Occupation AtlasMental Health Counselors
O*NET · 21-1014.00
Mental Health Counselors
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Also called Behavior Analyst · Behavioral Health Clinician · Behavioral Health Consultant · Behavioral Health Counselor · Behavioral Health Therapist · Bereavement Counselor · BSS · BSS (Behavior Support Specialist)
34 more
Case Manager · Clinical Counselor · Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) · Clinician · CMHC · Corrections Caseworker · Counselor · Direct Care Counselor · EAP Consultant · EAP Consultant (Employee Assistance Program Consultant) · Elder Counselor · Grief Counselor · Group Counselor · Group Home Counselor · LCMHC · Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) · Licensed Counselor · Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) · Licensed Mental Health Therapist · Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) · Licensed Therapist · LMHC · LPC · Mental Health Case Manager · Mental Health Clinician · Mental Health Counselor · Mental Health Professional · Mental Health Program Specialist · Mental Health Specialist · Mental Health Therapist · Outpatient Mental Health Therapist · Residential Child Care Counselor · Telehealth Therapist · Treatment Coordinator
Compare with another occupationCompare with Healthcare Social Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.79
- I Investigative4.42
- C Conventional3.43
- A Artistic3.06
- E Enterprising2.96
- R Realistic1.31
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (36%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (29%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (25%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 5.0Level 5.8Level 6 looks like: Counsel patients who are depressed during a crisis period
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 5.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- PersuasionImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- SciencebasicImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
27 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.Importance 5.0
- Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.Importance 4.9
- Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.Importance 4.8
- Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.Importance 4.8
- Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.Importance 4.8
- Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.Importance 4.8
- Perform crisis interventions with clients.Importance 4.8
- Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.Importance 4.8
- Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.Importance 4.7
- Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.Importance 4.6
- Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.Importance 4.5
- Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.Importance 4.5
Show the other 15
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.Importance 4.4
- Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information.Importance 4.3
- Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.Importance 4.2
- Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.Importance 4.2
- Discuss with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.Importance 4.2
- Supervise other counselors, social service staff, assistants, or graduate students.Importance 4.2
- Collaborate with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.Importance 4.0
- Learn about new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.Importance 3.9
- Plan, organize, or lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients.Importance 3.8
- Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.Importance 3.8
- Monitor clients' use of medications.Importance 3.7
- Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting clients or patients.Importance 3.6
- Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counseling services.Importance 3.6
- Meet with families, probation officers, police, or other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.Importance 3.4
- Coordinate or direct employee workshops, courses, or training about mental health issues.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- PsychologyImportance 5.0Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 5.0Level 7.0Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 5.9
- English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- AdministrativeImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- TelecommunicationsImportance 3.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
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- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- BiologyImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TransportationImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
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- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Near VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.6
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Response OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Static StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- StaminaImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.3Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.3Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.9Level 5.9
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.6Level 5.8
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.5Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.2Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
20 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (7)
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
Other tools (13)
- Client information database systems
- Database software
- Email software
- Google Classroom
- Management information systems MIS
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Netscape Navigator
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Scheduling software
- Statistical software
- Test interpretation software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Healthcare Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −1.0, Coordination +1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Active Listening −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Psychiatrists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +0.8, Learning Strategies +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.9, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Art Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −1.0, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Marriage and Family Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.8, Negotiation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Social Perceptiveness −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.3, Operations Analysis −1.1
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.