There are currently an estimated 157,700 mental health counselors in the United States. The mental health counselor job market is expected to grow by 23.1% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are mental health counselors?
CareerExplorer rates mental health counselors with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 43,000 mental health counselors. That number is based on 36,500 additional mental health counselors, and the retirement of 6,500 existing mental health counselors.