Clinical Mental Health Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of mental health, the role of Clinical Mental Health Counselors is increasingly crucial.

As society grows more aware and accepting of mental health issues, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, develop, and uphold our mental health support systems strengthens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the true essence of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of clinical mental health counseling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Clinical Mental Health Counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Mental Health Counselors are professionals who assist their clients in managing and overcoming mental and emotional disorders and problems with family and relationships.

They use a variety of techniques, including therapeutic treatment plans and counseling sessions.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating clients’ mental health status through assessments and interviews
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans based on clients’ needs
• Providing therapeutic counseling to individuals, groups, or families
• Guiding clients through transitional times such as divorce, job change, or death of a loved one
• Assisting clients in developing interpersonal skills, increasing self-esteem, and improving mental and emotional health
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers to provide a holistic approach to patient care
• Documenting and maintaining detailed records of clients’ progress
• Staying updated with the latest research and best practices in mental health counseling
• Providing crisis intervention as needed
• Assisting clients in navigating and accessing resources like support groups, inpatient treatment facilities, and community mental health services

 

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Clinical Mental Health Counselor to join our team.

The Clinical Mental Health Counselor will be responsible for assisting patients in managing mental health conditions, developing coping mechanisms, and creating wellness plans.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of human behavior, excellent interpersonal skills, and a dedication to patient confidentiality.

The person will conduct regular patient assessments, create treatment plans, and keep accurate records of patient progress.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial patient assessments to understand mental health status and needs
• Create personalized treatment plans in consultation with patients
• Provide individual, group or family counseling as needed
• Help patients manage mental health conditions and cope with life stressors
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive care
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records
• Stay informed about latest developments in mental health research and treatments
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards
• Offer crisis intervention as needed

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field
• State-issued licensure to practice as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
• Proven experience working as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor or similar role
• In-depth knowledge of various psychotherapeutic methods
• Familiarity with the diagnostic process and treatment planning
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of empathy and understanding
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Clinical Mental Health Counselor
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for telehealth sessions. Some travel may be required for seminars or continued education opportunities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Clinical Director or Mental Health Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Do?

Clinical Mental Health Counselors are specialized professionals in the field of psychology and counseling.

They work in various settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, or private practices.

Their primary responsibility is to provide mental health services to individuals, groups, and communities.

They assess and diagnose mental health conditions, design and implement treatment plans, and help individuals manage their mental health disorders.

In addition to diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, Clinical Mental Health Counselors also provide counseling services for a variety of issues such as stress management, self-esteem problems, relationship conflicts, and career decisions.

These professionals use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and solution-focused therapy, to help their clients cope with their issues.

They are also responsible for conducting mental health assessments, maintaining client records, and referring clients to additional resources or services when necessary.

Clinical Mental Health Counselors often collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses to provide a holistic approach to patient care.

They may also provide crisis intervention services in emergency situations.

In addition to their clinical duties, they may also conduct research, teach, supervise, and consult in their areas of expertise.

They adhere to strict ethical guidelines and confidentiality laws to protect the well-being and privacy of their clients.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Qualifications and Skills

Clinical Mental Health Counselors must have a diverse set of technical skills, soft skills, and substantial knowledge about mental health to provide clients with the best therapeutic services.

The qualifications and skills required include:

• Profound understanding of mental health disorders, their symptoms, and treatment methods.
• Excellent listening skills to comprehend the problems and concerns of clients accurately.
• Effective communication skills to convey therapeutic strategies and coping mechanisms to clients clearly and empathetically.
• Patience and emotional resilience to deal with clients who are emotionally unstable or uncooperative.
• Critical thinking skills to interpret client behaviors and devise appropriate treatment plans.
• Interpersonal skills to form trust-based relationships with clients and their families.
• Problem-solving skills to manage crisis situations and help clients overcome various obstacles in their recovery journey.
• Ethical and professional standards to maintain confidentiality and respect clients’ rights.
• Adequate knowledge of pharmacology, especially psychiatric medications, to collaborate effectively with psychiatrists or other medical professionals.
• Continual learning and adaptability to stay updated with the latest research and treatment methods in the field of mental health.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Clinical Mental Health Counselor generally require a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field, along with some practical experience which is often gained through supervised internships or practicums as part of their graduate program.

