Mental Health Counselor
A mental health counselor is a trained professional that counsels families, individuals, groups and couples to promote optimal mental health and well-being. Some of the many issues that they help people deal with are marital problems, stress management, substance abuse, addictions, parenting problems, family problems, suicidal ideation, and problems with self-esteem. They help people address aging problems or emotional and mental health issues. Often working with a group, they counsel individuals and their families dealing with drug or alcohol addictions. The counselor helps their clients prevent and rectify conflicts or problems.
A mental health counselor gets his or her information through observations, interviews and tests so they can decide the best course of action to help their client. Some of the other professionals they work closely with when necessary are psychologists, family and marriage workers, psychiatric nurses, school counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Many counselors choose to specialize in specific areas or with certain age groups like substance abuse or teenagers.
A mental health counselor often helps their clients make positive choices and changes due to the decisions and insights they help facilitate. Many counselors work in hospitals with psychiatric patients or with mentally ill adults in continued day treatment programs. Some choose private practice or practice in counseling centers, government agencies, corporations and youth homes. They usually work in pleasant and comfortable surroundings, working a standard workweek. Some counselors are available weekends or evenings for the convenience and needs of their clients. Mental health counselors are an extremely valuable part of the healthcare system.
Common work activities include:
- Scheduling client appointments including at-home, residential or even visits in hospitals or treatment facilities.
- Completing risk assessments or mental health evalutations on clients as required.
- Talking and counseling with clients to help them make informed decisions about themselves, their lives and even relationships and future goals.
- Providing consistent care and treatment programs for clients by providing required documentation and case records to other professionals involved with the clients.
- Keeping accurate client records, files and documentation for the release of information to other treatment professionals.
- Meeting and planning the most effective treatment for the patient with other professionals in the field.
Programs related to Mental Health Counselor careers
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies - Behavioral Sciences from Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology
A BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a emphasis on Behavioral Sciences allows students the maximum freedom in customizing their education program while still completing their education in a specific field. Students can choose from topics in business,… Additional Information »
Bachelor of Arts - Heavin School of Social and Behavioral Sciences from Thomas Edison State College
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts who choose an area within the Social Sciences category study with the Heavin School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In addition to the 60 credit hours in general courses, students complete 33 credit hours in… Additional Information »
BA in Behavioral Science from Western International University
The BA in Behavioral Science from Western International University is designed with both the working professional the aspiring student in mind. Students will take courses that will help them gain a better understanding of human behavior and how it works… Additional Information »
MS in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University
Helping others work through mental issues and disorders is the job of those who work in mental health counseling. Students who want to work in this field will have to complete a degree program that includes courses in human relations, mental disorders,… Additional Information »
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University
Earn your Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. You can then become a qualified and licensed personal counselor. You will further your career and develop a new set of knowledge and skills by pursuing a MA in professional counseling.… Additional Information »
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University
Earn your Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University to further your career and develop a new set of knowledge and skills. You will become qualified to work as a marriage counselor or family therapist by studying courses such… Additional Information »
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