[Core] [28% incumbents] Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
  DWAs: Maintain client information or service records. | Maintain client records.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
  DWAs: Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.
  DWAs: Respond to emergencies to provide assistance. | Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
  DWAs: Maintain client records. | Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
  DWAs: Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals. | Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Perform crisis interventions with clients.
  DWAs: Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.
  DWAs: Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
  DWAs: Write reports or evaluations. | Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
  DWAs: Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
  DWAs: Collect information about clients. | Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
  DWAs: Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress. | Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or educational programs.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Supervise other counselors, social service staff, assistants, or graduate students.
  DWAs: Supervise workers providing client or patient services.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Discuss with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.
  DWAs: Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.
  DWAs: Refer clients to community or social service programs.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Collaborate with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.
  DWAs: Develop treatment plans for patients or clients. | Develop health assessment methods or programs. | Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Learn about new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.
  DWAs: Maintain professional social services knowledge. | Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Plan, organize, or lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients.
  DWAs: Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.
  DWAs: Collect information about community health needs.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting clients or patients.
  DWAs: Counsel family members of clients or patients.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counseling services.
  DWAs: Plan programs to address community health issues.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Meet with families, probation officers, police, or other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.
  DWAs: Confer with family members to discuss client treatment plans or progress. | Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.

[Core] [28% incumbents] Coordinate or direct employee workshops, courses, or training about mental health issues.
  DWAs: Lead classes or community events. | Train staff members in social services skills.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
  DWAs: Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
  DWAs: Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information.
  DWAs: Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
  DWAs: Advocate for individual or community needs. | Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Monitor clients' use of medications.
  DWAs: Provide basic health care services.

[EMERGING:Revision] Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems and coping with triggering factors.

[EMERGING:New] Respond to client communications by monitoring voicemail and email, returning phone calls, and making follow-up calls for missed appointments.

