Become a Mental Health Counseling Professional
Support individuals facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges through structured assistance and evidence-based practices.
What Is Mental Health Counseling?
Mental Health Counseling programs teach students how to support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use issues, and other behavioral health concerns. Students learn communication, crisis-response skills, and the foundations of counseling theory.
This path is ideal for empathetic individuals who want to help others strengthen their mental wellness. Career-Bond partners with programs that prepare students for support roles and future pathways toward full counseling licensure.
What You'll Learn in Mental Health Counseling Training
Core Skills
- Communication and counseling fundamentals
- Crisis intervention basics
- Trauma-informed care
- Case management
- Ethics and documentation
- Group facilitation
- Client assessment basics
- Cultural and behavioral understanding
Safety & Compliance
- Patient safety
- Infection prevention
- Privacy and HIPAA awareness
- Professional ethics
- Basic emergency response
Tools & Technology
- Mental Health First Aid
- CPR/BLS Certification
- State-specific behavioral health technician or support credentials
Admissions Requirements for Mental Health Counseling Training
Most Mental Health Counseling programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Mental Health Counseling
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (National Council for Mental Wellbeing)
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
CPR/BLS Certification
American Heart Association
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
State-specific behavioral health technician or support credentials
state behavioral health boards
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Professional practice
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Mental Health Counseling Salary & Job Outlook
Strong demand driven by increased awareness of mental health needs, expanded access to behavioral health services, and rising demand for counseling and support roles across healthcare and community settings.
Career Outlook for Mental Health Counseling
Work Settings
Behavioral health clinics, community mental health programs, crisis centers, residential treatment facilities, school-based services
Advancement Path
Advance to related certifications; specialize in a care setting; progress to supervisory roles with experience and additional training.
What Is the Difference Between Mental Health Counseling and Psychology?
TL;DR: Mental Health Counseling prepares students for applied, client-facing mental health roles, while Psychology emphasizes foundational theory, research, and academic preparation.
Mental Health Counseling programs focus on practical skills used in therapeutic and clinical settings, such as counseling techniques, assessment, ethics, and client interaction, often preparing students for entry-level counseling roles or further licensure pathways. Psychology programs emphasize behavioral theory, research methods, and the scientific study of human behavior, and are often designed for students planning to pursue graduate study or roles in research, education, or broader human services fields. Choose Mental Health Counseling if your goal is direct client support and applied mental health work; choose Psychology if you want a theoretical foundation or plan to continue into advanced academic or clinical study.
Applied counseling skills and direct client mental health support
Foundational theory, research, and academic study of behavior
Associate to bachelor-level programs with counseling emphasis
Associate to bachelor-level programs emphasizing theory and research
Counseling techniques, assessment basics, ethics, client communication
Behavioral theory, research methods, data analysis, academic writing
Mental health or counseling support certificates depending on program
Psychology degree pathways; certifications typically require graduate study
Community mental health centers, counseling settings, clinical environments
Academic settings, research roles, preparation for graduate programs
Clinical documentation systems, assessment tools
Research software, statistical tools, academic databases
Counseling support roles or pathway toward licensure
Graduate study in psychology, counseling, or related fields
Students seeking applied, client-facing mental health roles
Students wanting theoretical foundations or planning advanced academic study
Mental Health Counseling
Choose Mental Health Counseling if your goal is direct client support and applied mental health work.
Psychology
Choose Psychology if you want a theoretical foundation or plan to continue into advanced academic or clinical study.
Benefits of Mental Health Counseling Training
Mental Health Counseling Student Reviews
"My program helped me learn how to communicate with clients in crisis and provide real support."
"Career-Bond matched me with training that taught practical skills, not just theory."
"I love working directly with clients — knowing I help them feel safe and supported is incredibly rewarding."
Mental Health Counseling FAQs
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