National
| Median wages (2008) |
$17.70 hourly, $36,810 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
100,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
50,000 additional employees |
21-1014.00 - Mental Health Counselors
Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. May help individuals deal with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; suicide; stress management; problems with self-esteem; and issues associated with aging and mental and emotional health.
Sample of reported job titles:
Therapist, Counselor, Correctional Counselor, Mental Health Therapist, Case Manager, Mental Health Specialist, Behavior Support Specialist (BSS), Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Program Specialist, Child Care Counselor
Tasks
- Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
- Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and help them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
- Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, and tests.
- Counsel clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes.
- Guide clients in the development of skills and strategies for dealing with their problems.
- Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
- Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
- Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition based on review of client information.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Blood pressure cuff kits — Sphygmomanometers |
| Desktop computers |
| Electronic medical thermometers — Digital medical thermometers |
| Notebook computers |
| Scanners — Flatbed scanners |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Database software; Microsoft Access |
| Internet browser software — Microsoft Internet Explorer; Netscape Navigator; Web browser software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
