When you complete an advanced degree, you prove that you possess the skills and knowledge needed to tackle current challenges in the field. For those who are interested in advancing their careers in the mental health sector, an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, presents theories and techniques necessary to excel as a professional who can also provide effective clinical counseling services.
A mental healthcare professional who has focused his or her studies on clinical counseling is equipped to treat a wide array of patients in varying environments. From family to multicultural counseling, when you are ready to rise to that level in your career, clinical mental health counseling graduate programs tailored to meet your job aspirations and licensing requirements are available.
What do clinical mental health counselors do?
Professionals who are qualified to provide clinical counseling services have fine-tuned many of their mental healthcare skills such as traditional psychotherapy. Many are also expected to have working knowledge of psychopathology and psychological testing capabilities. These professionals are able to correctly assess and diagnose patients while keeping sessions short and focused. If a substance abuse treatment or prevention program for a patient is the next step, it is given; if the patient needs more sessions, they are scheduled.
Career preparation with an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Because those who provide clinical counseling services are held to a higher standard within the mental healthcare field, an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare students to meet those standards. Expect to take courses that cover the foundations of the trade, counseling theories and techniques and research approaches. As you progress through the clinical services-focused program, it will become more specific and cover cases related to marriage, abuse and crisis. Then, before your program is over, topics in ethics and how the law affects you professionally are likely to be on the course list.
Where you can provide clinical counseling services
An M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on clinical counseling services affords you the opportunity to work in a variety of environments like public health institutions, schools and medical facilities working with an array of patients ranging from individuals to families.
Because many mental healthcare professionals eventually open their own practices or work on a freelance basis, a career development course often accompanies an advanced degree. Therefore, completion of an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on clinical counseling services not only prepares you for the workforce, but it also attempts to ensure you can walk back into the labor market with some self-marketing and career-ladder climbing prowess.
Sources:
http://www.amhca.org/about-lamar-university/aboutus
http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/mental-health-counselor/salary
