Get Certified Fast with Essential Mental Health Counselor Tips

To become a certified mental health counselor, you typically need to follow a structured path:

1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Most certification programs require a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
2. Complete a Master’s Program: Enroll in an accredited master's program in mental health counseling. This is where you’ll gain specialized knowledge and practical skills.
3. Accumulate Supervised Experience: Most states require a specific number of supervised hours, which can range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours, depending on the state¹.
4. Pass the Licensing Exam: After completing your education and supervised experience, you must pass a state-recognized licensing exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE).