How to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

According to the American Mental Health Counselors Association, "Mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education, training and clinical practice." Though this can be a rewarding career for you if you enjoy working with people and helping others, you will have to complete several requirements before you can begin working in this field.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a graduate degree in counseling
• clinical training hours
• a passing score on an examination
• a state license

So You Want to be a Counselor?

1. Get the proper education. A graduate degree in counseling or a related mental health field is the first step. This will involve course work in several areas related to counseling in order to prepare you for a career in which you will counsel patients in a number of situations.

2. Earn clinical experience. Much like other medical fields, mental health counseling requires you to complete field hours before earning your certificate. You will need to work with a licensed counselor and practice the craft of counseling before you complete all of your requirements.

3. Take the examination required for licensure in your state. Before taking the exam, you will have to prove that you have earned your degree and completed your hours of training under a supervisor who is a licensed mental health counselor.

4. Obtain a license to practice mental health counseling. Licensing requirements vary by state. In general, you will have to prove that you have the required education and clinical hours under your belt. You will also have to submit your scores from the exam you took in step three. In New York state, they require mental health counselors to "be of good moral character" as well. Though this may seem like something that would be difficult to measure, it is easy to understand how someone who will be counseling other people should himself have a strong moral compass and a sound mental state.

5. Begin practicing. You may set up a private practice or work through an existing doctor's office. According to the American Mental Health Counselors Association, "Mental health counselors practice in a variety of settings, including independent practice, community agencies, managed behavioral health-care organizations, integrated delivery systems, hospitals, employee assistance programs and substance abuse treatment centers." The opportunities for employment are varied, making this a solid career choice even in an uncertain economy.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to take your time. Earning a graduate degree plus two years' clinical experience is a big commitment. This is not a career field you should enter lightly.
• Don't underestimate the difficulty. Your path toward becoming a mental health counselor will be long and hard, so be prepared to face those challenges.

References

• American Mental Health Counselors Association
• New York State Requirements
• List of State Licensing Agencies

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