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If you have ever been helped by a mental health counselor or therapist, you understand how these career professionals can save and improve lives. They help clients talk and work through life’s challenges, striving to improve mental health and increase personal fulfillment. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an advanced degree program, an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services, that can open career doors for those who wish to practice mental health counseling.
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors require a master’s degree and the completion of a hands-on practicum to practice their profession. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, it’s important to find the right master’s degree program, one that fits your long-term career interests and goals. There are several specializations that counselors can focus on within the field of psychology and counseling. For example, areas of interest may include working with individuals struggling with a substance use disorder, people with chronic illnesses, those who have a history of traumatic experiences, or working to treat the mental health needs of a specific community or cultural group.
The job role of mental health counselor was ranked second among the best social service jobs by U.S. News & World Report. Mental health counselors work throughout the healthcare sector. They also work in community centers, family services organizations, military posts, and a variety of outpatient settings. The services of mental health counselors are in demand at every level of U.S. society, including schools, rehabilitation settings, and hospitals.
Mental Health Counselor Titles and Licenses
The M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services degree offered by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is designed for those who wish to pursue a career either as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in Minnesota. Within the state, LPCCs are considered mental health professionals and are required to complete 4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice after graduation. The master’s degree course requirements also include practicum experience.
All states require mental health counselors to obtain a license to practice. This includes successfully passing a national examination and working under the supervision of a licensed counselor for a specified number of hours. With a state license, mental health counselors may be able to set up a private practice. For these professionals, continuing education is necessary, and requirements are regulated by the state in which they practice.
With a projected job growth of 18% through 2032, the median wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $49,710 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10% earned more than $82,710.
Mental Health Counselor Duties and Responsibilities
Working with and advising individuals, families, couples, groups, and specific populations, mental health counselors can have a significant impact on a variety of different clients. They can help bolster the emotional health and overall vitality of individuals, help with relationship difficulties, and assist clients in tackling mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. People who are experiencing grief, serious health conditions, or the consequences of past trauma can all benefit from the help of mental health counselors.
Here are some of the common duties and responsibilities of mental health counselors:
- Evaluate and document the mental health of clients
- Design treatment plans and provide therapeutic interventions
- Teach clients and family members about wellness and mental health
- Help clients develop behaviors and strategies that improve mental health
- Refer clients to community resources and other specialists
- Maintain confidential records according to state laws
Earn Your Master’s Degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Our master’s degree program in counseling and psychological services can be completed in 2.5-3 years. Students can choose to access it via online learning, or in a blended format with in-person classroom experiences at our campuses in Rochester and Minneapolis. The practicum included with the program takes place in a counseling or mental health setting during two semesters, for at least 700 hours.
For those who are interested in working intensively with clients who have a substance use disorder, we offer a Counseling and Psychological Services, M.A., and Addiction Studies Graduate Certificate program. This dual track option prepares students for LPC/LPCC professional counselor licensures and LADC (licensed alcohol and drug counselor) licensure. Students are initially admitted to the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program and can meet with the Program Director with interest in the dual track option. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field who wish to specialize may consider only the Graduate Certificate program.
Additionally, students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree have the opportunity to apply for early entry to the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology. Held on the Minneapolis campus, this combined program prepares graduates to work as licensed psychologists. Early entry allows these students to take a year of classes in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program and then apply to the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program. One year of classes equals 33 credits.
Accepted students finish their master’s degree in the Psy.D. program. Their initial Psy.D. coursework counts toward their master’s and doctoral degrees.
Find a Fulfilling Career in Mental Health
With the proper educational credentials and experience, mental health counselors can work with many different clients, helping them gain mental health and wellness. What’s more, mental health counselors can specialize in different skill sets, which can increase opportunities for advancement. Mental health counselors also have skill sets that may recommend them for positions in healthcare and business settings. For more information about earning a master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, contact us today.
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