Mental Health Counselor

Education for Mental Health Counselors

Mental Health Counselor is a job title that potentially can lead to a very rewarding career. Do you have the desire to assist individuals, couples, families, and groups in addressing and treating emotional and mental disorders? Do you want to promote the mental health of others? Most mental health counselors in the U.S. work in outpatient and residential care centers, individual and family services, and local governments. There are many options from which to choose. These specially trained therapists employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to address issues and challenges, including the following: depression, addiction, anxiety, substance abuse, problems with self-esteem, suicidal impulses, stress, and grief. Mental health counselors can also prove invaluable for issues involving family, parenting, marital, or other relationship problems. Mental health counselors can help clients with job and career concerns, educational decisions, and issues of mental and emotional health.

Recent changes in federal regulations allow qualified mental health counselors to serve as mental health practitioners, providing services without referral, under the TRICARE program. This is important to the industry, considering that TRICARE serves between 9 and 10 million service members, retirees, and family members.

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics a mental health counselor earns between $36,570 and $69,900 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that jobs for mental health counselors would grow 36% during the 2010 to 2020 decade. What an outstanding prognosis for the industry!

THE WORK OF A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Mental health counselors can help people with normal cognitive processes deal with the challenges of everyday life events, such as: physical illness, death of loved ones, and relationship problems. Other situations that mental health counselors can help people deal with involve the ramifications of severe mental disorders. Counselors must be sensitive to determining when they should refer clients or patients for other resources. Also, it is important to know how to properly identify when abuse has occurred or when there is a real risk of self-injury, suicide, or violent acts toward others. Understanding your clients is a key priority of the skilled mental health counselor.

Mental health counselors are able to specialize and work with a particular population of clients. Mental health counselors may work for multiple agencies; this includes individual and family services, hospitals, and inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. Many mental health counselors find success in private practice. The career options are almost limitless.

TRAINING TO WORK AS A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

All states require mental health counselors to have a Master’s degree. Curriculum requirements vary from state to state. Many states require that the degree program either be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or be something of comparable objective and approved standards.

Mental health counselors should be trained properly with a broad knowledge and skill base. They should become adept at effectively applying research to clinical counseling. Mental health counselors should be well-versed in common psychoactive medications, including contraindications and side effects. Though they do not directly prescribe medications, mental health counselors must be knowledgeable about the effects of medications. You must have keen insights into what your patients/clients are going through.

All jurisdictions require mental health counselors to spend time in an approved residency after completing their education. During this time, mental health counselors will work under the supervision of clinical supervisors.

CREDENTIALS OF A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

All states have specific licensing requirements for mental health counseling professionals. Some states combine requirements for mental health counselors with other professional counselors. Other states have multiple licensing levels for counselors.

You are encouraged to pursue the highest level of licensing possible in order to open up your career possibilities. Licensing levels can determine how much money you make through your career; and the more licensing you have, the greater potential for your career development.

Counselors may also choose voluntary mental health counseling certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Source: Mental Health Counselor

Grief Counseling

Grief Counselor Certification and Education

When following your passion for a very important career, make sure that you have the right information for Education for Grief Counselors.

Grief counselors guide individuals through the loss of a loved one such as a spouse, parent, or even a pet. Supportive listening is a big part of what they do. Grief counselors help individuals manage their feelings appropriately. Relationship break-ups and divorces can be difficult, too. Grief counselors can assist in these cases, as well.

Grief is a reaction to any form of loss. An individual often experiences a range of feelings from deep sadness, and sorrow, to anger. One person may have an entirely different reaction to another to the same incident, depending on his or her background, beliefs, and many other factors.

The American Academy of Grief Counseling delineates that traditional therapy is different from counseling. Grief counselors typically work with individuals who are experiencing normal expressions of grief. The process implemented by a grief counselor encompasses elements such as encouragement and education. Clients with more serious experiences, or challenges, will need to seek assistance from a qualified therapist with advanced credentials.

Grief counselors are often found working within hospices or other places where death is not uncommon. They can be found in social service agencies, churches, or funeral homes. Those who are grieving derive much comfort and benefit from the grief counselors.

Receiving the Proper Education for Working as a Grief Counselor

The amount of education and training needed depends on what capacity you will be working. Obviously, you want to get the best education possible in order to expand your career horizons.

A prospective counselor or therapist should ideally plan on completing an undergraduate degree and then a Master’s degree. Recommended undergraduate degree programs would be along the lines of a psychology, human services, or social work degree. If a person has a background in nursing, he or she could choose to work as a psychiatric advanced practice nurse. Many will choose to combine a desire for counseling with a particular religious calling in order to become pastoral counselors.

