GraduateSmart
GraduateSmart
$72K/yr
Average Salary
6 years
Years of Education
+17%
Job Growth
330K+
Total Jobs
Treat patients with mental and emotional disorders using therapy.
$46K
Starting
$72K
Average
$98K
Senior
High School Diploma or GED
Foundation requirement for all pathways
Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling
Typically 6 years
Start your career
Entry-level positions and internships
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CLEP College Composition Modular
3 credits · English & Writing
$1,703
saved
CLEP Spanish Language — Level 2
9 credits · World Languages
$5,303
saved
CLEP Spanish with Writing — Level 1
6 credits · World Languages
$3,503
saved
CLEP Spanish with Writing — Level 2
12 credits · World Languages
$7,103
saved
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LPC / LMHC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Required to practiceNational Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
NCE — National Counselor Examination
Required to practiceNBCC
NCMHCE — National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Required to practiceNBCC
NCC — National Certified Counselor
NBCC
Field
Social Services & Nonprofit
Required Degree
Master's Degree
Time in School
6 years
Job Demand
10-Year Job Growth
+17%
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Create free account →Federal labor-market data for Mental Health Counselor
Pay range
$46K–$98K
10th–90th percentile
Job growth
+17%
projected 2024–2034
Number of jobs
330K
in 2024
Much faster than average
Strong demand growth expected. Projected to grow from 330K to 386K jobs by 2034.
Typical duties
Read the full duties, work environment, and education requirements on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Open BLS page →
Same SOC as Substance Abuse Counselor (id 50): 21-1018. Median $59,190; 17% growth.