Aptly
Careers · Community and social service

Mental Health Counselors

Mental health counselors provide counseling and support to individuals and groups to promote emotional well-being and prevent mental health problems. They work in private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and nonprofit organizations, helping clients address issues like substance abuse, relationship problems, and stress.

$60,320median pay, U.S., per year
$47,560–$78,260middle half earn
1.0Memployed in the U.S.
Master’s degreetypical education · 100% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mental health counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

A day in the work

A typical week involves one-on-one and group counseling sessions with clients dealing with various mental health concerns. Counselors assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and document progress. They may spend time between sessions reviewing case notes, consulting with other healthcare providers, attending staff meetings, or continuing education in their specialty areas.

Who this work suits

Social
97Investigative
57Conventional
41Artistic
34Enterprising
33Realistic
5

Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy understanding people's motivations and problems (investigative interest) and find meaning in helping others improve their lives (social interest). You are patient, organized, and able to listen without judgment while asking probing questions to help clients work through complex issues.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Active ListeningSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingService Orientation

Knowledge areas

Therapy and CounselingPsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageSociology and AnthropologyEducation and Training

Who is hiring

66open roles like this on employer career sites
1employer hiring
9posted in the last 7 days
FL · NH · WAwhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Local training programsCertificationsLicenses in your stateApprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Licensed CounselorMental Health CounselorBehaviour TherapistBoard Certified Behavior AnalystBehavioral Health CounselorBehavioral TherapistClinical CounsellorLead CounselorMental Health ProfessionalMental Health TherapistMental Health Therapist ProvincialRegistered Clinical CounselorTherapistPeer CounselorABA TherapistClient Care CounsellorCounselorCrisis CounselorEarly Intervention Mental Health SpecialistIndigenous CounsellorNeeds Assessment ClinicianYouth Counselor

Related occupations

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder CounselorsEducational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and AdvisorsMarriage and Family TherapistsRehabilitation CounselorsCounselors, All OtherChild, Family, and School Social WorkersHealthcare Social WorkersMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against mental health counselors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 21-1014.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.