Mental health counselors—often social workers or marriage and family therapists —provide counseling services for individuals, couples, families, teens, and children.

Mental health counselors must earn a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health field and complete a minimum of 2 years of clinical work after earning their degree.

Most mental health counselors are licensed by the state in which they practice and have passed a state-developed or national licensure or certification exam.