We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Mental Health Counselor?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,563
Share

The steps you have to take to become a mental health counselor may depend on the jurisdiction in which you want to practice. In most places, however, the requirements include a master’s degree in counseling or a related subject and clinical training. Must jurisdictions also require aspiring mental health counselors to pass an exam and meet other criteria before they can be licensed in this field. Additionally, you may choose to seek certification in a specific area of counseling.

Typically, extensive education is required for becoming a mental health counselor. In most cases, you will need to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a similar subject to qualify for this career, and this usually translates into many years of education. For example, after high school, you may have to spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree and then a couple of additional years earning a master’s degree. This is the amount of time you can expect to spend on your education if you attend college and graduate school on a full-time basis. If you opt to pursue your education on a part-time basis, it may take you longer to become a mental health counselor.

You may also choose to seek licensing or certification in a specific area of counseling when you want to become a mental health counselor. For example, you might seek licensing or certification in such areas as education or career counseling, or you may choose a specialty, such as family counseling. You could also choose to become certified in counseling people who have substance abuse problems or seek a credential in rehabilitation counseling. You do not have to become licensed or certified in a specialty to become a mental health counselor, however.

In most cases, you will also need clinical experience in order to become a mental health counselor. You can usually accomplish this by participating in an internship that allows you to gain hands-on experience in mental health counseling while also under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor. Usually, this is accomplished while you are still is school.

Most jurisdictions require aspiring mental health counselors to gain licensing before they can practice in this field. As such, you will likely have to pass a jurisdiction-specific exam to become a mental health counselor. You may also have to meet other criteria to obtain a license to practice as a mental health counselor. For example, you may have to submit to a background check as one of the requirements.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-mental-health-counselor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.