--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:5.00 lvl:5.00) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:4.25 lvl:4.25) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:4.12 lvl:4.75) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing (imp:4.12 lvl:4.12) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Critical Thinking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.38) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Learning (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Monitoring (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.12 lvl:3.88) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Science (imp:2.75 lvl:3.62) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Mathematics (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Using mathematics to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:5.00 lvl:6.96) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Psychology (imp:4.96 lvl:6.71) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.50 lvl:5.93) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  English Language (imp:4.32 lvl:4.36) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:4.15 lvl:5.14) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Education and Training (imp:3.75 lvl:5.04) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Administrative (imp:3.61 lvl:4.39) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Telecommunications (imp:3.11 lvl:2.14) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Administration and Management (imp:2.96 lvl:3.54) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:2.96 lvl:4.00) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.89 lvl:3.39) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Law and Government (imp:2.89 lvl:2.93) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:2.86 lvl:2.68) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Communications and Media (imp:2.82 lvl:2.89) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.64 lvl:2.86) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.64 lvl:2.46) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.46 lvl:3.04) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.32 lvl:2.14) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Biology (imp:2.21 lvl:2.14) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Foreign Language (imp:2.21 lvl:2.29) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Mathematics (imp:2.11 lvl:2.32) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  History and Archeology (imp:1.96 lvl:2.00) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Geography (imp:1.71 lvl:1.57) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Production and Processing (imp:1.54 lvl:0.89) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Transportation (imp:1.50 lvl:0.86) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Fine Arts (imp:1.43 lvl:0.79) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.25 lvl:0.36) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Chemistry (imp:1.21 lvl:0.46) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Design (imp:1.11 lvl:0.29) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Physics (imp:1.04 lvl:0.04) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Food Production (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Building and Construction (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Mechanical (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.88 lvl:5.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:4.62 lvl:5.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:4.25 lvl:5.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.12 lvl:4.38) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:4.12 lvl:4.25) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:4.12 lvl:4.88) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:4.12 lvl:5.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Speech Recognition (imp:4.12 lvl:4.50) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:4.12 lvl:4.62) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Information Ordering (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Originality (imp:3.38 lvl:4.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Selective Attention (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Near Vision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Memorization (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Far Vision (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Time Sharing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.00) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.25 lvl:2.50) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Visualization (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Finger Dexterity (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Response Orientation (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Reaction Time (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Static Strength (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Manual Dexterity (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Stamina (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Rate Control (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Control Precision (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Depth Perception (imp:1.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.86 lvl:5.93) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Getting Information (imp:4.64 lvl:4.82) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:4.64 lvl:5.82) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.54 lvl:5.21) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.50 lvl:4.79) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Thinking Creatively (imp:4.33 lvl:5.07) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.29 lvl:5.50) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:4.26 lvl:4.86) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:4.19 lvl:4.44) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:4.18 lvl:5.14) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.14 lvl:4.86) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:4.11 lvl:4.29) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:4.04 lvl:4.96) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:4.00 lvl:5.07) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.96 lvl:4.75) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.93 lvl:5.04) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.89 lvl:4.07) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Working with Computers (imp:3.86 lvl:3.21) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.78 lvl:4.96) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.75 lvl:4.43) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Processing Information (imp:3.75 lvl:4.75) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.74 lvl:3.75) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.68 lvl:4.39) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.61 lvl:3.96) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.52 lvl:3.96) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.18 lvl:4.04) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.61 lvl:2.25) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.61 lvl:2.71) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.54 lvl:2.79) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.39 lvl:2.61) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.25 lvl:1.79) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.07 lvl:1.81) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.93 lvl:1.86) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:1.61 lvl:0.93) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.61 lvl:0.71) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:1.54 lvl:0.86) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:1.32 lvl:0.71) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:1.32 lvl:0.71) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.21 lvl:0.36) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.07 lvl:0.11) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.07 lvl:0.11) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Attention to Detail (imp:10.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:9.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cooperation (imp:8.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:7.00) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Self-Control (imp:6.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Stress Tolerance (imp:5.00) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Empathy (imp:4.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Adaptability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Empathy (imp:3.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation (imp:2.96) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Sincerity (imp:2.89) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Dependability (imp:2.71) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.55) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control (imp:2.46) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Social Orientation (imp:2.38) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Optimism (imp:2.27) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Integrity (imp:2.17) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.14) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Adaptability (imp:2.05) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Optimism (imp:2.00) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.83) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.82) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.79) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Perseverance (imp:1.77) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Humility (imp:1.70) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.57) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Initiative (imp:1.53) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.42) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Innovation (imp:1.30) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Sincerity (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.64) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Dependability () — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:5.00 lvl:5.75) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Service Orientation (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Persuasion (imp:3.62 lvl:3.88) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.50) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Negotiation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.75) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Instructing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.00 lvl:3.50) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.88) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.75 lvl:3.00) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Programming (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Technology Design (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Operation and Control (imp:1.00) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : N/A
  annual_median    : N/A
  annual_pct10     : N/A
  annual_pct25     : N/A
  annual_pct75     : N/A
  annual_pct90     : N/A
  annual_mean      : N/A
  hourly_median    : N/A

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : N/A
  lowest_state     : N/A
  dispersion_ratio : N/A

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (0 total) ---

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (0 total) ---

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Mental health counselor
match_score        : 0.9787
wikidata_qid       : Q6817463
word_count         : 772
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_health_counselor
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:58:18.626138Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A mental health counselor (MHC), often simply counselor (counsellor in British English), is a person who works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Such persons may help individuals deal with issues associated with addiction and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.  The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics distinguishes "Mental Health Counselors" from "Social Workers", "Psychiatrists", and "Psychologists".


== Duties ==
The legal definition of a counselor varies due to the different specializations within counseling. In their own jurisdictions, there are counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. In spite of such definitions, many mental health professionals reject the medical model (which assumes that clients are "disordered") in favor of broader viewpoints, such as those that emerged from systems psychology.


== Service users ==
MHCs work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to address and treat emotional and mental disorders and to promote mental health. Most mental health counselors in the U.S. work in outpatient and residential care centers, individual and family services, and local governments. They are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress, problems with self-esteem, and grief. They also help with job and career concerns, educational decisions, issues related to mental and emotional health, and family, parenting, marital, or other relationship problems. Some career concerns include helping employees who have mental health conditions to manage their health condition whilst adhering to organizational demands to demonstrate performance and commitment to their work.
MHCs also continue to play a growing role in the military mental health crisis, helping military personnel and their families deal with issues such as PTSD. MHCs often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.  Many mental health counselors look to help their clients have a concise whole body treatment plan that addresses all the needs of the client. In the United States, MHCs diagnose as well as treat mental illness, though the scope of practice for mental health practitioners varies from state to state.
There are some mental health counselors who are able to prescribe medication. There are psychiatrists and mental health practitioners. Recently, there have been a few states that have allowed licensed psychologists with additional training to be able to prescribe. And there is a recent motion that is allowing interstate practice, meaning that counselors can use their license in other states than the one they received their license in.


== Regulation ==


=== United States ===
Licensing requirements can vary depending on which state a mental health counselor practices in. Across the United States, mental health counseling licensure is required to independently practice, but can be practiced without a license if under close supervision of a licensed practitioner. Licensing titles for mental health counselors vary from state to state: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and various forms of these titles may list differently per state statues. The title "Mental Health Counselor" (or variation thereof) is often a protected title and thus it may be a violation of state law for persons to hold themselves as such without a proper credential.
A licensed mental health counselor holds a minimum of a master's degree in counseling or another closely related field in mental health care. After obtaining a master's degree, mental health counselors complete two to three years (depending on various state statutes) of clinical work under the supervision of a licensed or certified mental health professional. The qualifications for licensure are similar to those for marriage and family therapists and for clinical social workers. Becoming a counselor and using it in daily life to help others to learn more about themselves is not a reason for someone to pursue a degree within this field. Ethics within this profession require the counselor to remain professional to be able to adequately treat patients. Remaining detached as the witness to a client's thought, feelings, and emotions can be a hard thing to do, but will ultimately reassure a patient that there are no judgement to what they will share. Guiding a patient to understand themselves and their choices is also another aspect of this profession.


== See also ==
List of counseling topics
Mental health professional
Psychotherapist
Nonviolent communication
Social worker
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Occupational therapist
Expressive therapy
Behavior therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy


== References ==


=== Citations ===


=== General sources ===


== External links ==
American Counseling Association
American Mental Health Counselors Association
[1]

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Licensed professional counselor (similarity: 0.5091)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensed_professional_counselor
  QID: Q6543051
  Extract: Licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a licensure for mental health professionals in some countries.

  Title: Licensed behavior analyst (similarity: 0.2857)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensed_behavior_analyst
  QID: Q8975326
  Extract: A licensed behavior analyst is a type of applied behavior analysis practitioner in the United States. They have at least a master's degree, and sometimes a doctorate, in behavior analysis or a related field. Behavior analysts apply radical behaviorism to people. To become licensed, behavior analysts

  Title: Applied behavior analysis (similarity: 0.2449)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_behavior_analysis
  QID: Q621607
  Extract: Applied behavior analysis (ABA), also referred to as behavioral engineering, is a psychological discipline that uses respondent and operant conditioning to change human and animal behavior. ABA is the applied form of behavior analysis; the other two are: radical behaviorism and experimental analysis

  Title: Perspectives on Behavior Science (similarity: 0.1071)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspectives_on_Behavior_Science
  QID: Q15756004
  Extract: Perspectives on Behavior Science is a semiannual peer-reviewed scientific journal covering behavior analysis. It was established in 1978 and is published by Springer Science+Business Media on behalf of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, of which it is the official journal. It was p

  Title: Behaviorism (similarity: 0.2857)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorism
  QID: Q168338
  Extract: Behaviorism is a systematic approach to understanding the behavior of humans and other animals. It assumes that behavior is either a reflex elicited by the pairing of certain antecedent stimuli in the environment, or a consequence of that individual's history, including especially reinforcement and 

