What is clinical mental health counseling? A comprehensive guide

The need for mental health counselor education and support has never been greater. From helping individuals cope with anxiety and depression to guiding those struggling with trauma or addiction, clinical mental health counselors play an integral role in fostering emotional well-being. These professionals are at the forefront of mental health advocacy, working in diverse settings to provide care, guidance, and support to those who need it most.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the growing importance of mental health counseling, what it takes to become a clinical mental health counselor, and how earning a master’s in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) can set you on a fulfilling career path.

Understanding the mental health field

Clinical mental health counseling is a form of therapy focused on treating mental and emotional disorders. Some states allow licensed counselors to diagnose mental health concerns.¹ It involves building therapeutic relationships to help clients process emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and find long-term solutions to overcome mental health challenges. Mental health counseling is usually a short-term process and focuses on addressing a specific problem.² 

Unlike other mental health professions, such as psychiatry or psychology, clinical counselors focus primarily on talk therapy and therapeutic interventions without prescribing medication.³ Some of the key responsibilities of a clinical mental health counselor include the following:

• Working with their patients to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs⁴
• Using therapeutic techniques to help clients navigate their emotional and mental challenges³
• Educating clients about coping strategies and mental health maintenance³
• Collaborating with other healthcare providers when necessary to ensure holistic care¹

What is a master’s in clinical mental health counseling?

Earning a master’s in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) is the key to becoming a licensed professional counselor in this field. This program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality care to diverse populations.

The coursework in Oklahoma City University’s online CMHC program includes 60 credit hours of courses that cover a wide range of topics:

• Human growth and development
• Behavior Pathology
• Counseling theories and techniques
• Cultural competency in counseling
• Ethical and legal standards in mental health care

Beyond academics, students must also complete practical training through supervised clinical experiences. These internships and practicums allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world counseling and assessment scenarios, helping them build confidence and competence before entering the field.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to pursue licensure in the state in which they practice. Licensing often requires passing a state or national exam, fulfilling supervised clinical hours, and adhering to ongoing education requirements to maintain certification. Depending on the license and program, a counselor usually needs to have 2,000 to 3,000 hours of training experience to be eligible for a license. If a counselor wants to treat a wider range of clients, they can pursue additional certifications, like marriage counseling.⁵

Areas of practice and therapeutic approaches

The counseling profession is broad, encompassing a range of areas and therapeutic approaches. Counselors may specialize in working with specific populations, such as children, adolescents, adults, or older adults, or they may focus on particular issues, or programs such as substance abuse, trauma recovery, or marriage and family therapy.

Some commonly used counseling techniques include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A widely used technique that helps clients recognize and reframe negative thought patterns¹
• Person-centered therapy: Focuses on the client’s ability to find their own solutions, with the counselor providing support and guidance⁶
• Trauma-focused therapy: Designed to help clients process and heal from trauma⁷
• Solution-focused therapy: Concentrates on finding practical solutions to immediate problems, rather than delving deep into past experiences⁸

These therapeutic methods, among others, equip counselors to meet the diverse needs of their clients, fostering recovery and personal growth.

The impact of clinical mental health counseling on society

The impact of clinical mental health counseling extends beyond the individual to the community as a whole. By providing support and treatment to those struggling with mental health issues, counselors help reduce the societal burden of untreated mental illnesses, which results in reduced crime, overall improved academic performance, and stronger relationships. Increasing the availability of clinical health counselors can increase mental health awareness. Bringing more attention to mental health can improve society as it reduces the stigma associated with mental illness and shows the importance of mental health. The negative attitudes around mental health are barriers to the people who need treatment. The importance of taking care of yourself can be overshadowed by the judgment of others. People will be more willing to get regular treatment if they feel like it is normalized and if it is easily accessible.⁹

While people are still trying to reduce the stigma around mental illness, there has been an increasing demand for mental health resources, leaving many areas without enough resources. If mental health resources are not easily available to people who need them, then they won’t try to access them. The need for clinical mental health counselors is increasing so much that some counselors have turned to more modern ways to make resources more available. The use of mobile apps for counseling has started to become more popular. This is especially helpful in communities that are culturally diverse and need features like language translations while getting help. Some counselors have also implemented a one-session-only form of therapy that could help clients get the targeted help they need without dealing with long waiting lists. The ripple effect of these efforts leads to healthier families, more resilient communities, and ultimately a stronger society.¹⁰

Career opportunities and work settings

With the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health, career opportunities in clinical mental health counseling are flourishing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of 19% for mental health counseling between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average for other professions.¹¹ This demand stems from the growing need for mental health services in schools, community health centers, and other healthcare settings.

Professionals in this field can work in a variety of environments, including:¹¹

• Hospitals and clinics: These settings offer mental health services alongside medical care
• Schools and universities: Youth counselors and guidance counselors can help students who are dealing with academic, social, or emotional challenges
• Private practices: Private practices can offer individualized counseling services in a one-on-one setting. Examples of counseling roles in private practices include crisis intervention specialist, substance abuse counselor, and family therapist¹²

These diverse settings offer counselors the flexibility to choose the environment that best fits their passion and career goals.

Your future in counseling starts here: Learn about OCU’s online CMHC program

A career in clinical mental health counseling is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while contributing to the overall well-being of society. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward becoming a mental health counselor, Oklahoma City University’s online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and practical experience you need to succeed.

The master's degree program offers a flexible online format, allowing you to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments. You’ll learn from experienced faculty, engage in real-world training, and be prepared for licensure upon graduation.

If you’re passionate about helping others and committed to mental health advocacy, visit our admissions page to learn more and schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor today.