Alabama Department of Labor

SOC: 21-1014 Mental Health Counselors Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. May help individuals deal with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; suicide; stress management; problems with self-esteem; and issues associated with aging and mental and emotional health. Exclude "Social Workers" (21-1021 through 21-1029), "Psychiatrists" (29-1066), and "Psychologists" (19-3031 through 19-3039). Default

Education:		Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

OJT:		Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Tasks:		Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment. Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships. Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests. Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts. Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes. Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports. Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems. Perform crisis interventions with clients. Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information. Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

License:		This applicant should contact the State Board of Examiners in Counseling for application procedures and examination schedules. A passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) is a requirement for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensure. Application Packet Fee: $25.00 Application Fee: $200.00 Initial License Fee: $300.00 Biennial Renewal Fee: $300.00

Outlook:		Good

Alabama Employment Outlook
Comprehensive wage data available: Alabama Occupational Wage Survey	Alabama Projections Estimated Employment 2016 Projected Employment 2026 Annual Average Openings Annual Growth Rate 1,140 1,320 145 1.47

Related Occupations:	Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Clinical Psychologists Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Genetic Counselors Healthcare Social Workers Home Economics Teachers, Postsecondary Instructional Coordinators School Psychologists Special Education Teachers, Middle School Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Speech-Language Pathologists	Gadsden State Community College George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

Occupational Videos 21-1014.00 Mental Health Counselors