What Is A Mental Health Counselor Or Professional What Isn't?

Updated July 30, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

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Many individuals have an idea of what counseling might look like or what a counselor does. However, the counseling career can be as unique as those working in it. Licensed professionals can offer mental health advice, education, and training in various therapeutic methods and specialties, such as anxiety disorders or coping strategies. In addition, a client does not have to have a mental health condition or severe symptoms to see a counselor.

If you're considering making an appointment with a guidance counselor, it can be beneficial to know what their job entails and how to find one near you.

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The role of a counselor

A licensed professional counselor is a mental health counselor providing guidance, counseling, and mental health support to clients experiencing a vast range of concerns, including mental health conditions, behavioral disorders, distressing symptoms, stress, life changes, and relationship concerns, and They have at least a master's degree in clinical counseling, psychology, or a related area. Although counselors work to help people with their mental health, they can offer advice for more than mental illness. Many counselors offer career, school, and life guidance, as well as family services to improve relationships.

Becoming a licensed professional

Counselors differ from coaches and other mental health professionals offering advice due to their professional training. They are required to obtain a master's degree or higher, a certain number of clinical hours of additional training, and a state license, which requires a licensing exam. Licensed professional counselors must keep up on continued education courses to ensure they receive the most accurate and up-to-date research. After obtaining a master’s degree and a license, some counselors enter non-public practice.

Aside from a thorough academic understanding of mental health challenges, counselors must uphold an ethical code. Many follow the official American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics or the American Psychological Association (APA) version. These licensed professionals are trained not to allow personal bias to impact how they treat clients.

Ways that licensed professionals can make a difference

Below are a couple of the duties and responsibilities of a counselor.

Separating self from career

Professional counselors are trained not to allow their personal beliefs to affect their relationships with their clients negatively. Instead, they offer bias-free professional help as the client meets their goals. For this reason, licensed counselors may not give opinions or talk about their personal lives. Instead, they might consider how a mental health counselor can help them make informed decisions.

If an ethical issue arises, the professional may monitor clients and pay attention to how their personal beliefs affect the client's goals. In some cases, counselors may choose to end the therapeutic relationship if they believe it might negatively impact the client's mental health progress.

Advocating for their clients

Mental health professionals often work as advocates for their clients. For example, a client might experience injustice or a challenging situation requiring support. In these incidences, their professional clinical counselor can advocate for their needs, discuss their concerns, and help them find other resources and appropriate care.

With a legal release form, counselors can communicate with clients’ other providers to develop treatment plans that enhance overall wellness. They might also refer clients to other treatments. At the same time, counselors help their clients learn how to advocate for themselves. If they struggle to make decisions, form plans, or ensure success, the counselor can teach them coping mechanisms and help them form long-term plans.

Types of mental health counselors

There are various types of health counselors, including the following:

LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LCMHC: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
MFCC: Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor
CADC: Certified Alcohol And Drug Counselor
CAC: Certified Addiction Counselor

You can also find school guidance counselors, career counselors, and counselors working in a specialty like depression or anxiety. School counselors often work in K-12 schools or universities and may offer college application guidance, bullying support, and academic guidance. A career counselor may help clients apply for jobs, take aptitude tests, or learn their professional strengths. Family therapists may help individuals and couples navigate complex family dynamics and experiences.

According to the American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHC), clinical mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. They diagnose mental health conditions and combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical, problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change, addressing issues such as eating disorders, panic disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorder.

How to select the right professional for you

Therapists, counselors, and licensed clinical social workers are trained to do clinical work with diverse populations. In addition, there are various specialties mental health counselors can consider. For example, a licensed marriage and family therapist can assist clients seeking relationship guidance. Counselors can also practice various talk therapy modalities, including popular forms of treatment like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or trauma-informed counseling.

