What Clinical Counselors Do

Clinical counselors provide patients with flexible and accessible therapeutic services, combining more traditional psychotherapy with practical approaches to assessing a patient's particular issue. Clinical counselors attempt to find efficient ways to affect positive change in a patient's life. In addition to assessing patients and providing them with psychotherapy, clinical counselors also provide brief solution-oriented therapy, prevention programs, and crisis management.

Types of Work Environments

  • Hospitals
  • Private practices
  • Behavioral health organizations
  • Substance abuse treatment facilities

Education and Training Requirements

Clinical counselors have a master's degree in counseling or closely related fields, have completed at least two years of post-master's clinical field training under the supervision of a licensed/certified mental health professional, and have passed the requisite state or national exams to become licensed/certified themselves.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for clinical counselors is approximately $106,600 per year.

Professional Organization

American Counseling Association

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