Mental Health Counselors
O*NET 21-1014.00 · SOC 21-1014
Mental Health Counselor is a strong career choice. Median pay is $59k a year with +18.4% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 50,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Provide individual counseling sessions to clients with depression or anxiety.
- →Develop and monitor treatment plans based on client mental health needs.
- →Teach clients coping skills such as mindfulness or cognitive restructuring.
- →Conduct mental health intake assessments for new clients.
- →Refer clients to psychiatrists or community resources when appropriate.
Education & How to Get In
Mental Health Counselor roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Mental Health Counselor involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Mental Health Counselor?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Mental Health Counselor Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Mental Health Counselors is projected to grow 18.4% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·49% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Mental Health Counselor make?
The median Mental Health Counselor earns $59k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Mental Health Counselor jobs?
Our model puts Mental Health Counselor at 15 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 49% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Mental Health Counselor a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 18.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 50,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Mental Health Counselor?
Mental Health Counselor roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Mental Health Counselor?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Mental Health Counselor career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →No account required · Matches are paid · 7 minutes