As originally published through Rider University. At the client’s request, the link is located below, with an excerpt of the content included in this document beneath that. Outline excluded. 

https://online.rider.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-mental-health-counselor/

<h1>How to Become a Mental Health Counselor</h1>  

There are few motivations as noble as the pursuit of helping others learn to help themselves. As the  awareness and importance of mental health continues to swell in the public conscience, and the stigma surrounding mental health topics slowly deteriorates, more and more people are seeking new, healthier  ways of thinking. Whether it’s working alongside an agency or in private practice, anybody serious about plumbing the depths of the human mind should consider an online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, wherein they will harness the skills needed to become a mental health counselor. 

<h2>Job Description and Skills of Mental Health Counselors</h2> 

The first thing to understand about mental health counselors is that they work with a range of clients, each  requiring specific assistance for their personal issues. It is the mental health counselor’s responsibility to  assess the client’s behaviors, mental health, and habits, to best understand what they need in their  customized treatment plans. Whether working with families, groups, or individuals, the mental health  counselor must use their skills and knowledge to help each client in the way that is in their best interest,  while monitoring their progress and adjusting each plan accordingly. 

Because many mental health counselors work in out-patient services, depending on the nature and  severity of any given issue, they may need to connect clients with medical professionals tailored to their  specific problem, or refer them to in-patient facilities for more focused treatment.

The professional reputation of mental health counselors is often associated with their mastery of soft  skills. While the fruits of their formal education obviously should not be underestimated, it’s worth  mentioning some of the other competencies expected of good mental health counselors: 

• Flexibility to both work alone or as a team member. 

• Compassion and empathy for not only their clients, but those clients’ families. • Critical thinking, including the identification of nuanced problems and proposing of customized  solutions. 

• Active listening that demonstrates not only that information is heard, but understood and  engaged. 

• Interpersonal skills including, but not limited to the ability to communicate information simply  and effectively, while persuading clients to make changes as determined by their treatment plan. • Knowledge of governmental regulations put in place for one’s own safety and the safety of the  client. There is an anticipated growth of approximately 25% between 2019 and 2029, suggesting a  higher-than-average increase than most other job markets, as people continue to seek mental  health and addiction counseling services.