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Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Scholarships Are Currently Available!

A Clinical Mental Health Counselor plays a vital role in society by helping individuals navigate emotional and psychological challenges. They provide therapy and support to people dealing with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, aiming to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. These counselors work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practices. Key character include empathy, patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trust with clients. By offering a safe and supportive environment, they help individuals develop coping strategies and achieve personal growth, making a significant positive impact on their communities.

Salary Range

Education & Timeframe

  • Start Your Journey: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or a related field Duration: ~4 years
  • Advance Your Expertise: Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or a related discipline from an accredited institution Duration: ~2-3 years
  • Gain Experience: Complete a supervised internship or practicum in a mental health clinic, counseling center, or healthcare organization to gain specialized training and experience in mental health counseling. Stay current with counseling techniques, patient care practices, and relevant research. Obtain licensure from the appropriate state licensing board to enhance qualifications and career prospects.

Scholarships Available

  • The Nevada Public Health Foundation, Inc. is promoting workforce development and employee retention through the Social Work Workforce Development Scholarship program. Each scholarship, up to $1,000, may be awarded to social work students who work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as employees, interns, practicum students, volunteers, or contractors. For more information email: info@nphf.org
  • The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, and Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is offering a scholarship for UNR and UNLV students pursuing careers in behavioral health, to address the state’s mental health workforce shortage and improve access to care. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also opens doors to valuable educational and professional opportunities, empowering students to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Please contact roberta.miranda@unlv.edu for more information.
  • The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant (NHWPG) will focus on providing funding opportunities that are intended to disseminate financial relief and incentivize individuals to pursue careers in a variety of health-related fields. The expected outcome for these funds is to support and expand the opportunity to increase the number of qualified and competent professionals in the health workforce to improve the overall health of our communities. For more information, please contact Ryan Mills at rmills@health.nv.gov.
  • The Nevada Health Equity & Loan Assistance (HEAL) Program was launched by the Nevada Treasury in 2025 to reward healthcare providers who choose to practice in Nevada. The Nevada HEAL Program provides student loan repayment up to $120,000 to providers who commit to at least 5 years of clinical practice in an eligible Nevada community. See Nevada HEAL Program for details.

Academic Institutions

Additional Information

Career Choices & Growth

  • With the appropriate education, training, or experience, individuals can pursue careers in positions and settings such as:
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Juvenile Services
    • Mental Health Therapist
    • Behavioral and Emotional Counseling
    • Child Welfare/ Advocacy Center
    • Healthcare Services
    • Licensed Clinical Social Workers
    • Substance Abuse Prevention
    • School Counselor and Advisor