Clinical Mental Health Counseling Jobs and Career Resources
Clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) is not just a meaningful calling for professionals who want to make a real difference in the lives of others. It’s also an area of urgent need in our society. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs will increase in the field of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counseling by 22 percent by 2028, a rate they deem “much faster than average.”1
The Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William & Mary trains you to thrive in these vital roles. Learn more about the many ways in which graduate counseling education from W&M can prepare you for successful transition into a clinical mental health counseling career or career growth within the field.
Military and Veterans Counseling Careers
Learn about military and veterans counseling roles, and consider W&M’s Military and Veterans Counseling specialization within the CMHC master’s program.
Read About Clinical Mental Health Counseling Salaries
Clinical mental health counseling salaries can vary according to your specialization, place of employment, licensure status and other factors. Consult our blog post for more information about potential salary outcomes for clinical mental health counselors.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Roles
Clinical mental health counselors work with individuals, families and/or communities in mental health centers, hospitals, Veterans Affairs clinics and other treatment centers. These counselors are typically trained in diagnosis, treatment, referral (if necessary) and prevention.
In addition to a master's degree, most mental health counseling jobs require individuals to pass licensure exams to be able to practice. Licensure credential titles and exams vary by state. While licensed professional counselor (LPC) is the most common title in the U.S., other valid titles granted by state professional counselor licensure boards include:3
- Licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed professional counselor of mental health (LPCMH)
- Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC)
- Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP)
- Licensed professional counselor-mental health (LPC-MH)
- Licensed professional counselor-mental health service provider (LPC/MHSP)
- Licensed mental health practitioner-certified professional counselor (LMHP-CPC)
- Licensed mental health practitioner-licensed professional counselor (LIMHP-LPC)
A master's degree in clinical mental health counseling can also provide the necessary instruction for students to serve in the following positions, though some positions may require additional licensure or specialized coursework:
- Military and veterans counselor: Clients include active-duty military personnel and veterans as well as their families
- Rehabilitation counselor: Clients include those with cognitive, physical, psychiatric and sensory disabilities
- Addiction counselor: Clients include individuals and families affected by alcohol, drugs, food-related, gambling, sexual and other addictive disorders; this position may require a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) credential
- Marriage and family counselor: Clients include individuals, couples, and families with familial relationship and communication issues
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Career Resources
Clinical mental health counseling master’s degree students at William & Mary can benefit from the following career development resources:
- Cohen Career Center: Offers one-on-one advising, core competency workshops, resume reviews and networking events, career fairs, resume development resources and more to current W&M students and alumni
- Counselor Education Program Bulletin Board: Keeps you up to date on upcoming training and networking events, program outcomes and recent student accomplishments, and helps you identify opportunities to engage with peers and industry professionals
- American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA): An organization committed to positioning mental health counselors to meet their clients’ health care needs and advance within the profession; features a job board, events and more
- American Counseling Association (ACA): The world’s largest organization representing professional counselors; provides links to publications, continuing education, career resources and more for counselors
Licensure for Your Clinical Mental Health Counseling Career
The Online M.Ed. in Counseling program is designed to prepare you to pursue counseling licensure upon graduation. Learn more about the licensure options available to you with a degree in clinical mental health counseling.
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1. Retrieved on November 13, 2019, from www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
2. Retrieved on November 13, 2019, from education.wm.edu/academics/space/documents/counseling-graduate-survey2016.pdf
3. Retrieved on November 13, 2019, from counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements