Mental Health Counselor Research Paper

834 Words4 Pages
Everyday, millions of people worldwide experience stress and emotional hardship which may negatively affect their mental health. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2012), 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health issue annually, with symptoms manifesting in forms of depression, anxiety, isolation, and substance abuse. I believe that as a Mental Health Counsellor, I can make a difference in someone’s mental struggle through positive guidance and support, while directing them into living a fulfilling and stress-free life. Mental health, although invisible compared to a large gash or scar, is just as important as physical health and needs to be treated as such. I understand this, which is why I want to pursue a career in…show more content…
As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), “Mental health counsellors are licensed professionals who help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with family and other relationships”. Typically, Mental Health Counsellors will speak with patients and work with them through interviews and observational methods to devise a treatment plan that supports the patient’s needs or goals (Carleton University, n.d.). In addition, this career has multiple duties and responsibilities which are dependent on the place of employment. If a Mental Health Counsellor works in a medical setting, for example, responsibilities may include speaking with hospitalized patients about their feelings regarding a recent diagnosis, offering support for a patient’s family, or helping a patient mentally prepare for hospital release. All-in-all, a Mental Health Counsellor’s main responsibility is “to help the patient cope with their situation, overcome dependencies and work towards positive goals” (Carleton University, n.d., p.1), whether the place of employment is within a private practice or in a public medical…show more content…
For many positions, a master’s degree in psychology (or a closely related field) is preferred, in addition to the completion of a supervised practicum to gain experience in the workplace (The Hospital for SickKids, n.d.). Achieving this requires approximately four years of undergraduate schooling, along with two years of graduate study (about $40,000 in educational costs). Additionally, it is very useful to become certified under the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), which can be obtained after graduating with a Master’s degree. I am aware of the large amount of work and money that I must put into my education in order to pursue this career path, but I feel as though my academic efforts will be worth it. According to Neuvoo (2018), the average salary of a Canadian Mental Health Counsellor is $61,818 annually, or approximately $32 per hour- with more experienced workers making up to $87,000 annually. Also, many Mental Health Counsellors are eligible for extended health benefits and pension plans if employed in a hospital or other public medical setting. That being said, although a fair amount of money and effort is required to become a Mental Health Counsellor, the career does come with advantages involving pay and health
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