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Converting the 22% increase into numbers: The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the number of Mental Health Counseling jobs in 2021 was 351,000. The Bureau predicts that the number of counselors in 2031 will be428,500.That’s an additional77,500jobs.

Public officials have openly praised this new change for millions of Americans and what it will do for the mental health services of the nation. The Secretary ofThe United States Department of Health and Human Services,Kathleen Sebelius,commented publicly,

This final rule breaks down barriers that stand in the way of treatment and recovery services for millions of Americans. Building on these rules, the Affordable Care Act is expanding mental health and substance use disorder benefits and parity protections to 62 million Americans. This historic expansion will help make treatment more affordable and accessible.-Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary HHS

Another outspoken national leader, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said,

Americans deserve access to coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that is on par with medical and surgical care. These rules mark an important step in ending the disparities that exist in insurance plans and will provide families nationwide with critical coverage and protections that fulfill their health needs.-Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew

One more quote highlighting the importance of a career as a Mental Health Counselor;

New efforts are under way to expand coverage to the millions of Americans who have lacked access to affordable treatment for mental and substance use disorders. These rules will increase access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, prohibit discriminatory practices, and increase health plan transparency. Ultimately, they’ll provide greater opportunities for affordable, accessible, effective treatment to Americans who need it.-Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez

Largely responsible for many of the positive changes occurring in mental health care is former Congressman, Patrick Kennedy. On September 14th, 2013, in a fascinatinginterviewfor The Atlantic Press; reporterWallace McKelveyreceived a provocative summary from Kennedy of how the mental health care reforms started and progressed. Although the changes had not yet been implemented as of the date of the interview (as they are today) a thorough read will give you an historical perspective on how and why a career as a Mental Health Counselor is such a vital and rewarding position for which to aspire. It will also further your understanding of why your new profession will be a vital tool through which the nation can gain strength and recover from hitherto untreated illnesses; illnesses that have affected American society as a whole.

Learn more abouthow to become a mental health counselor.

What Type of Positions Can a Mental Health Counselor Hold?

The highest levels of employment and the highest levels of concentrations of Mental Health Counselors are found in the following areas:

Ways for a Mental Health Counselor to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate: The Two-Pronged Solution

Every Human Resource Department as well as Interviewer is looking for two main things:Education and Experience.

Education: The more education the job applicant has acquired, the more desirable they will be as a potential employee. Continuing your education through; certification programs, additional licensing, seminar attendance, academic proctoring, convention involvement, trade organization involvements, mentoring programs or offering community services in alliance with degree emphasis will all polish your resume and make you a fascinating candidate in the job interview.

Experience: A job applicant who has had some form of experience in the field of Mental Health Counseling is going to be more desirable to an employer than someone who has had no experience. If you are in need of acquiring this experience, seek out volunteer positions. This will show the employer that you are dedicated in your field and seek out training for the sake of learning your trade and honing your skills; not just for a monetary reward. Be sure and list these positions on your application and be prepared to discuss them with enthusiasm and professional animation.

The Secret Weapon: One quality which will have you shining above the rest is apositive attitude. Present yourself with an air of dignity; as a person who is solution-oriented. Institutions and businesses thrive on that breath of fresh air; the person who knows how to professionally utilize their intelligence, but does so with a friendly demeanor and that all-important, sincere smile.

Ways for a Mental Health Counselor to Increase his/her Salary

Overall, the BLS says mental health counselors earn a mean salary of$49,710.

Read more about anonline mental health counseling degree.

If you are working for other institutions which are offering below that of $49,710; it might be advantageous to investigate the higher paying entities. Further, the concepts discussed in the previous section (How to Improve Desirability as a Job Candidate) still very much apply to one already employed in the field. Continuing education, community involvement and an optimistic attitude are all valuable assets from an employer’s perspective. Before seeking additional compensation, equip yourself with the tools which will best provide leverage: Show that you are: 1). Increasing your knowledge. 2). Participating in the Community as an extension of your professionalism. 3.) Maintaining a pleasant disposition and are a positive influence on your co-workers as well as clients.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures formental health counselorsare based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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