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data, exact Wikipedia match, clear education requirements, and well-defined professional scope with specific licensing requirements.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T16:25:18.994819+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,607
tokens_output        : 4,188
cost_usd             : $0.045141
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Mental health counselor
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms the role definition and distinguishes Mental Health Counselors from other mental health professions in the Bureau of Labor Statistics classification system. The entry aligns with O*NET data regarding the scope of issues addressed including addiction, family problems, and stress management.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Mental Health Counselors provide therapeutic services to individuals and groups to promote optimal mental and emotional health, with a focus on prevention and treatment of various psychological issues. They help clients address challenges including addiction, family problems, stress management, and other mental health concerns through evidence-based counseling approaches. These professionals maintain detailed treatment records, develop individualized treatment plans, and perform crisis interventions when necessary.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Mental Health Counselors spend their days conducting individual and group therapy sessions, where they encourage clients to express feelings and develop insight into their situations. They assess clients for suicide risk and perform crisis interventions to ensure safety when needed. Significant time is devoted to documenting sessions, maintaining confidential client records, and completing required federal and state-mandated forms. They develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience, collect information through interviews and observations, and guide clients in developing coping strategies and life skills.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role possess exceptional social orientation and interpersonal skills, demonstrated by the high importance of establishing and maintaining relationships with clients. They exhibit strong attention to detail and integrity, which are critical for maintaining confidential records and providing ethical care. These professionals have excellent oral and written communication abilities, enabling them to conduct effective therapy sessions and document treatment accurately. They demonstrate high emotional intelligence and self-control, allowing them to remain composed during crisis situations and provide stable support to clients in distress.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry into this profession typically requires a Master's degree, with 89.3% of practitioners holding this credential according to O*NET data. Additional specialized training includes post-master's certificates (7.1%) and first professional degrees (3.6%) that prepare individuals for advanced clinical practice. Most states require licensure, which involves supervised clinical hours and passing state examinations. New graduates often begin in supervised clinical settings before pursuing independent practice.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Mental Health Counselors can advance to senior clinical roles, private practice ownership, or specialized therapeutic areas such as marriage and family therapy or substance abuse counseling. Some pursue additional education to become Clinical and Counseling Psychologists or advance into supervisory and administrative positions within mental health organizations. The extensive preparation required (Job Zone 5) positions practitioners for leadership roles in program development and clinical supervision.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, Mental Health Counselors earn competitive wages reflecting their advanced education and specialized skills. The profession shows strong growth potential driven by increased awareness of mental health issues and expanded insurance coverage for mental health services. Employment opportunities are particularly strong in healthcare facilities, community mental health centers, and private practice settings. Geographic demand varies, with urban areas and regions with comprehensive healthcare systems typically offering more opportunities and higher compensation.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Mental Health Counselors face low automation risk due to the inherently human nature of therapeutic relationships and the need for complex emotional intelligence. The core activities of establishing interpersonal relationships, providing emotional support, and making nuanced clinical decisions require human empathy and professional judgment that cannot be replicated by technology. While digital tools may enhance documentation and communication, the fundamental counseling process remains dependent on human connection and clinical expertise.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (21-1023.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share identical top skills including Active Listening (5.0 importance) and require extensive knowledge of therapy and counseling approaches.
    data: Active Listening skill importance 5.0
    data: Therapy and Counseling knowledge level 7.0
    data: O*NET primary-short relationship
  [task_similarity] Marriage and Family Therapists (21-1013.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve developing treatment plans, conducting therapy sessions, and maintaining confidential client records with similar work activities.
    data: Assisting and Caring for Others activity importance 4.9
    data: Making Decisions and Solving Problems importance 4.5
    data: O*NET primary-short relationship
  [career_pathway] Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (19-3033.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Mental Health Counselors can advance to psychology roles through additional doctoral education, sharing core psychological knowledge and therapeutic skills.
    data: Psychology knowledge importance 5.0
    data: Job Zone 5 extensive preparation
    data: O*NET primary-short relationship
  [riasec_cluster] Rehabilitation Counselors (21-1015.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both occupations share dominant Social orientation in RIASEC profiles and focus on helping individuals overcome personal challenges.
    data: Social RIASEC score 6.79
    data: Social Orientation work style importance 7.0
    data: O*NET primary-short relationship
  [knowledge_overlap] Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors (21-1011.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require extensive therapy and counseling knowledge plus psychology background to address behavioral and mental health issues.
    data: Therapy and Counseling knowledge level 7.0
    data: Psychology knowledge importance 5.0
    data: O*NET primary-long relationship

