Becoming a Mental Health Counselor is a guide for students on the path to becoming licensed mental health therapists, as well as those just starting their careers. Filled with practical advice and tips, this book guides the reader through early career milestones of psychotherapists, including professional identity development, applying for jobs, and obtaining licensure. Volungis also discusses the reality of the profession, emphasizing the importance of self-care, ethics, personal identity, and managing expectations. The book concludes with an exploration of private practice and the next steps in the career ladder. Ideally suited for professional development courses, this volume helps students prepare for life outside of school. It shows them how to transform the knowledge they've gained into a successful career.

Adam M. Volungis is a counseling psychologist and licensed mental health counselor. He has worked with a variety of populations in multiple settings using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for more than fifteen years. Volungis is associate professor and the CBT concentration coordinator in the Clinical Counseling Psychology Program at Assumption University. He is also president of the New England Psychological Association and the author of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Theory into Practice.

Preface

Acknowledgments

1 Is Being a Mental Health Counselor the Right Career Choice for You?

2 Professional Identity Development and Ethics

3 Education and Licensure Requirements

4 Expectations beyond Counseling

5 Obtaining the Right Job

6 Self-Care: Preventing Burnout and Enjoying Life

7 Developing and Expanding Your Counseling Skills

8 Private Practice

Appendix

References

Index

About the Author