Over the years, more individuals have prioritized their mental health. As a result, the demand for mental health services has significantly increased, making a career in mental health counseling both meaningful and lucrative.
The only trade-off is that the road to a successful career in the field is far from simple.
It takes more than passion to acquire the necessary credentials as a counselor. However, reaching your goals is made easier when you’re able to invest time, money, and effort in training and gaining enough theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
If this is the career option you’re aiming for, then give the guide below a good read:
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a mental health counselor is securing the necessary degrees and certifications.
While some enter the field by obtaining related degrees such as bachelor’s in psychology and psychiatry given the unique characteristics and principles governing mental health counseling, you may have to sign up for a program that caters specifically to that area.
Reputable colleges and institutions offer programs for high school graduates, but there are also those designed specifically for professionals who want to transition to counseling.
If you graduated with a psychology degree, you can pursue a postgraduate mental health counseling degree online, which would be convenient if you have a packed schedule as a practicing professional.
Hiring? Post jobs for free with WhatJobs
Essential Skills and Qualities
In addition to obtaining the necessary academic credentials, it also matters to possess the traits and skills that make for a successful career in mental health counseling.
Learning about behavioral theories is crucial but it’s not the end-all and be-all of the discipline. You will also need to hone certain skills that may seem basic but are essential to the job.
These include the ability to listen to someone who is pouring out their emotions actively. You will need the ability to pay close attention to the words they say and analyze the information they share.
Listening is not the only important skill to have. You will also need to develop a sense of empathy. As a mental health counselor, your profession expects you to be objective in dealing with patients but it also allows a window through which you can show empathy towards the other person.
They are more willing to open up and cooperate if they feel a sense of comfort and safety when they talk to you, leading to positive outcomes.
Building Professional Experience
Throughout your training to become a mental health counselor, you will be required to gain firsthand experience, allowing you to put theories into practice and determine the kind of practitioner you want to be as you prepare for the real world.
Make the most of your internship experience by talking to other counselors on the field and asking about approaches to patient care you may not have tackled during lectures.
The key here is to be teachable and open to new information. Don’t wait for the day you obtain a license in counseling to start becoming a serious practitioner. Day one starts the moment you’re deployed as an intern on the field.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
Networking and Professional Development
Once you’ve obtained a license to practice as a mental health counselor, keep in mind that your success will also depend on the number of friends you have on the field.
Whether you’re planning to set up your clinic or get hired at a reputable mental health center in your community, it pays to nurture your networking skills, especially on sites like LinkedIn.
Other professionals can also be valuable sources of knowledge and lucrative opportunities later on. Never shy away from building close relationships with psychiatrists, social workers, and even other healthcare providers who are willing to refer their patients to you.
Endnote
If everything’s settled, your career as a mental health counselor can be both satisfying and prosperous. All you have to do is follow these tips and set yourself up for long-term success.