The first counselor with whom you interact may not seem like the best fit, which can be normal. Counselors tend to specialize in different issues depending on personal interest, aptitude, and advanced clinical training. If you don't find the support you need from one provider, you can try others. If you have a specific symptom or situation with which you want support, you may be able to find a counselor specializing in that area. You can also consider asking for a referral from your primary care physician if you struggle to find options.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, choosing a mixture of support providers personalized to your needs can be essential. For example, someone might see a psychiatrist for medication and a mental health professional for symptom support. Others might attend a weekly support group and meet with a counselor afterward to discuss their experiences. Combining group sessions with individual therapy may be a useful approach for people who want professional help and peer support.

When looking for a mental health counselor, it can be beneficial to note that psychiatrists or medical doctors are the only type of mental health provider who can prescribe medication management and monitoring services to clients. Some counselors may offer diagnoses, while others might not. Often, official psychological testing is done by a psychologist or psychiatrist with a doctorate.

Exploring options with a mental health professional

There are various options available to those who wish to seek professional help from a mental health counselor. For example, you can ask your doctor for a referral, make an appointment at a local mental health clinic, search for counselors in one-on-one practice, or ask friends and family for references. However, in-person counseling can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful for some people. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also recommends considering online counseling if you're unsure about visiting a mental health counselor in person.

With online therapy, you can receive treatment from home at an affordable cost. In addition, you can choose whether you meet with your therapist over the phone, via video, or through live chat sessions. One study on internet-based therapy for bipolar disorder found that 95% of clients reported an increased quality of life after treatment, more so than the control group or those who attended in-person therapy.

If you're interested in speaking with a talk therapist online, many platforms are available, including BetterHelp for individuals and Regain for couples. Both platforms offer over 30,000 therapist options, with counselors specializing in various mental health concerns and types of therapy.

Takeaway

A mental health counselor can provide high-quality support, guidance, and advice to clients facing various challenges, including substance use, personal concerns, or relationship problems. If you're interested in learning more about what a mental health counselor does and how their services might benefit you, consider reaching out to an online or in-person provider for further guidance and personalized treatment plans. Take the first step toward improved emotional health and reach out to BetterHelp today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are a few frequently asked questions about counselors.

Duration of education required for a mental health counseling career

To become a licensed mental health counselor, one must obtain a bachelor's degree in human services, social science, psychology, or a related field, which can take four years. Afterward, an individual must enroll in a two-year program to earn a master's degree in mental health counseling. Afterward, they may partake in a certain number of clinical hours. If they want to continue their education, they may take two to four more years working toward a PsyD or Ph.D. The entire process can last over eight years.

What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?

While counselors and therapists are mental health professionals, the terms may have different connotations. Psychologists and those holding a doctorate may be referred to as a therapist, whereas counselors can be anyone with a master's degree offering counseling services. In addition, counseling might be more short-term than therapy. However, both terms can be used interchangeably.

Should I see a counselor or therapist?

If you are experiencing any distressing situations impacting your mental or emotional health, you can choose to see a therapist. Both counselors and therapists are qualified to provide mental health treatment, and many have extensive experience.

Often, counselors work with clients on addressing a particular issue, such as stress management or career planning. They can utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills and help clients to set goals to improve their lives.

A therapist may be more beneficial for those living with mental illness. Ongoing cognitive-behavioral therapy proves supportive in exploring the connection between one's thoughts and behaviors. However, a mental health professional can also offer CBT and many forms of therapy.

Is mental health counseling a valuable career?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that counseling as a career will grow by 22% in the coming years, which is much faster than average. In addition, many entry-level counselors make over $45,000 a year. There are many settings that a licensed counselor may choose to work in, including non-public practice, residential facilities, schools, and case management, among others.

Is counseling a stressful job?

Compared to other careers, counseling can be stressful. However, it may feel rewarding for those who want to provide meaningful support and help others improve their lives. It can be crucial for mental health professionals to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize rest and self-care to manage stress from their careers appropriately.

What skills do counselors need?

It may be beneficial for a counselor to possess emotional intelligence, listening skills, the ability to show empathy, and critical thinking skills.

Where do LPCs make the most money?

The top states with the highest annual salary for a licensed mental health professional in 2021 included New York, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, and Texas.

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