Advancing your career: How to become a mental health counselor

The field of mental health counseling plays a vital role in today’s society, where the need for mental and emotional support has reached unprecedented levels. Whether it’s guiding individuals through depression, anxiety, or trauma, mental health counselors are the professionals who offer care, hope, and tools for recovery. Counselors ensure that people have access to the support they need to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.

The demand for skilled mental health professionals continues to rise. Earning a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) can be the gateway to a rewarding career dedicated to helping others overcome life’s challenges.

In this blog post, we will explore the necessary skills for mental health counselors, the journey to mental health counseling licensure, the various settings where counselors work, and the importance of lifelong learning in this field.

Skills needed to be successful in mental health counseling

To thrive as a mental health counselor, certain interpersonal and emotional skills are essential. Building strong communication skills is at the core of effective counseling. Counselors must actively listen, allowing clients to express their thoughts and feelings freely. Additionally, clear communication helps counselors articulate therapeutic strategies and guidance in a way that clients can easily understand and apply.¹

Another critical skill is empathy. Mental health counselors must create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients, demonstrating that they understand and accept their client’s experiences. Empathy allows counselors to connect with clients on a deep level, helping them feel supported and understood throughout their therapeutic journey.¹

Developing emotional intelligence is also key. Counselors need to be aware of their own emotions while managing the emotions of their clients. Being able to regulate your emotions can strengthen skills like decision-making and self-control. Emotional intelligence enables counselors to connect with others and build strong relationships with their clients. They respond thoughtfully, manage conflicts, and help clients navigate their mental health challenges with sensitivity and care. These skills are built and refined over time.²

How to become a mental health counselor

Becoming a clinical mental health counselor is a structured and rewarding journey. Here are the five essential steps to achieving this career goal.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

The first step toward a career in mental health counseling is earning a bachelor’s degree. While degrees in psychology, social work, or human services are the most common, students from other disciplines can also transition their undergraduate degree into counseling with the right coursework and preparation.³ A foundational understanding of psychology, human development, and social dynamics will be helpful in pursuing a master’s program in counseling.⁴

2. Gain experience in the field

Getting experience before pursuing your master’s can be valuable in terms of providing a realistic view of what a career in mental health counseling entails, helping you confirm your interest and commitment to the field. To gain experience you can engage in volunteer opportunities at mental health facilities, community centers, or support groups. You can also apply to entry-level jobs or internships in mental health settings. Practical experience gained via these avenues allows you to develop the essential counseling skills we discussed previously. By gaining experience beforehand, you not only enhance your qualifications but also ensure that you are making an informed decision about your career path.

3. Pursue a master’s degree in counseling

The next step is enrolling in a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. While some mental health careers only require a bachelor’s degree, mental health counseling careers require a master’s degree.⁴ This degree equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to provide effective mental health services. Coursework typically covers counseling theories, therapeutic techniques, ethics in counseling, and cultural competency. Students also complete supervised clinical internships where they gain direct experience working with clients under the guidance of licensed professionals.³

4. Complete supervised clinical hours

Before becoming a licensed counselor, graduates must complete supervised clinical hours. You must complete these hours in order to take the licensure exams. During your clinical hours, you will work under the supervision of experienced counselors in a clinical setting. Your supervisors will evaluate your work during this time.⁴ The number of required hours varies by state but usually ranges from 2,000 to 3,000. These clinical hours allow you to hone your skills, learn how to handle complex cases, and to develop the confidence to practice independently.³

5. State licensing and exam preparation

The final step to become a mental health counselor is preparing for and passing your state licensing exam. You need to be a licensed mental health counselor in order to practice independently. In the United States, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers two exams: the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) and the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The exam you should take depends on the state where you plan to practice.⁴ Successfully passing this exam allows you to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or its equivalent, depending on your state’s licensure requirements. Continuing education is also required to maintain your license, ensuring that licensed mental health counselors stay current on best practices in the field.

Once you become a mental health counselor, where can you practice?

As a licensed mental health counselor, there are numerous settings where your skills can be applied. Each environment presents unique challenges and rewards, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your professional interests. Consider the type of mental health counselor jobs you could have in the following environments.

Hospitals and clinics

In hospital settings, mental health counselors often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide care for patients with a wide range of mental health needs. These might include grief counseling, mental health evaluations, and helping to overcome long-term mental illnesses.⁵ In these settings, mental health counselors work and often collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Schools and universities

Counselors working in educational institutions help students navigate the emotional and mental challenges that can affect their academic performance and personal development. School counselors focus on issues such as stress, bullying, social anxiety, and academic pressure.⁶ University counselors often deal with a broader range of mental health concerns, including career anxiety and mental health disorders. Providing mental health services to college students improves their academic performance and well-being, and can increase student retention in schools.⁷

Private practice

For those who prefer autonomy, private practice offers the flexibility to specialize in particular areas, such as trauma therapy or family counseling.⁵ Private practitioners often work with clients one-on-one, helping them navigate personal and emotional challenges.

Nonprofits and community organizations

Working in nonprofit organizations allows mental health counselors to provide services to underserved communities. These organizations provide services related to mental health, rehabilitation, and substance abuse.⁵ This can be especially rewarding for those passionate about advocacy and social justice, as many nonprofit counselors work with populations facing homelessness, addiction, or systemic inequality.

The importance of lifelong learning in the mental health field

The field of mental health counseling is ever-evolving, with new research, therapeutic techniques, and societal issues emerging regularly. As such, mental health professionals have an ethical responsibility to continue their education and maintain competence. Attending workshops, conferences, and seminars helps counselors stay updated on the latest developments and research in the field. These opportunities not only help meet licensure requirements but also allow counselors to continue to deliver high-quality support to their clients. Continuing education can provide counselors with the knowledge and skills needed to provide culturally sensitive care to clients with diverse backgrounds.⁸

While professional development helps to enhance clinical skills, it also allows counselors to network with peers and experts, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Counselors can use each other as resources for addressing the challenges they face.⁸ This collaboration can make counselors feel supported and inspired to keep helping and to keep learning.

Take the first step toward becoming a mental health counselor

The journey to becoming a clinical mental health counselor is challenging but deeply fulfilling. If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to embark on a rewarding career, Oklahoma City University’s Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

OCU's online program offers the flexibility to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments. The curriculum will help you gain practical experience, develop essential counseling skills, and be prepared for licensure upon graduation.

Take the first step towards making a lasting impact. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more about the CMHC program and begin your path toward becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor.