What will I learn?
Mental Health Counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education, training and clinical practice. Mental health counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote positive overall mental health. They are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, and grief. They also help with job and career concerns, educational decisions, mental and emotional health issues, and relationship problems. In addition, mental health counselors are involved in community outreach, advocacy, and mediation activities. The field of counseling includes knowledge and awareness of social justice, trauma, racial trauma, and inclusivity.Mental health counselors work in community health and social service organizations, day treatment programs, outpatient mental health clinics, hospitals, or private and group practices. Mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide a full range of services including assessment and diagnosis, psychotherapy, treatment planning and utilization review, brief and solution-focused therapy, alcoholism and substance abuse treatment, psycho-educational and prevention programs, and crisis management.
