What is a Clinical Counselor?
Clinical Mental Health 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 $76,990 per year.
Professional Organization
The American Mental Health Counselors Association
Learn More
Explore what Counseling programs the Cleveland Clinic is affiliated with.
