Mental Health Counselor (MHC)/Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Counselors in mental health or behavioral medicine advise individuals about how to deal with and overcome emotional, mental and social problems.

Specializations
Substance Abuse/AODA (Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse) Counselor - Substance abuse counselors work with individuals and families dealing with substance abuse problems.

Work Activities/Work Locations
Mental health counselors work in hospitals, behavior medicine facilities, prisons, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and other institutions. They work closely with other specialists including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. They provide individual and group therapy sessions and monitor the patient's activities and progress during treatment. They also may refer patients to other resources and support services. Counselors may work evenings to accommodate clients' schedules.

Helpful High School Courses and Experiences
Mental health counselors usually need a master's degree in mental health counseling or in psychology or social work. To become certified, counselors must earn their master's degree and complete certain requirements including: acquiring post master's experience, passing a written exam, and confirmation of supervised clinical experience.

Salary

• Typical Salary Range (2011) (Wisconsin): $26,200 to $72,400 per year.
• Typical Salary Range (2011) (National): $24,800 to $65,700 per year.

Employment Information (Wisconsin)

• Number Employed in 2008: 1,880
• Expected Employment in 2018: 2,330
• Percent Employment Growth (2008-2018): 24%
• Expected Annual Openings: 80

Educational Institutions
Lakeland College
Marquette University
Mount Mary College
University of Wisconsin - Madison
University of Wisconsin - Stout
University of Wisconsin - Superior
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Viterbo University

Alcohol and Other Drug Alcohol Counselor
Alverno College
Chippewa Valley Technical College
College of the Menominee Nation - Keshena
College of the Menominee Nation - Green Bay
Fox Valley Technical College
Gateway Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College
Northcentral Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Waukesha County Technical College

Child And Adolescent Counseling
University of Wisconsin - Stout

Community Counseling
Lakeland College

Eating Disorders
University of Wisconsin - Stout

Gerontological Counseling
University of Wisconsin - Stout

Higher Education Counseling
Lakeland College

Human Development
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Marriage and Family Therapy
Edgewood College
Univeristy of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Mental Health Certificate
University of Wisconsin - Parkside

School Counselor
Lakeland College
Mount Mary College
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Substance Abuse Counselor
Edgewood College
Fox Valley Technical College
Lac Courte Oreilles
Mount Mary College
Northcentral Technical College
Viterbo University
University of Wisconsin - Stout

Graduate Program offered in Madison, Waukesha, and Wausau
Southern New Hampshire University

Hospitals with Associated Educational Programs
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Milwaukee

Professional Organizations & Additional Information
American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB)
305 N. Beech Circle
Broken Arrow, OK, 74012
918/994-4413
www.aascb.org/aws/AASCB/pt/sp/home_page

American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Ave.
Alexandria, VA, 22304
800/347-6647
www.counseling.org

American Mental Health Counselors Association
801 N. Fairfax, Suite 304
Alexandria, VA, 22314
800/326-2642 or 703-548-6002
www.amhca.org

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
1001N. Fairfax St., Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, 22314
703/535-5990
www.cacrep.org/template/index.cfm

National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates
3 Terrace Way, Suite D
Greensboro, NC, 27403-3660
336/547-0607
www.nbcc.org