How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Counsel individuals and groups toward better mental and emotional health, with a strong emphasis on prevention and coping skills. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $59,350 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$59,350/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
48,300
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Active Listening
- Counseling Techniques
- Treatment Planning
- Empathy
- Crisis Intervention
Helpful certifications
- LPC/LMHC (state professional counselor licensure)
- NCC (National Certified Counselor)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Community Services Manager$80,390 median
- Marriage and Family Therapist$66,940 median
- Rehabilitation Counselor$46,850 median
- Human Services Assistant$45,930 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Mental Health Counselor make?
The median pay for a Mental Health Counselor is $59,350 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Mental Health Counselor?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and Human Services.
Is Mental Health Counselor a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 48,300 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Mental Health Counselor use most?
Common skills for this role are Active Listening, Counseling Techniques, Treatment Planning, Empathy, and Crisis Intervention.
Planning to become a Mental Health Counselor?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.