Individuals struggling with mental health issues
or substance abuse often need
focused help to recover their well-being,
and make changes in behavior
that will improve their lives.
Counselors offer the treatment and support
that helps people recover.
Substance abuse counselors
and behavioral disorder counselors,
teach clients how to cope with life’s problems
without turning to substances,
modify problem behaviors,
help them rebuild relationships
and, if necessary, reestablish their career.
Mental health counselors treat clients
with a variety of mental and emotional
health issues and relationship problems.
They may specialize in a population
such as students, children, or the elderly.
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder,
and mental health counselors
work in a wide variety of settings,
including mental health centers
and hospitals, prisons,
and addiction or eating disorder
treatment centers.
Although rewarding, the work can be stressful,
with large workloads,
and often limited resources.
They also may have to intervene
in crisis situations
or work with disturbed clients.
Most counselors work full time.
In some settings,
they may need to work evenings,
nights, or weekends.
All states require mental health counselors
to be licensed,
which requires a master’s degree, internship,
and a period of
professionally supervised practice.
For substance abuse
and behavioral disorder counselor positions,
educational requirements can vary
from a high school diploma and certification
to a master’s degree.
Licensure requirements
vary by state and position,
though all who work in private practice
must be licensed.