If you’re a compassionate person who enjoys helping others, you’ve probably thought about becoming a counselor. Clinical health counselors are professionals who have the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of others — helping individuals overcome challenges and grow as people. One region that has begun to experience an increase in the need for clinical health counselors is the state of Ohio.
With rising rates of drug abuse and a drastic rise in youth depression, it’s estimated that there will be a shortage of trained professionals qualified to deal with these issues in the coming decade. If you find that you’re interested in becoming part of the solution, it can be helpful to understand the process of becoming a counselor in Ohio.
What Is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?
Before pursuing a career as a clinical mental health counselor, it’s important to first have an understanding of the role and what it entails. Put simply, clinical mental health counselors help individuals overcome challenges that come as a result of mental illness. They typically help individuals deal with the negative aspects and root causes of mental illness and ultimately aim to help individuals overcome experiences, emotions, and habits that are negatively impacting their lives.
Steps to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
If you feel that you’re interested in pursuing a career as a clinical mental health counselor in Ohio, understanding the steps to get there can make the process easier to navigate. Here are some steps that you’ll have to complete before stepping into the role:
Step #1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Typically, those who intend to pursue a career as a clinical mental health counselor obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology. However, if you find that you’ve received a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field but wish to transition into a career as a clinical mental health counselor, there are options for graduate degrees that can help qualify you for the role.
Step #2: Obtain a Master’s Degree in Clinical Health Counseling
Although some states don’t require individuals to obtain a master’s degree to practice as a clinical mental health counselor, some states — such as Ohio — do. As such, if you intend to practice this profession in Ohio you’ll need to complete this step.
Step #3: Become Licensed
Like most states, Ohio requires individuals to be licensed before they can start practicing as a clinical mental health counselor. In Ohio, there are two distinct licenses you’ll need to obtain. First, you’ll have to obtain a Licensed Professional Counselor license. After this, you’ll be qualified to start the process of obtaining a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor License, which will then allow you to begin practicing as a clinical mental health counselor in the state of Ohio.
Traits to Thrive in the Role
To be a successful clinical mental health counselor, there are some traits that you’ll need to possess. While some may come naturally, others can be developed over time with the right training and experience. Some important traits to thrive as a clinical mental health counselor include:
- Empathy: As a clinical mental health counselor, you’ll be helping a range of people deal with many different types of problems ranging from mild disorders to severe mental illnesses. This being the case, you’ll need to be an empathetic person to thrive in the role and help others to the best of your abilities.
- Awareness of addiction: Ohio is experiencing an uptick in substance abuse, and as a result, an uptick in substance abuse-related disorders and mental health experiences. To thrive as a clinical mental health counselor in Ohio, you’ll need to be aware of the process of addiction and the types of problems that can come as a result of the ailment. By developing an understanding of addiction, you’ll be more prepared to effectively help individuals through your work in the state of Ohio.
- Being mindful of diversity: As a clinical mental health counselor in Ohio, you’ll be helping individuals that come from a variety of backgrounds. As such, it’s important to be mindful, respectful, and aware of the different experiences that various people have. By being aware of diversity, and doing your best to honor all individuals from all types of backgrounds, you’ll be more likely to thrive in the role in the state of Ohio — or anywhere else for that matter.
Start the Process of Changing Lives
Clinical mental health professionals are an important aspect of our nation’s mental health landscape. By pursuing the role, you could potentially have a profound impact on the lives of many people. At this point, Ohio is one of the regions most in need of clinical mental health professionals. If you’re ready to start making an impact on the world, take the leap and begin the process of becoming a clinical mental health professional in Ohio.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
