Mental Health Counsellors & Therapists
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
There are many different occupations that include the role of counselling. Some of these can be noted in the 'Related Occupations' list at the bottom of this page. It's important to note that for some counselling occupations and positions there may be a range of appropriate professional or educational pathways. Factors that may influence the counselling occupation and training program you choose are: the type of organization you want to work for, your preferred timeline for training/schooling, areas of specialization (what issues you'd like to help people with), personal philosophies or preferred approaches, and the demographic of people that you'd like to help.
Counsellors who provide psychotherapy have a range of educational backgrounds and may choose a specific area of practice. More information about areas of work and specific disciplines of study can be found on the following occupational profile pages:
Marriage and Family Therapist
Religious/Spiritual Leaders & Professionals
Psychologist
School and Guidance Counsellor
Social Worker
Addictions Counsellor (OCCinfo by alis)
Occupational profile
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu: Counsellor - occupational profile (U.S)
- Profile of a Psychotherapist - AllPsychologyschools.com
- Careers in and Related to Psychology - Canadian Psychological Association
Education
Most Mental Health Counselling occupations require graduate school (ONET Online). The University of Manitoba provides education in some, but not all counseling specializations or pathway options. Five common educational pathways that prepare students for a career in mental health counselling are: Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy (MMFT) Graduate Studies, including a PsyD, in Clinical and Counselling Psychology; Masters in Social Work, M.A. in Counselling, and M.Ed. Counselling Psychology.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Faculty of Arts - Department of Psychology - Clinical Psychology
- Faculty of Education - Masters - Counselling Psychology specialization
- Faculty of Social Work - Master of Social Work
Exploring Other Education Options
- Search Directories
- CCPA's Council on Accreditation of Counsellor Education Programs
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (U.S)
- Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation Approved Courses
- Indigenous Certification Board of Canada Accredited Addictions Counselling Programs
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Explore the Market: Trend Analysis - Government of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - U.S. job outlook information
- I want to be an addictions counsellor. What will my salary be? - The Globe & Mail
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
- American Counselling Association
- The Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors
- Canadian Association for Spiritual Care
- American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
- Canadian Association of Social Work
- Manitoba Psychological Society
- Psychological Association of Manitoba
- American Psychological Association
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- 211 Manitoba - social services directory
- Canadian Association of Community Health Centres - members
- Therapists and Counselling Organizations in Manitoba - Theravive
- Therapists in Manitoba - listing from Psychology Today
Job Boards
- CAMFT Job Board
- Canadian Professional Counsellors Association
- Manitoba Health-Care Careers - Job board for counsellors of varying specialties
- AAMFT Job Connection - U.S. Job Postings
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience: