Running head: CAREER EXPLORATION 1
Mental Health Career Exploration
Liberty University
Career Field and Occupation of Choice
CAREER EXPLORATION 2
After years of changing majoring, transitioning from one job in the military to the next
and now settling into the civilian world, I have chosen the career field and occupation of a
Mental Health Counselor. According to O*Net, the SOC code for mental health workers is 21-
1014.00 with 62% holding a master’s degree, 34 % a bachelor’s and only 1% with an associate
degree. Persons who ultimately choose this career path are typically those who are interested in
the helping profession. The overall goal is to promote and ensure optimum mental, sociological,
emotional and physical health. Moreover, the career helps both individual and groups who may
have acute or long standing battles with issues like sexual assault or trauma, substance abuse,
family concerns, self-esteem, self-growth, stress-management, aging, anger, bully, relationship
issues, career goals, depression and help clients manage suicidal thoughts among other things.
I find that the characteristics listed above coupled with a master’s degree leading to
licensure will align with my present interest and career goals. I am particularly interested in
working with those of all ages who may have experienced trauma in their lives. O*Net states that
some of the characteristics that Mental health counselors should possess include integrity, self-
control, stress tolerance, leadership skills, dependability, empathy and concern or others, social
orientation among a wide list of skills that should be possessed. Furthermore, the American
Psychological Association states that there are fourteen qualities and actions that deem integral
for a therapist to be effective. It states that an effective therapist must possess a wide range of
interpersonal skills to include interpersonal perception, verbal fluency and empathy among
others. Clients of an effective therapist must feel understand and heard. Effective therapist are
able to build a bond with the client based on a trusting relationship, is influential and persuasive,
provide treatment plans that are conducive to client’s change, do not avoid difficult situations,
they are aware of their own psychological process, aware of the best research evidence that is
CAREER EXPLORATION 3
related to a particular client and actively seek to find ways of continually improvement
[ CITATION Wam08 \l 1033 ]. Ideally, I would like to think that I possess some of these
characteristics and would definitely continue to strive for self-improvement which would not
only benefit my needs of my client but would also lead to self-actualization and growth.
Moreover, the bible speaks about being of service and counseling others and Proverbs 11:14
states “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is
safety” (The Holy Bible, New King James Version). I have also thought in my heart after
searching and praying that this is the right profession for me. After witnessing so many go
through trauma as a result of war, domestic violence, sexual assault and death, to name a few, I
am more convinced that my purpose is to serve and help those who are hurting get to a place of
healing.
O*Net also offers huge advantages and a wealth of information that is vital to all careers
and it is no different for those who are in the counseling profession. The website is easy to
navigate, and offer statistics, and activities that a professional could benefit from for career
growth and advancement. Additionally, the website guides users to a wide range of outside
resources if the information is not readily provided on its site. However, here are a few snags
about the website. Sadly, some of the information provided related to certain careers are general
information and not as informative as they should be for the user, moreover, it is comparatively
ineffective on measures of self-guided teams and can sometimes be behind on relevant concepts
that are prominent on the way the nature of work is changing [CITATION Han16 \l 1033 ]
The Nature of the Work
CAREER EXPLORATION 4
Being a counselor requires specific skills in order to be effective and successful helping
others. Among some of these skills are the ability to actively listen to your client, having an
unbiased social perspective, having to ability and willingness to provide service, critical thinking
and problem-solving skills, good judgement and decision-making skills and being empathetic.
Another important part of being a counselor is the ability to maintain confidentiality of the
client’s records and treatment plans. It is vital that a counselor does not break confidentiality as
they would be breaking the code of ethics sworn to follow. There are exceptions to these rules,
however, if a client is homicidal, suicidal, have been privy to any abuse of a minor, elder or
incapable person and if the court subpoena the records. One great thing I am looking forward to
as I start my journey to encourage clients to unequivocally expressing their true feelings and to
help guide them into the positive direction, they so desire. Mental health counselors also have the
unfortunate or as you may fortunate task of working with those who are at risk of suicide. I think
a rewarding moment for me as a counselor would know that I helped in saving the live of another
in one way or the other however, it becomes more real when dealing with those who have
attempted or have had suicidal ideations in the past. Other duties include but not limited to
working with families, advocacy work, working in groups, working together with psychiatrists,
working with the elderly, maintaining accurate documentation and records, attending court
sessions and providing supervision. While the typical day of a mental health counselor may vary
for client and by day, it is imperative that a counselor participate in self-care as to avoid burn out.
Working Conditions
As per the Occupational Outlook Handbook, there are wide range of settings in which a
mental health worker can work. One can work in prisons, community health centers, juvenile
detention facilities, own a private practice or work in mental health centers[ CITATION Bur19 \l
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1033 ]. Work is mainly full time 40-hour days but for those who work in impatient facilities
hours can vary and shift may be evenings, nights, days or weekend hours [ CITATION Bur19 \l
1033 ]. The population that one can work with may vary, some counselors may work with the
elderly while others prefer to work with children, others may focus on substance abuse clients
while others work with college students and career development. Additionally, they see clients
from all backgrounds who may be dealing with grief, depression, suicidal thoughts, low self-
esteem, anxiety, trauma or marriage and family problems [ CITATION Bur19 \l 1033 ]. To obtain
licensure in California one must complete at least 3000 supervised hours post master’s degree.
