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Career overview · SOC 21-1014

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 Counselor · Case Manager · Clinician · Counselor · Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science
  • Mathematics

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
  • Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
  • Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.
  • Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
  • Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
  • Perform crisis interventions with clients.
  • Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.
  • Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
  • Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
  • Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.

Tools & technology

  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Client information database systems
  • Database 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
  • Email software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel

Knowledge areas

  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Education and Training
  • Administrative
  • Telecommunications