A mental health counselor provides support to those who are experiencing mental or emotional distress. They may use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help a person manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than
This article will discuss the role of mental health counselors, otherwise known as therapists or psychotherapists, and explain how they can help people begin to feel better.
According to Mental Health America, a mental health counselor is a professional who has received training to hold individual and group counseling sessions. They can diagnose mental health conditions but cannot prescribe medications.
To become qualified, a mental health counselor must obtain a master’s degree in psychology or counseling, complete several years of clinical work experience, and pass the licensing exam in their state.
Once they have completed these requirements, their full job title may be one of the following:
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Licensed Professional Counselor
Professional mental health counselors may work in a range of settings, such as health centers, hospitals, schools, prisons, or workplaces.
Mental health counselors can offer advice, support, and a safe space for a person to talk about the problems they are experiencing.
For example, a counselor can help someone:
- understand their feelings
- identify issues that affect their mental health
- discover ways to overcome those issues
- learn new skills and coping strategies
- set goals for personal growth
- learn more about mental health conditions
All qualified counselors have received training to recognize the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Counselors can help people cope with conditions or life events such as:
- grief or loss
- phobias
- addiction
- anger management
- bereavement
- eating disorders
- relationship and family difficulties
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
Some counselors specialize in one or more of these areas. Counselors can also receive specific training to help people who have recently experienced trauma, sexual assault, or domestic abuse.
Counseling typically focuses on addressing the main symptoms or problems that a person or group finds distressing. By doing this, counselors can help people overcome challenges, obstacles, or events that have affected their mental well-being.
Mental health counselors can teach a person healthy coping strategies or self-help techniques or simply provide a space for people to work out solutions for themselves.
If appropriate, a counselor may also refer their client to other services that may be helpful, such as a doctor, dietitian, or support group.
It is not necessary to experience severe symptoms to see a counselor. Many people attend counseling because they find it beneficial to talk about their concerns with a compassionate and nonjudgmental professional.
A study published in 2004 found that it takes 11 years, on average, for a person with symptoms of a mental health condition to receive treatment.
However, seeking help early can reduce the impact that mental health conditions have on a person’s health, career, and relationships.
When choosing a mental health counselor, always consider:
- their qualifications and experience
- their area(s) of expertise
- their approach to and philosophy of counseling
- the tools and techniques they use
- the costs and insurance coverage
It is vital that a person feels comfortable with their counselor and can build a rapport with them. According to the American Psychological Association, some research indicates that the relationship between client and counselor is at least as important to the therapeutic outcomes as using the right treatment method.
If a person does not feel that they have a positive relationship with their counselor, they may want to consider finding another.
When looking for mental health support, a person might wonder whether they should work with a counselor or a psychologist. Although both counselors and psychologists can help with mental health concerns, they may work in different ways.
Psychologists may need to complete more work experience than counselors. Some counselors receive training to provide psychotherapy, but not all do.
Psychotherapy looks at how a person’s past experiences, learned beliefs, and current behaviors, thoughts, and emotions shape their mental well-being. It includes a number of approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
In most U.S. states, psychologists cannot prescribe medications. Mental health professionals who can prescribe medications include psychiatrists and psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can monitor the effects of mental health conditions on physical factors (such as blood pressure) and write prescriptions.
A psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioner can typically evaluate people and provide counseling. In some states, they can also prescribe and monitor medications.
The cost of counseling varies greatly depending on the counselor’s location, training, and reputation. A person’s insurance plan can also affect the cost.
Counselors with specialized training may cost more to work with. For example, CBT can cost more than $100 per hour.
However, some counselors and health centers offer lower cost options for people who need them, and they may charge fees based on a sliding scale. It is a good idea to ask about this when looking for a mental health counselor.
People with lower incomes may also be eligible for Medicaid, which covers mental health treatment. The services available for people with Medicaid vary by state.
People who frequently feel anxious, panicked, or depressed should seek support from a mental health professional.
A person may also wish to see a counselor or therapist if they experience:
- uncontrollable or intrusive thoughts
- compulsive behaviors
- insomnia, nightmares, or flashbacks
- relationship or family conflicts
- symptoms of an eating disorder
- sexual or domestic violence
- problems with alcohol or drug use
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Mental health counselors can help treat mental health conditions and other sources of distress, such as relationship problems or bereavement. They do this by providing people with a space to explore their feelings and by teaching them beneficial skills and coping strategies.
Counselors may specialize in specific conditions, traumatic experiences, or addictions.
It is important that a person feels comfortable with their counselor, as the relationship will likely have an impact on the effectiveness of their treatment.
People may be able to access mental health counseling through health insurance, government programs, or low cost resources.