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['mental health counselor', 'clinical counselor', 'behavioral health counselor', 'therapist', 'counseling', 'therapy', 'mental health', 'clinical mental health']
  exclude_keywords : ['psychiatrist', 'psychologist', 'social worker', 'nurse', 'assistant']
  title_patterns   : ['*Mental Health Counselor*', '*Clinical Counselor*', '*Behavioral Health*Counselor*', '*Therapist', '*CMHC*']
  common_variations: ['MHC', 'CMHC', 'Clinical Mental Health Counselor', 'Behavioral Health Clinician', 'Mental Health Therapist', 'Clinical Counselor', 'Behavioral Health Counselor', 'Licensed Mental Health Counselor']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['health', 'mental', 'tendency', 'others', 'clients', 'behavior', 'equipment', 'treatment', 'problems', 'needs', 'counselors', 'client', 'counseling', 'social', 'principles', 'patients', 'clinical', 'services', 'programs', 'family']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
health                     50  0.01494  wikipedia            wikipedia:54%  inference:26%  dwas:10%
mental                     48  0.01435  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  inference:27%  onet_tasks:8%
tendency                   42  0.01255  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     41  0.01225  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:93%  onet_tasks:2%  dwas:2%
clients                    36  0.01076  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:39%  dwas:36%  inference:17%
behavior                   24  0.00717  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  onet_dimensions:12%
equipment                  23  0.00687  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
treatment                  20  0.00598  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:30%  dwas:25%  inference:25%
problems                   18  0.00538  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  onet_tasks:22%  wikipedia:17%
needs                      18  0.00538  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:44%  dwas:44%  onet_tasks:6%
counselors                 17  0.00508  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  inference:35%  onet_tasks:6%
client                     16  0.00478  dwas                 dwas:50%  onet_tasks:31%  wikipedia:12%
counseling                 16  0.00478  wikipedia            wikipedia:31%  onet_tasks:25%  inference:25%
social                     16  0.00478  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:31%  wikipedia:25%  onet_tasks:19%
principles                 16  0.00478  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
patients                   15  0.00448  dwas                 dwas:47%  onet_tasks:40%  onet_dimensions:7%
clinical                   15  0.00448  inference            inference:60%  wikipedia:27%  onet_tasks:13%
services                   15  0.00448  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:40%  dwas:27%  onet_tasks:13%
programs                   14  0.00418  dwas                 dwas:50%  onet_dimensions:29%  onet_tasks:21%
family                     13  0.00388  wikipedia            wikipedia:38%  dwas:23%  inference:23%
activities                 13  0.00388  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:69%  onet_tasks:15%  dwas:8%
includes                   13  0.00388  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
control                    13  0.00388  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
issues                     12  0.00359  dwas                 dwas:33%  wikipedia:33%  inference:25%
analysis                   12  0.00359  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_dimensions:33%
objects                    12  0.00359  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
counselor                  12  0.00359  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
plans                      11  0.00329  dwas                 dwas:36%  onet_tasks:27%  onet_dimensions:18%
therapy                    11  0.00329  wikipedia            wikipedia:45%  inference:27%  onet_tasks:18%
resources                  11  0.00329  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:82%  onet_tasks:18%
human                      11  0.00329  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:64%  inference:27%  wikipedia:9%
techniques                 11  0.00329  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
ideas                      11  0.00329  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
body                       11  0.00329  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
records                    10  0.00299  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:30%  dwas:30%  inference:30%
community                  10  0.00299  dwas                 dwas:60%  onet_tasks:30%  inference:10%
maintaining                10  0.00299  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  inference:30%  onet_tasks:10%
providing                  10  0.00299  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:20%  dwas:10%
management                 10  0.00299  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:20%  wikipedia:10%
events                     10  0.00299  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  dwas:10%  wikipedia:10%