Mental Health Counseling Degrees and Career Profile
(found programs from 218 schools)

Online Programs in Mental Health Counseling

Online mental health counseling programs differ slightly, but most include online coursework, as well as face-to-face practicums. Online master's degrees in mental health counseling can be as short as around 60 hours or as long as around 90 hours, but most require a residency of about two weeks.

Unlike other types of online psychology degrees, online master's programs in mental health counseling generally allow students to choose a specialization or a few specialized classes, so students can focus on the aspects of mental health that most interest them. Some common specializations include forensics, marriage and family, and trauma counseling. Unlike many master's degrees, in which students choose their own course of study by determining the order of their classes, universities offering online master's degrees in mental health counseling typically require students to take one or two classes at a time in a specific order.

Online Mental Health Counseling Degrees to Consider:

Capella University's online Master of Science in mental health counseling first introduces students to the field through survey courses in human development and research methodology. Students then take core classes in theory, counseling methods, ethics and personality. To complete the program, Capella students must satisfy practicum and colloquium requirements, which are embedded into 10-week virtual courses.

Walden University's 90-credit-hour online master's in mental health counseling includes 80 credit hours of core classes, one credit hour in a foundations class and nine credit hours of practicum and internship. Students must also complete two six-day residencies. The program allows students to specialize in either forensic or trauma and crisis counseling.

The University of Massachusetts offers an online master's in mental health counseling. As with other programs, students are required to complete a two-week residency, but the university offers low housing rates to students who want to stay on campus during this time. The 60-credit-hour program requires practicum completion after graduation.

Introduction to Mental Health Counseling Careers

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 26.2 percent of Americans over the age of 18 - that’s about 57.7 million people - suffer from a diagnosable mental condition every year. From depression to low self-esteem, mental health counselors help patients deal with a wide range of debilitating issues that can seriously threaten their emotional and mental health.

Useful Resources

• National Board for Certified Counselors
• American Mental Health Counselors Association

Mental Health Counseling Job Description

Mental health counselors most frequently work out of private offices or in health care organizations like hospitals and social aid facilities. They spend their time meeting with individuals or groups to treat a variety of disorders including trauma, stress, addiction, grief and more. In some instances, a mental health counselor may refer a patient to a specialist, for example in cases where continuing substance abuse is an issue.

Some people still adhere to the severely misguided notion that mental health counselors are only necessary in extreme cases, but counselors can be just as valuable in helping patients learn how to cope with the stress of everyday incidents, such as relationship issues and career changes.

Mental Health Counseling Requirements

Mental health counselors are required to have a minimum of a master’s degree, preferably in mental health or a similar field, and must also gain experience through a supervised training program as an intern or resident. In most states it is also necessary to become licensed by passing a state exam. Many mental health counselors choose to gain further education in the form of a doctoral degree or to gain certification on the national level from the National Board for Certified Counselors.

In addition to meeting strict education and certification requirements, a good mental health counselor also possesses a variety of unique interpersonal skills. A non-judgmental attitude, good social perceptiveness and excellent listening skills are all essential.

Mental Health Counseling Career Outlook

Employment opportunities for mental health counselors are expected to be excellent in the coming decade. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 24 percent growth in the field from 2008 to 2018, a much faster rate of growth than the national average. The median annual salary for mental health counselors is approximately $38,010.

Mental Health Counseling Trends

The increase in mental health counseling career opportunities is largely due to the decrease in stigma surrounding mental health issues. Changing views regarding both psychological illness and the importance of maintaining day-to-day mental health means that more people are willing to seek help than before. In addition, the new health care bill passed by the Obama administration makes provisions for mental health care, allowing mental health services to become more readily available and increasing opportunity in the field.

Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Mental Health Counseling programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 218 schools across the country.

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