What is a Mental Health Counselor?
Those who want to study various emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as how to manage them, are likely to find degrees in mental health counseling most appealing. While the major is predominately available at higher academic levels, many colleges and universities in Nevada offer relevant programs; general counseling is more common. Graduates at every level, however, can qualify for several engaging and impactful career opportunities.
Mental health counselors use psychotherapy and various psychological treatments to advise people on a range of issues. This often entails helping patients process through complicated emotions and behavioral patterns.
While capable to assisting with numerous emotional and behavioral conditions, they commonly diagnose and treat the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Behavioral Addictions
- Psychoses
Depending on the situation, these professionals may provide support to single persons, couples, families, and/or groups. They also have the knowledge and skills needed to treat individuals of all ages and demographics. Some mental health counselors do, however, specialize in the treatment of certain groups more than others. Common examples of this include focusing on the treatment of children, adolescents, the elderly, disabled individuals, and military personnel.
Despite some similarities, the occupation is distinct from the position of psychologist and psychiatrist. They are not able to prescribe medications, though all three may offer guidance and utilize various therapeutic practices.
Daily duties vary, but these professionals typically spend a lot of time performing client evaluations and treatment readiness assessments. They must also manage patient treatment plans and evaluate progress. Additionally, mental health counselors will sometimes collaborate with or make referrals to various support groups, out-patient clinics, and other healthcare providers.
It’s important to realize that this field has the potential to be emotionally challenging. This is especially true for professionals who work with troubled patients facing exceptionally difficult situations. Providing supportive services to others and successfully completing treatment plans is often highly rewarding, but the work can also be stressful and/or draining. This may be exacerbated in positions that require managing large caseloads and/or keeping irregular work hours.
Online Mental Health Counseling Education in Nevada
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is expected to increase by 22% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and will result in an additional 43,600 new job openings throughout the nation each year. As of May 2022 the state employed 1,220 of these professionals with an annual mean wage of $64,890. This is higher than the state’s annual mean wage for all occupations, which was $55,490 that same year.
Graduates may also qualify for work in many community and social service occupations. Employment for specialists in these professions is also expected to increase by 12%, which will result in additional entry-level jobs available to counseling graduates. As of May 2022, Nevada employed 14,330 workers in this field, with an annual mean wage of $57,720.
The educational services, healthcare, and social assistance industry is the fifth largest in Nevada. It accounts for $11.3 billion in revenue each year. Notably, individuals who plan to seek employment in Nevada may want to give preference to colleges and universities located within the state. These institutions are familiar with the licensing standards and expectations for counselors in Nevada. As a result, graduates will be better prepared for the credentialing process. There are plenty of options for those looking for undergraduate counseling degrees or advanced counseling and related educational programs. You might consider the University of nevada - reno, Nevada State College, Great Basin College and other institutions with appropriate accreditation status.
Counseling and other areas of study are commonly offered by colleges and universities in Nevada and throughout the United States. Prospective students can generally find applicable learning opportunities at every level: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. While graduates with associate and bachelor’s degrees may qualify for many community and social service occupations, only those with master’s degrees and above will qualify for state licensure as Clinical Professional Counselors (CPCs) and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs).
Online Associates (AS)
Associate degrees in mental health counseling are fairly uncommon, although programs in other related subjects are prevalent. As a result, those interested in studying at this level often major in counseling, mental health, human services, behavioral science, social science, or psychology.
Degrees of this kind generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete Curriculums vary, but most undergraduate programs are comprised of both general liberal arts and major-specific classes. Students can expect to study various topics in communication, mathematics, and science in addition to subjects relevant to their chosen field. This provides a well-rounded education with a strong foundation for future learning, as well as a broad introduction to counseling.
Notably, this type of degree does not meet the minimum requirements for licensure in Nevada. It can, however, lead to a variety of entry-level jobs in community and social service. Graduates are also well-prepared to enroll in related bachelor’s degree programs.
Online Bachelors (BS)
Bachelor’s degrees in mental health counseling specifically are still relatively uncommon, making it necessary for students to major in other related subjects when studying at this level. Some of the most common and easily applicable alternatives include general counseling, mental health, human services, behavioral science, social science, and psychology. It may also be possible to find colleges and universities that offer mental health counseling as a concentration area.
Degrees of this kind generally consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As undergraduate programs, curriculums are often still comprised of general liberal arts and major-specific classes. In addition to studying various topics in communication, mathematics, and science, students can expect a broad introduction to the most important subjects in their chosen field. Some of the most common areas of study at this level include behavioral health and counseling theories.
Notably, type of degree does not meet the minimum requirements for licensure in Nevada. It can, however, lead to a variety of entry-level jobs in community and social service. Graduates are also well-prepared to enroll in master’s degree programs in mental health counseling, which is necessary to meet the state’s credentialing requirements.
Online Masters (MS)
Master’s degrees in mental health counseling generally range from 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. Graduate programs no longer incorporate general liberal arts classes, although students may be required to have completed certain undergraduate prerequisite courses prior to enrollment. This ensures that all incoming students possess the basic knowledge and skills needed for advanced study in the field.
Every program is different, but students can typically expect to receive instruction in lifespan development, attachment theory, group dynamics, interviewing techniques, counseling theories, diagnostic practices, and ethics. It’s also common for those enrolled to participate in supervised counseling experiences, which provide hands-on experience in the field. Those earning a master's degree from accredited graduate counseling programs can also specialize their degree requirements in clinical mental health counseling, family counseling, school counseling, addiction counseling, etc.
Notably, this type of degree does meet the minimum requirements for counseling licensure in Nevada. Graduates will have the education necessary to apply for the Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC) credential. This process can be completed via the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors website. Additionally, those who graduate with master’s degrees in mental health counseling may be qualified to seek employment in other advanced community and social service occupations.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD or doctorate in mental health counseling may consist of between 60 and 120 credit hours that can take full-time students up to seven years to complete. These are terminal degrees that require students to meet high academic standards. Every institution’s curriculum is different, but students can generally expect to study advanced concepts in key specialized topics, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, those enrolled are likely to participate in extended periods of independent study and research. These activities are particularly relevant when preparing dissertations, which are usually required prior to graduation.
This type of degree exceeds the education requirements for counseling licensure in Nevada but can still qualify candidates for the credential. Graduates may also qualify for various high-level jobs in clinical settings or as secondary education instructors.