Preparation and Qualifications
To become a mental health counselor the general requirement is an accredited master’s
degree that leads to licensure. Hopeful counselors will need to also take a comprehensive exam
in order to obtain licensure. Additionally, those who seek to someday own their private practice
must hold a master’s degree and have at least 2000 to 4000 of clinical experience and at least 100
hours of supervision. A practicum and internship/residency are also required. However, hours
and requirements may vary by state. Other personal traits that are required for the career may
include excellent listening sills, the ability to develop and maintain a trusting client relationship,
the ability to advocate for the rights of those who can not do so for themselves, self-knowledge
and the ability to be empathetic.
Opportunities and Future Outlook
The expected growth for mental health counselors have a projected growth rate of 22 %
between 2018 and 2028 which is said to be a much faster rate than the average occupation
[ CITATION Bur19 \l 1033 ]. As for 2018, the employment number was at 304,500 with the
projected numeric change being 373,100 a difference of 68,500 by 2028. As of today, the statics
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are showing job security for anyone wishing to enter the field as the number of work-related
opportunities keep growing.
Economic and Non-Economic Benefits
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual national earnings for a
mental health counseling is currently at 42,840 a year. California’s average ranges from 62,930.
Upon further investigation, it appears that all the states in which I am interested in moving to,
Texas, Massachusetts, Florida and possibly staying in California, have above average pay for
mental health counselors. Some of the non-economic benefits of being a mental health counselor
is the rewarding life changes that occur after investing positively into the lives of others. For
example, the positive response to counseling and treatment plans that a client may have, the
opportunity that you get to help save the life of someone who may have been suicidal, the
warmth feeling of mending a broken home and helping someone cope and over come trauma.
Additionally, there is a long-lasting bond that you develop with clients after working so closely
with them as you help them heal and rebuild. According to Silver, one of the most unexpected
and rewarding benefit a counselor can experience is the appreciate for their own life and the
opportunity for self-awareness [ CITATION Sil19 \l 1033 ]
Disadvantages and/or Special Situations
While being a mental health counselor can be taxing at times and comes with many
disadvantages, the rewards of the profession far outweigh the disadvantages. However, while
most may work a regular 40-hour workday, there are times when work can call you in odd ours
of the night. Counselors may also have to travel to the homes, offices, or convenient safe location
requested by the client. Additionally, you maybe summons to court as a witness for a client.
Being a mental counselor is not a part time or seasonal job as you are committed to that client
CAREER EXPLORATION 7
until you both agree otherwise. Some potential hazard would be counselor burnout, having a
client develop an obsessive relationship with you, higher risk of suicide for male therapist, stress
and possible depression, transferred trauma from client, isolation in the work content and
potentially working with a client who is extremely mentally ill and becomes violent [ CITATION
Boa19 \l 1033 ]
Conclusion
To conclude, I do think that in order to be an effective and efficient counselor one have to
be open to change. As such, I find all the aspects of the counseling profession’s characteristics
and requirements appealing. Every situation is different, and I am sure that I may require a
certain skill for one client that I may not need to use on another. Working with services members
who have dealt with trauma has prepared me for the task ahead and in addition to that, I still hold
the core values of honor, courage and commitment dear to my heart which I live by daily in
addition to others. My strong belief system as also guided me in the right direction with values
such as honest, integrity, caring, and empathetic and serving qualities. I look forward to marrying
these with my career goals and opportunities in the future. The goal is to one day open my own
mental trauma in patient and outpatient center that would help victims of trauma cope and live a
healthy productive life. Unfortunately, we hear about veterans and service members committing
suicide daily. It would be great if I can lend an active hand in lower that number. Lastly, While
O*Net provided lots of information on the career standpoint, I would have loved to see a website
that provided more stats and information so that I was not tracking back and forth to research the
simple stats that were needed to complete this paper.
References
CAREER EXPLORATION 8
Board of Professional Affairs’ Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance. (2019).
https://www.apaservices.org. Retrieved October 1, 2019, from Professional Health and
Well-being for Psychologists: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/ce/self-care/well-
being
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). www.bls.gov. Retrieved October 2, 2019, from www.bls.gov.
Handel, M. J. (2016). The O*NET content model: strengths and limitations. Journal for Labour
Market Research, 49(2), 156-176. Retrieved October 2, 2019, from
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12651-016-0199-8
Silver, F. (n.d.). https://work.chron.com/rewards-being-therapist-7730.html. Retrieved October 1,
2019, from www.work.chron.com: https://work.chron.com/rewards-being-therapist-
7730.html
Wampold, B. E. (2008). Qualities and Actions of Effective Therapists. American Psychological
Association: Continuing Education in Psychology. Retrieved October 2, 2019
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