A graduate is usually required to work under supervision for a period of two to three years, gaining invaluable fieldwork experience. The person supervising usually must perform an evaluation and recommend the counselor to the state board for professional licensing.

Licensing and Certification

Master’s level counselors are state licensed. There are voluntary certifications in grief counseling available, as well. The certification process will usually include formal training and an examination.

The American Academy of Grief Counseling offers various levels of credentialing. There are multiple eligibility categories. Though a Master’s is not always required for Certified Grief Counselor, a successful undergraduate degree in psychology or human services is usually required. In order to become a Grief Recovery Practitioner, a counselor will need a Master’s degree.

Once certified as a Certified Grief Counselor, a person may do training for specialty certifications.

Practitioners may also seek certification through ADEC, The Thanatology Association.

Grief Counseling can prove to be a very rewarding career for those willing to put forth the effort.

Salary and Career Expectations

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics a mental health counselor earns between $36,570 and $69,900 per year.

Source: http://counselor-education.com/grief-counseling/

Education for Geriatric Counselors

Do you want to work with an older population of clients?

Geriatric Counseling (also known as gerontological) assist individuals and families with issues that relate to the aging process. The aging process is not always easy and there are times when a trained geriatric counselor is needed. The types of issues could include one or more of the following: the retirement years; interpersonal discord; money concerns; memory loss; and illness. One of the major concerns among the elderly is losing so many friends and family.
The issues of illness and death become much more common as individuals enter their older years.

Many fear the future of what could happen should they become disabled in some way. It proves a challenge for many adults to face the less-than-pleasant aspects of aging. As they age, some adults may approach their “Golden Years” with the anticipation of retirement, grandchildren, and having relaxation time. Others may truly fear the possibility of physical and mental adverse effects of aging. It may also be difficult for some older adults to face mortality. Another major concern is what to do with the challenge of attending to basic needs when experiencing the ill-effects of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some other challenges that can present to the elderly are the following: impairments in hearing, vision, or mobility, and worsening of overall health. Nobody looks forward to the possibility of loss of independence and/or dignity.

Geriatric counselors often assist the elderly with issues that are separate from, but accompanying, the aging process. Some elderly individuals have had lifelong struggles with mental illness, for instance. Often, the aging process can exacerbate mental illness. Geriatric counselors are there to help.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that jobs for Geriatric Counselors will grow 37% through 2020.  

According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, general counselors make an annual average salary between $26,110 and $72,810.

The Basics on Getting The Education You Need

If you feel that you want to pursue the career of geriatric counselor, you can begin the process by securing a Bachelor’s degree in a field such as counseling, social work, or psychology. Gain experience in the field! Your degree and experience will provide you an excellent foundation needed to effectively apply to a quality Master’s program. The admissions teams at the schools of your choice will know that you are serious.

Many professionals choose to add to their repertoire by gaining knowledge of the geriatric population. If you already have a license in a related field, you can develop graduate certification in gerontological counseling.

Continuing education is often a great idea. If your state requires continuing education for your license renewal, you might be allowed to select courses that pertain to the geriatric population, such as: depression in older adults, and clinical neuropathology and health assessments.

Career Outlook and Salary

Geriatric counseling is a growing field. Two factors have led to this:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted 37% growth of counseling positions between 2010 and 2020.
• The number of individuals 65 and over is growing, and Baby Boomers seem to be more and more open-minded to the benefits of counseling.

Cost considerations lead many insurance companies to prefer counselors over other mental health providers. There is currently a push from the American Counseling Association, and others, to allow for Medicare coverage of professional counseling.

Source: http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/geriatric-counseling/

Education for Domestic Violence Counselors

Education for Domestic Violence Counselors is your first step in gaining the skills necessary for the role of supporting victims after they have experienced trauma. Domestic violence counselors empower their clients to develop invaluable skills needed to confidently leave abusive relationships and live with personal independence and success. These important counselors are also tasked with helping their clients effectively stop the cycle of violence for their own welfare and the welfare of those around them. Stopping the cycles of violence can improve relationships throughout one’s life. Domestic violence counselors help their clients develop better self esteem, restore healthy relationship patterns, and learn to consistently display confidence.

Domestic violence counselors can work with clients in private practice or work with those at domestic violence crisis centers or social service groups. Within the justice system, there is an ongoing need for counselors to work with perpetrators.

The following represent just some of the many important tasks of a skilled domestic violence counselor:

• conducting counseling, running support groups, and making referrals
• performing intakes
• maintaining appropriate records and documentation
• providing outreach to the community

Gaining The Right Education

If you are interested in earning an education to work as a domestic violence counselor, your first decision is whether you will work with the victims or perpetrators. Professionals who provide counseling services should always be aware of the relevant laws in their state. You will also need to decide what type of support you want to provide and how independently you want to work. The process will vary slightly depending on where you live. The highest levels of credentialing usually require at least a Master’s degree.

