Mental Health Counselor Job Description Template [2024]

A Mental Health Counselor is a trained professional who provides therapy and support to individuals dealing with mental health issues, helping them manage their conditions and improve their emotional well-being.

Use this Mental Health Counselor job description template to promote your job openings and attract qualified candidates. Customize the job brief, responsibilities, requirements, and skills according to your specific needs.

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Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Mental Health Counselor to provide therapeutic support and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. A Mental Health Counselor is responsible for providing individual and group counseling, assessing mental health needs, creating and implementing treatment plans, and offering ongoing support to clients. The ideal candidate will be skilled in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and offering counseling to help clients achieve their mental health goals.

Responsibilities

  • Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions to support mental health and personal development.
  • Monitor and assess patient progress throughout the treatment plan to ensure effective therapy.
  • Collaborate with other mental health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, to create and implement intervention plans.
  • Follow up with psychiatrists and physicians for clients admitted to the hospital, ensuring continuity of care.
  • Identify and address behaviors that hinder recovery, implementing strategies to mitigate these issues.
  • Assist family members and caregivers in managing and supporting mental health challenges.
  • Develop and maintain detailed psychotherapy and progress notes in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  • Conduct mental health assessments, counseling, and referrals, and provide intervention services as needed.
  • Create and review individualized service plans, adjusting them as required based on ongoing evaluations.
  • Write and submit reports to relevant community agencies, schools, or courts as necessary for legal or administrative purposes.

Requirements and Skills

  • Proven experience as a Mental Health Counselor or in a similar counseling role.
  • Master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field.
  • Relevant certifications and a current practitioner license through the state's clinical therapy board.
  • At least 3 years of experience in counseling or mental health services.
  • In-depth knowledge of the effects and management of medications prescribed for mental health conditions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and compassionate counseling.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and a sympathetic, patient-centered approach to treatment.
  • Strong computer literacy and proficiency in using medical practice management software.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Comfortable and competent in treating both routine and serious mental health conditions, adhering to legal and ethical guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Mental Health Counselor do?

A Mental Health Counselor conducts assessments, develops and implements treatment plans, provides individual and group therapy, and monitors clients' progress to support their mental health recovery.

What should you look for in a Mental Health Counselor resume?

When reviewing a Mental Health Counselor resume, consider:

  • Relevant Experience: Look for previous roles in counseling or mental health services, emphasizing the duration and type of experience.
  • Therapeutic Skills: Check for experience in facilitating individual and group therapy sessions, and handling a variety of mental health issues.
  • Degree: Verify that the candidate holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field
  • Clinical Knowledge: Ensure a solid understanding of mental health disorders, treatment modalities, and medication management.

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