How to become mental health counselorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Social Services Confidence ★★★☆☆

Median annual pay

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National statistics

Top pay (est.)

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Top 10% —

Pay in 5 years

—est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

—est.

—

Outlook score

64/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

45%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

—

BLS projections

How to become mental health counselors

Typical education

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BLS

Related experience

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On-the-job training

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A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Mental Health Counselors

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness

5.8

Active Listening

5.0

Reading Comprehension

4.8

Critical Thinking

4.4

Speaking

4.2

Writing

4.1

Service Orientation

4.0

Complex Problem Solving

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Therapy and Counseling

7.0

Psychology

6.7

Customer and Personal Service

5.9

Sociology and Anthropology

5.1

Education and Training

5.0

Administrative

4.4

English Language

4.4

Philosophy and Theology

4.0

What the work involves

Assisting and Caring for OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicThinking CreativelyCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningSpeech Clarity

Education of workers

Master's degree

89%

Post-master's certificate

Professional degree

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

29%

1–2 years

21%

2–4 years

21%

1–3 months

11%

None / short demo

3–6 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

36%

6–12 months

29%

1–2 years

21%

None

1–3 months

8–10 years

3–6 months

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as mental health counselors

Career-path guidance is being prepared.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Childcare Workers Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions.	$34,980	48/100	16%
2	Social and Human Service Assistants Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families.	$45,930	62/100	40%
3	Child, Family, and School Social Workers Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children.	$59,550	58/100	43%
4	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.	$64,330	50/100	52%
5	Healthcare Social Workers Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses.	$67,880	70/100	34%
6	Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.	$60,280	69/100	43%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS; Employment Projections); O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.