3 answers
Briana
Student
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Questions
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What are the requirements in becoming a Mental Health Counselor ?
I will love to help people and make sure there mental health is all good! #mental-health-counseling #health #mental-health #counselor
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3 answers
Diane Watt
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
9
Answers
Harker Heights, Texas
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Briana,
You asked your question over a year ago; hopefully my answer finds your well :)
Although requirements vary by state, generally, mental health counselors are required to obtain a master’s-level degree during which they complete a (typically unpaid) internship. They are also required to pass their state’s licensure exam. Upon graduation, most obtain a junior-level license to practice under which they are required to complete a certain number of hours counseling (for example, in Texas, we are required to obtain 1,500 hours of face-to-face counseling before becoming fully licensed). Once they have fulfilled those hours, they can receive a full license to practice independently.
Hope that helps,
Diane
You asked your question over a year ago; hopefully my answer finds your well :)
Although requirements vary by state, generally, mental health counselors are required to obtain a master’s-level degree during which they complete a (typically unpaid) internship. They are also required to pass their state’s licensure exam. Upon graduation, most obtain a junior-level license to practice under which they are required to complete a certain number of hours counseling (for example, in Texas, we are required to obtain 1,500 hours of face-to-face counseling before becoming fully licensed). Once they have fulfilled those hours, they can receive a full license to practice independently.
Hope that helps,
Diane
Karen Lingrell
Student Support and Workforce Development Partnership
14
Answers
Savannah, Georgia
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Most true counseling work in Mental Health will require AT LEAST a Bachelor degree in an array of degree choices --Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Health Services. Sometime during your college career you will be required to do an internship, some kind of direct care "practice" or practicum, but ALSO -- even before it's a requirement, really explore volunteer work opportunities at shelters/clinics/agencies with lots of different special populations so you can truly find your passion. Is it drug addicted? Is it depressed/suicidal? Is it eating disorders? There are also many ideologies to "treating" mental health. It will be important to study the theories and find the practices that match your heart and soul. Will treatment be holistic and include spiritual, emotional, physical (yoga/ exercise/ prayer) along with the mental health focus?
Lillian Connelly
Clinical social worker
1
Answer
Caldwell, Idaho
Updated
Lillian’s Answer
Briana, thank you for your question! Another important requirement to keep in mind is that in many cases you will need an occupational license to practice. In my experience this requires studying for one or more exams, paying a licensing fee and making a commitment to ongoing education in order to keep your professional license up to date.