Getting the education and experience you need often involves first working with domestic violence survivors in some helping capacity. Some available positions are residential counselor and temporary manager. These are wonderful opportunities to get direct experience in helping people, assisting them with their needs, and providing a much-needed extra emotional support.

Working as a volunteer is a great way to start. Shelters are often in need of good volunteers. Organizations often demonstrate preference to individuals with relevant degrees, or past experience that proves relevant. Of course, it is always helpful if you have an academic background or work experience in one or more of the following: counseling, psychology, or social work.

It is not uncommon for survivors of domestic violence to want to work in counseling. Having this insight into the experience can provide one a distinct level of empathy. Talk to admissions officers and find the appropriate route to take for your career.

If you have a degree and licensing in a mental health field

A license as a professional counselor or social worker will qualify you to offer support to victims of domestic violence, but you may want to pursue additional training and voluntary certifications.

Domestic Violence Counseling Certification

The National Association of Forensic Counselors offers clinical (Master’s level) and non clinical certifications.

The Forensic Training Institute provides the Certified Domestic Violence Counselor credential to Master’s level counselors, psychologists, social workers, and addiction professionals. Look into this very exciting credential.

Career Outlook

There is a growing need for specialized counselors in areas such as domestic violence and with The Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the average mental health counselor earns $43190 per year  it’s important you find the right school and get the education you need!

Source: http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/domestic-violence-counselors/

Education for Depression Counselors

Depression counselors are mental health counselors who specialize in the various dimensions of Depression.

Depression counselors are able to conduct testing/assessments to determine diagnosis and assess the severity of each case. A common assessment is the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Depression counselors must also make a careful assessment to determine whether an individual is at risk for suicide. Patients should be monitored closely throughout the treatment process to ensure that they remain safe at all times.

The word “depression” has become common in our vernacular. Depression is the condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection.

Clinical depression is the more severe form of depression, also known as major depression, or major depressive disorder.

Depression counselors may also treat an accompanying disorder such as anxiety. One very important facet to this type of counseling is being able to determine clinical depression apart from ordinary daily life event episodes of sadness and from normal experiences of grief. We all go through tough times; we don’t all suffer from depression.

Depression counselors may implement various treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavior therapy emerged from cognitive theories of depression. Advocates of the cognitive theory of depression have theorized that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.

Depression is believed to be maintained by distorted and biased cognitions that affect the individual’s view of himself, his future, and his environment. When depression brings on extreme thinking patterns, cognitive therapy can help bring the patient’s thinking into perspective. The therapist can help the patient mold more constructive thought processes and keep them reinforced.

The counselor may choose to implement a psychodynamic approach. There are other types of therapy, as well, that can be utilized. The therapist is able to employ a combination of techniques, as well.

Education and Licensing for Depression Counselors

A Master’s degree is usually expected for professional mental health counseling. Some states will allow individuals with lower levels of education to counsel under supervision at agency settings, but all states will require a graduate degree for private practice in mental health counseling.

Different states have varying licensing standards, so a prospective counselor will want to become familiar with his or her state board before pursuing graduate education. Pursuing the highest levels of licensing you can is always a good plan to ensure that reimbursement goes smoothly. A common requirement is 60 graduate semester hours in counseling.

Mental health counseling programs are accredited by CACREP. Often, this is the best option. A counselor can often achieve a similar level of licensing, though, by enrolling in a Master’s program in counseling psychology. Such programs are very selective.

Depression counselors should customize their supervised practice experiences toward experience that is directly related to their target population. Make sure that you get the quality experience you need.

Salary and Career Expectations

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average depression counselor in the US earns between $32,720 and $54,320 per year.

Source: http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/depression-counselors/

Education for Community Mental Health Counselors

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Our communities have people (across the socioeconomic spectrum) that need counseling services. Many of them have one form, or another, of mental health issues. Mental illness exists in various sensitive populations such as the homeless.

Often, the mental illness can exacerbate inherent situations of struggle and limited resources among these populations. Some of these populations of people are actually dealing with a combination of

physical challenges with mental conditions, adding to the magnitude of their situation. These clients often rely on clinics that are understanding and can work with them, given their uniquely sensitive life struggles/demands and financial situations.

