Mental health is a growing area of focus in the healthcare field. Peoples’ mental and emotional needs are widely recognized as an essential part of the diagnostic, therapeutic, and healing processes. As such, the need for mental health professionals continues to grow.
There are a number of different points of entry into careers in counseling. Therefore, pursuing a career in the mental health field depends on where you live, where you work, and your educational background. A variety of specializations fit under the umbrella of mental health counseling. Each has its own educational and licensing requirements (some which vary by state). The salary potential and work environments also vary for mental health counselor careers.
Sometimes referred to as addiction counselors, these professionals help clients cope with addiction as well as the underlying causes and triggers of addictive behavior. Substance abuse counselors work in either inpatient or outpatient settings and some focus on specific demographics (like veterans, minors, or elderly adults) and/or patients receiving compulsory interventions.
Another critical component of substance abuse counseling is providing care for patients’ families, friends, and coworkers. Cultivating a personal support network is crucial for recovery.
In some states, it is possible to serve as a substance abuse counselor with a high school diploma and a state-issued license. However, positions with the highest pay and professional authority require a bachelor’s degree and/or a master’s degree.
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Clinical mental health counselor salary with masters degree
The median annual mental health counselor salary was $44,630. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’s figures from May 2018, the top 10% earners in mental health counseling careers had a median annual salary of over $72,990. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,240 a year.
However, mental health counselor salaries vary based on a number of factors:
- Education – Higher-level degrees usually correlate with higher earning potential and mental health counselor salaries are no exception. The highest paying positions are typically reserved for those with post-secondary and/or graduate-level degrees in mental health counseling.
- Specialization – The median pay varies depending upon the counselor’s field. For example, careers in school counseling and family counseling tend to have higher earning potential than careers in rehabilitation counselingExternal link:open_in_new. Psychiatrists and other associated careers requiring a master’s degree in psychology are among the highest paying in mental health care.
- Experience – Employers are willing to pay more for professionals with longer tenures in their area of expertise. Many mental health counselor vocations have higher than average burnout ratesExternal link:open_in_new due to the intensity of the work; while burnout can happen at any point of a career, many employers will pay a premium for mental health professionals who have achieved a combination of success and longevity in the field. Similarly, private practitioners can command higher salaries based on their work history.
- Industry – There is a notable discrepancy in the median counselor salary figures depending on where counselors are employed.
| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Therapist | Range:$36k – $59k | Average:$45,393 |
| Licensed Professional Counselor | Range:$38k – $65k | Average:$49,113 |
| Clinical Director | Range:$49k – $93k | Average:$66,795 |
| Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Range:$37k – $64k | Average:$47,930 |
Is a masters in mental health counseling worth it
According to the American Counseling Association, it is necessary to hold a graduate-level degree to work as a professional counselor. Earning the master’s degree demonstrates that you’re qualified to work with individuals and groups, helping them to overcome emotional, mental, and behavioral problems.
A masters in mental health counseling can help you obtain a rewarding career that allows you to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and families.
Yes, a masters in mental health counseling is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social service occupations over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
In most cases, a master’s degree is required for jobs in mental health counseling.
Helping others through a career in counseling can give you the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a positive difference in the world. Earning your master’s degree can open professional doors for you to develop a rewarding career.
Although a career in mental health counseling does not promise great wealth, there are four jobs in the field that rank among the 100 Best Jobs, according to a U.S. News & World Report survey. These are: school counselor (#81), mental health counselor (#71), marriage and family therapist (#51), and substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor (#35).
Some counselors work with specific populations such as children, teenagers, prisoners, or the elderly. Others work in crisis intervention with clients in emergency situations. Counselors may work with students in K-12 schools and colleges where academic and career counseling are offered.
Mental health counseling can be a secure, professional career. Many counselors work fulltime in jobs where they earn benefits such as health insurance, paid vacations, and contributions to a retirement plan.
