Mental Health Counselor Career Paper

Issues regarding mental health have become more important than ever before because people are exposed to more stressors in life (“Become a Mental Health Counselor - 15 Must-Know Pros & Cons”). The solution starts with mental health counselors and psychologists. To further appreciate careers in counseling, one must first understand the education/training, salary/advancements, and benefits/hazards that go along with the job. Primarily, one of the most important factors in a job in counseling is the education and training required. If one chooses a career path in counseling, one first would need to obtain a two-year associate's degree while attending a junior college (“Career Outlook For Counselors”). After receiving an associate's degree, many

With the minimal amount of schooling one can receive as a counselor, one can receive an average of $47,790 and $78,200 for a psychologist which requires more schooling (“How to become a licensed therapist in Illinois, IL”). This difference in salaries is a prime example of how time spent within the field and the amount of education earned is a major deciding factor with money (“Career Outlook For Counselors”). Along with an increased salary, higher education can also make openings for advancements easier and more accessible (“Career Outlook For Counselors”). Several ways to advance within this career are university education, privately owned businesses, and administrative occupations deriving from a more community health-focused job (“Career Outlook For Counselors”). To further explain “private practice therapists may earn more than those working in community mental health centers or hospitals.” (“How to become a licensed therapist in Illinois, IL”). Owning a private practice shows exactly how advancing from a public to a private health profession can increase salary and benefits (“How to become a licensed therapist in Illinois,

It is considered by many to be a very high in demand job (“The Pros & Cons Of A Career In Psychotherapy – SACAP”). While counseling and psychology have many self-fulfilling and rewarding aspects, there are also several negative aspects to the job (“Become a Mental Health Counselor - 15 Must-Know Pros & Cons''). For example, although there are ample job opportunities, it can also be very mentally taxing, because one has to be emotionally present anytime a patient is in need (“The Pros & Cons Of A Career In Psychotherapy – SACAP”). As an effect of the constant responsibility to be emotionally available, more frequently than not, work hours can fluctuate depending on a patient's mental state and stability (“The Pros & Cons Of A Career In Psychotherapy – SACAP”). Being physically present is just as important and beneficial to a client’s well-being as it is to be emotionally present. (“The Pros & Cons Of A Career In Psychotherapy – SACAP”) In conclusion, to further appreciate careers in counseling, one must first understand the education/ training, salary/ advancements, and benefits/hazards that go along with the