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS KNOW THEIR ENVIRONMENTS WELL

Community mental health counselors are practiced at working with diverse populations in clinics and other community agencies. These counselors perform many of the duties that mental health counselors perform in private practice. Community mental health counselors go beyond the scope of a usual mental health counseling practice and get into other areas, such as: assisting clients with scheduling appointments and teaching them how to use public transit, libraries, and other community services. With these valued counselors having a keen understanding of the nuances of the populations they serve, these counselors thus serve an invaluable role in our society.

EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Community mental health counselors are usually very well educated. The level of education will vary depending on state law, as well as on the actual job responsibilities. There are community service organizations that will employ people at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, depending on the nature of the work and responsibility. Look into the job opportunities in your area to decide the right degree for you. Until recently, the CACREP agency (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited mental health and community counseling programs separately. Due to recent changes, the two have been merged. The length of mental health counseling programs has increased to 60 semester hours.

LICENSING and CERTIFICATION

Some states allow counselors to work under supervision in an agency or community setting without a license. Other states require licenses for all counselors who work in mental health. It will always benefit you to hold an appropriate license, whether or not it is required. Mental health counselors who have completed Master’s degrees must work under supervision for two or three years before they attain the highest level of licensing. Often this means taking a position with a community organization or agency. Bachelor’s level counselors are often certified to work in a particular capacity; in some areas, they can be certified as Qualified Mental Health Providers and in others, they may be substance abuse counselors.

Salary and Career Expectations

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mental Health Counselors can expect to achieve a salary of between 41,000 and 43,000 per year.

Source: http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/community-mental-health-counselors/

Education for Child Counselors

Education for Child Counselors is crucial to being able to perform the best job you can as a Child Counselor. Child counselors become adept at making assessments of children’s individual needs and setting appropriate treatment goals.

Children experience their own range of psychological challenges through the years. While adults might be proactive about going to a counselor for help with their challenges, children may need a guiding hand, and adult supervision, in seeking treatment for any of the following: anxiety, depression, PTSD, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Child (Pediatric) counselors work with children who have experienced a wide range of issues. Examples of situations or issues may include trauma as a victim of abuse or witnessing domestic violence in the home. Some children are going through the struggles of their parents’ separation or divorce. Some are dealing with identity issues and might be subject to bullying at school. Child counselors are there to help with all of these issues and more.

While working as a child counselor, you might find yourself working with clients representing many psychological issues, or you might specialize on one or two areas and make that the focus of your practice.

Frequently, child counselors will employ innovative therapies or other modalities such as play therapy. The counselor may also be a contributing member of a team that includes other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and specially trained nurses; the foremost goal is to always get the child the most appropriate treatment possible.

Certification and Licensing for Child Counselors

In order to be a professional child counselor, you will need to complete a Master’s degree and become state licensed. Typically,  your Master’s degree will be in mental health counseling or in a related field such as counseling psychology. Look for the few counseling psychology programs in the United States that have a focus on child and adolescent counseling. Know going into the process that counseling psychology programs remain highly competitive. This is not to dissuade you from applying; it is only to give you the facts so that you are prepared! Always make sure that the program you are looking at meets the licensing requirements in your state.

Furthermore, other avenues to continue your goal (of working professionally with children) include pursuing special training in play therapy. Many reputable universities (online or in a classroom) offer graduate certificates in play therapy. Some schools will allow you to pursue play therapy as a focus in your Master’s program. Play therapy has proven very popular in the counseling milieu.

Additionally, some students will choose the option of dual licensing as professional counselors and school counselors. One benefit of this approach is the flexibility of working with children in either clinical or school settings. Often, that variety and flexibility can enhance your career. So if your passion is to work with children, you don’t have to wait until graduate school to start the education process.

It is wise to choose an undergraduate major in a field such as child development. You can also gain valuable volunteer experience at a place such as a child crisis center. Any environment that gives you the chance to work directly with children’s issues will benefit you greatly for this worthwhile career you are choosing. This invaluable experience you gain will provide you a much better chance of getting admitted to the program of your choice. Having the right experience and academic background will help you achieve success as a professional child counselor.

Licensing for Child Counselors

A child counselor must have a state license in professional counseling or a related field. You may also have attained additional certifications through another organization.

In the U.S., the Association for Play Therapy certifies Master’s level mental health professionals in play therapy. You are required to be state licensed in a mental health field in order to pursue the credential. In order to get the extra credential, you must also have 150 hours of instruction in play therapy. One must also have invested 500 hours of supervised play therapy work experience. Prerequisites will also include coursework in areas such as child and adult psychotherapy and personality therapy.

Salary and Job Outlook

There is a growing need for child counselors, with the job outlook for child counselors looking very good. Elementary and school counselors can make as high as $63,000 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source: http://counselor-education.com/professional-counselor-licensing-education/child-counselors/