What does a mental health counselor do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors advise people on addictions, depression and other issues and support prevention and recovery. Requirements range from a bachelor's degree to a master's with an internship. BLS reports a median pay of $59,350 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 21-1018 |
| O*NET code | 21-1014.00, 21-1011.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $59,350 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 18 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 533,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a mental health counselor do?
BLS says these counselors evaluate clients' mental and physical health, addiction or problem behavior and readiness for treatment, develop and review treatment goals and plans with clients and families, teach coping and recovery skills, document client progress and refer clients to other services such as job placement and support groups, prepare clients for discharge and run outreach on recognizing addiction.
Work environment
Counselors work in settings such as mental health centers, prisons, probation agencies and hospitals. Offices of other health practitioners employ 20 percent, outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers 16 percent and individual and family services 15 percent. Most work full time, though part-time work is common, and inpatient and residential roles may require evenings, nights or weekends.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need a bachelor's degree, though requirements range from a high school diploma to a master's. Mental health counselors typically need a master's degree and an internship. All states require mental health counselors to be licensed, and private-practice substance abuse counselors must be licensed.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, compassion, interpersonal skills, listening and patience as important qualities for this work.
How much does a mental health counselor make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors to grow 18 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 50,500 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Check your state licensing board early, since the required degree and supervised hours differ by counseling type.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Social workers, School and career counselors, Registered nurses, Physicians and surgeons, Human resources specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Do mental health counselors need a license? BLS says all states require mental health counselors to be licensed, and private-practice substance abuse counselors must be licensed.
What degree do substance abuse counselors need? BLS says they typically need a bachelor's degree, though requirements range from a high school diploma to a master's.
How much do substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is mental health counselor a good career? BLS projects 18 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 50,500 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Social Worker Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a School Counselor Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Registered Nurse Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Physician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 21-1014.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1014.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 21-1011.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/21-1011.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.