Licensed Professional (Mental Health) Counselor Salary Guide By Region & Specialization

Mental health counselors help people with mental health, emotional, and relationship problems. They may also work with other specialists like substance abuse counselors or behavior analysts to support patients who also have drug and substance abuse issues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mental health counselors “treat clients with a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal impulses.” They may conduct this treatment through one-on-one counseling or with couples or small groups. Depending on their specialty, mental health counselors may work with specific populations like college students or the elderly.

The need for mental health counselors is growing: the BLS (2023) estimates that demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors will grow 18 percent nationally between 2022 and 2032.

There is a particular need for mental health counselors in rural areas, as there is a limited number of mental health professionals working in these areas. However, those working in rural areas—particularly the South—typically earn less than urban-based mental health counselors.

As mental health counseling billing rates are commonly tied to what services are covered by insurance, pay differs greatly based on setting, location, and type(s) of insurance typical for patients in that area. According to the BLS (May 2022), there were 344,970 mental health counselors nationally (including those in substance abuse and behavioral disorders). They earned an average annual salary of $56,230 and the following percentiles:

Mental health counselors are ranked by the U.S. News and World Report (2023) as the second-best social services job and within the top hundred of jobs overall. As the field quickly grows, mental health counselors enjoy a low unemployment rate of 0.5 percent. A huge contributor to this growth is that insurance companies are starting to cover mental health counseling instead of therapy provided by psychologists and psychiatrists, who commonly charge higher rates.

While mental health counseling commonly requires a master’s degree and certification, it has a faster pathway to the workforce than psychiatry or psychology, which require a doctorate.

Those interested in becoming a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) must first complete a master’s or doctorate in counseling. Many states maintain a list of approved schools that have demonstrated compliance with state and national requirements for professional standards.

Prospective LHMCs must also complete a practicum and internship element before applying to sit for the National Counseling Exam (NCE). This exam is administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is an important step in applying for national certification through the NBCC to work as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

LHMCs may also apply for specialty certificates through the NBCC, such as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). After passing the NCE and meeting NCC requirements for certification, prospective counselors may apply to work as an LHMC through the state. Always check with state licensing boards to learn more about their requirements. These requirements commonly vary from state to state and may even include what types of degrees you must have. Be sure to check prior to applying to an approved master’s degree program.

Mental health counselors commonly work in a fast-paced environment and may have a high caseload (i.e., number of patients) with unique and important needs, depending on the setting.

They commonly report high levels of stress and can feel overwhelmed in such an intense environment. Mental health counselors may also feel emotional burnout or compassion fatigue. However, mental health counselors also enjoy flexible jobs with above-average opportunities for upward mobility. This means that mental health counselors can advance relatively quickly in organizations and see salary increases commensurate with their new position.

Read on to learn how much mental health counselors make, where they are employed, and the top-paying clinical specializations.