In the Air Force:
Chaplain; Clinical Psychologist, Aviation Psychologist; Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Health Psychologist; Clinical Psychologist, Operational Psychologist; Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Service Apprentice; Mental Health Service Journeyman; Mental Health Service Superintendent; Religious Affairs Craftsman; Religious Affairs Journeyman; Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC)
In the Army:
Behavioral Health Specialist; Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Command and Unit Chaplain; Medical Service Corps Officer; Nurse Corps Officer; Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Nurse; Social Work
In the Marine Corps:
Correctional Counselor; Substance Abuse Control Officer; Substance Abuse Control Specialist
In the Navy:
Behavioral Health Technician; Chaplain; Chaplain Specialist; Clinical Psychologist; Clinical Social Worker; Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor; Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor Intern; Navy Primary Prevention (PP) and Human Factors Process (HFP) Advanced Professional Development Train the Trainer Certification; Religious Program Specialist; Supervisory Chaplain
Individuals struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse often need focused help to recover their well-being, and make changes in behavior that will improve their lives. Counselors offer the treatment and support that helps people recover. Substance abuse counselors and behavioral disorder counselors, teach clients how to cope with life’s problems without turning to substances, modify problem behaviors, help them rebuild relationships and, if necessary, reestablish their career. Mental health counselors treat clients with a variety of mental and emotional health issues and relationship problems. They may specialize in a population such as students, children, or the elderly. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work in a wide variety of settings, including mental health centers and hospitals, prisons, and addiction or eating disorder treatment centers. Although rewarding, the work can be stressful, with large workloads, and often limited resources. They also may have to intervene in crisis situations or work with disturbed clients. Most counselors work full time. In some settings, they may need to work evenings, nights, or weekends. All states require mental health counselors to be licensed, which requires a master’s degree, internship, and a period of professionally supervised practice. For substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor positions, educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a master’s degree. Licensure requirements vary by state and position, though all who work in private practice must be licensed.
What they do:
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
On the job, you would:
Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
Math and Science
psychology
sociology and anthropology
Health
therapy and counseling
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
understanding people's reactions
looking for ways to help people
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Concern for Others
Stress Tolerance
Integrity
Self Control
Social Orientation
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoft
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Internet browser software
Netscape Navigator
Web browser software
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.