselors and therapists to take the licensing exam. There are no exceptions. Many states have their own versions of the exam, but many states also accept exams from main counseling boards to gain a right to work.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Counselor?
Becoming a mental health counselor takes several years. It will take around six years to complete when you undertake a bachelor’s and a master’s online counseling degree.
If you choose to move to a doctorate, this will involve another four years of study. In most cases, many individuals plan for around ten years in education before practicing.
Individuals looking to accelerate their careers should look at online counseling degrees. This is a great way to go at your own speed, including completing degrees in a faster period. Part-time study options are also available for those looking to further their career around work and commitments.
Are Online Counseling Degrees Accredited?
Relevant institutions accredit many online counseling degrees to ensure you get the necessary qualifications to move forward in your career. In addition, the selection of master’s degrees online also offers a way to specialize in a specific area of counseling.
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What Skills Do I Need To Become A Counselor?
Alongside an online counseling degree and relevant clinical training, there are some skills that go hand-in-hand with this career. Some skills and talents come naturally to many, while some learn these while as they progress in a career. Skills are typically broken down into hard and soft skills.
Soft skills are things like listening, communication, and analytical abilities. These are often instinctual to most people and can sometimes guide the type of career path you take. However, people with relevant soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and compassion are likely to enjoy a job in this sector.
Hard skills are those that are quantifiable. An example includes accurate notetaking. This skill is essential for recording and examining notes and patient information. These skills can be learned and taught during education, such as in an online counseling degree.
In addition, a counselor must know mental health terms such as ailments and treatments and understand the context of how different therapies affect individuals.
Many online counseling degree programs teach the necessary skills students need to flourish in a clinical environment. In addition, most people have natural attributes that can be built upon, while others come with experience in the work environment.
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Specialisms In Mental Health Counseling
When you study for a career in counseling, your degree path may guide you on the best route into mental health counseling. However, there are varying specialisms within the mental health sector that you can choose. An online counseling degree will open up a broad range of areas to consider as no two people are the same, and the scope of mental health illnesses is vast.
Mental health disorders vary in severity and can differ between children and adults. In addition, the type of vocation you want to enter will determine where you’d like to specialize and how your training will shape your future.
Mental health illnesses can affect anyone at any stage of their life, and your skills and experience can guide them to a healthier future. Mental health issues can also be attributed to physical health issues. This type of treatment also involves working with doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver a complete treatment plan and support throughout a program.
Continual Professional Development
The learning and training don’t stop after you’ve completed an online counseling degree. This vocation requires a range of skills and knowledge that is learned throughout the career. The mental health sector is also an ever-evolving area. More research and funding are going into studying complex issues and building treatment around these studies.
You can choose to go further in your career by moving onto doctorate studies or using your experience in the future to train the next generation of mental health counselors. There is also the requirement to complete assessments and smaller training sessions throughout your career to stay up to date with industry changes and regulations. As part of your licensure, there may be additional exams or study to renew your practice license.
To further your career in counseling, the American Counseling Association has a wealth of information and resources to guide you.
Is This Career Right For Me?
A career in the mental health sector is not for the faint-hearted. You will put in a lot of time and effort to become a successful counselor, which will challenge your abilities and capabilities. Working with people is a prerequisite, so having an empathic nature and speaking and listening to people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders is essential.
As a counselor is not hired to judge or give biased advice, it is also important to learn specific techniques to allow patients to provide self-solutions. This is a challenging skill to learn, but many people find it comes after study and experience.
Becoming a counselor is a gratifying career in both remunerations and at a community level. You will be helping people by creating a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings and guide them to creating a healthier outlook. This work can be challenging, especially if you specialize in severe mental illnesses. Still, it is also empowering and appreciated by the people you treat.
The process of getting a job in counseling involves many years of education, including gaining an online counseling degree and master’s degree. Plus, you will also undertake extensive training with professionals in the sector who will guide you to becoming the best counselor you can be.
Taking the next steps in your mental health counseling career
If you are looking to take the next steps in your career or want to explore the types of counseling work available, there are many options to consider. This career path opens up a wealth of opportunities to specialize in different areas and provides ample chances to move further into the sector.
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