Beyond the educational requirements, most states require Mental Health Counselors to complete a two-year clinical internship under the supervision of a licensed counselor to gain direct experience with clients before they can become fully licensed themselves.

After gaining licensure, Clinical Mental Health Counselors might start with roles that involve working under the supervision of experienced counselors or within a larger medical team.

Over time, these professionals might gain more responsibilities and autonomy, with 1 to 3 years of experience allowing them to handle more complex cases or to specialize in particular areas of mental health.

Counselors with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a proven track record of successful client outcomes, and may take on roles that involve supervising new counselors or leading group counseling sessions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might move into senior or management roles within a counseling organization, or may choose to open their private practice, provided they meet the specific state requirements for private practitioners.

In all stages of their career, Clinical Mental Health Counselors are expected to engage in continuous learning and professional development activities to keep up with the latest developments in the field and maintain their licensure.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Education and Training Requirements

To pursue a career as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a closely related field is typically required.

This includes courses in human development, abnormal psychology, ethics, research methods, and counseling techniques.

Many programs also require an internship or practicum as part of the curriculum to provide students with real-world experience.

In addition to their academic qualifications, all states require mental health counselors to be licensed in order to practice.

The licensure process often involves the completion of a specific number of hours of supervised counseling experience, an examination, and continuing education credits.

Many Clinical Mental Health Counselors also choose to obtain certification from a professional organization, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors or the American Board of Professional Psychology.

This certification can demonstrate a counselor’s expertise in a certain area and commitment to ongoing education.

Moreover, strong interpersonal skills, compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help others are essential qualities for success in this role.

Ongoing professional development is also important in this fast-changing field, to stay informed about the latest research and treatment approaches.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Salary Expectations

A Clinical Mental Health Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $46,240 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, the region in which they are practicing, and the nature of their employment, such as private practice or a public institution.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor need?

Clinical Mental Health Counselors must have a master’s degree in counseling or a related mental health field.

In addition to their academic qualifications, they must also complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, usually around 2,000 to 4,000 hours, depending on the regulations of the state in which they intend to practice.

They must also pass a state-recognized licensure exam to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

 

What are the daily duties of a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

On a typical day, a Clinical Mental Health Counselor might start by reviewing scheduled appointments and preparing for client sessions.

They spend much of their day in direct one-on-one counseling sessions with clients, diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders.

They may also hold group therapy sessions, conduct assessments, and create treatment plans.

Additional duties might include record-keeping, consulting with other healthcare providers, and continuous learning to stay updated on the latest mental health research and treatment methods.

 

What skills are important for a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

Excellent listening and communication skills are crucial for a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

They should have the ability to build strong relationships with clients and provide a safe and supportive environment.

Strong problem-solving skills are also important, to diagnose mental health issues and develop effective treatment plans.

They should also have a strong understanding of ethics and maintain confidentiality at all times.

 

What qualities make a good Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

A good Clinical Mental Health Counselor is empathetic, patient, and able to cope with emotional situations.

They should be culturally competent and adaptable, able to work with diverse individuals and groups.

A good counselor is also committed to their own mental health and self-care to prevent burnout.

 

What should you look for in a Clinical Mental Health Counselor’s resume?

A Clinical Mental Health Counselor’s resume should highlight their education, licensure, and supervised clinical experience.

Any experience working with specific populations or treating specific mental health disorders is also valuable.

Look for ongoing professional development activities, such as continuing education courses or certifications, which show commitment to staying updated in the field.

A good counselor will also have strong references that can attest to their counseling skills and professional conduct.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into what it truly means to be a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

Guess what?

It’s not just about listening and offering advice.

It’s about shaping the mental health landscape, one client at a time.

With our handy Clinical Mental Health Counselor job description template and real-life examples, you’re all set to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve even deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precision-tailored job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every counseling session is a piece of a larger narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

How to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Complete Guide)

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