Mental Health Counselor Career Description

Mental Health Counselor Job Profile and Description

A mental health counselor is an individual who helps individuals, groups and families with problems that affect their mental state. The problems affecting the mental state can be a mental illness as well as a type of disorder. They provide treatment or counseling so that the affected individual can overcome his mental problems and lead a life of well being. A mental health counselor can be employed in various kinds of work environments like schools, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, community centre etc. They may deal with issues like marital problems, drug abuse, family related issues, psychological disorder, gerontology and behavioral disorder. They have to ensure that they maintain confidentiality of the records of the clients they are providing treatment.

Mental Health Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

The various duties and responsibilities of a mental health counselor are as follows:

• Providing treatment for issues affecting the mental health of an individual
• Guiding the clients to develop skills and approach in order to deal with their issues
• Preparing and maintaining records related to treatment of the client
• Ensuring that confidentiality of the treatment records of the client is maintained
• Encouraging clients to express their issues and discuss the happenings in their life that are troubling them
• Developing plans to treat the clients

Mental Health Counselor Skills and Specifications

The various skills and specifications required to become a mental health counselor are as follows:

• Excellent listening skills
• Good communication skills
• Should be caring and understanding in nature
• Ability to use logical reasoning and identify strengths and weaknesses

Mental Health Counselor Education and Qualification

The educational qualifications required for a mental health counselor are as follows:

• Bachelors degree in a psychology course
• Masters degree in psychology
• Certification from National Board for Certified Counselors

Mental Health Counselor Salary

A mental health counselor on an average earns an annual salary between $24000 and $63000.