Mental Health Counselor Job Description
Mental health counselors work with individuals and groups to promote mental health, with either an emphasis on mental health issue prevention or treatment.
Mental health counselors may help individuals or groups deal with issues such as substance abuse, family, marital, suicide, stress management, problems with self-esteem or other issues related to emotional and mental health.
Typical Job Duties
• Monitor the use of medication by clients
• Discuss with patients their plans for life after treatment
• Maintain current knowledge within the field by reading relevant professional publications as well as attending courses and seminars
• Modify treatments in order to adjust to change in patient’s status
• Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and help them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships
• Refer to other professionals when applicable
• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives
• Guide clients in finding suitable strategies to deal with issues pertaining to mental and emotional health
• Plan or implement programs to prevent or treat substance abuse
