Mental Health Counselling Jobs

More and more people are seeking emotional support through counselling services.In recent years, the United Kingdom has seen a surge in demand for mental health services, and interest in counselling jobs and the mental health profession has risen with it. This field offers a variety of different careers that provide opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others by offering person-centred care. Below, we’ll explore counselling jobs in the UK and ways to pursue a career and find a job in the mental health field and join a team where you can make a difference in people's lives. 

Mental health counselling jobs

Counsellors can work in a variety of jobs to improve the mental health and well-being of others. One of the most common counselling positions is that of a mental health counsellor, also called a psychotherapist. To become a mental health counsellor in the United Kingdom, a person typically has to obtain a master’s degree and complete 450 hours of practical training. These counsellors may work in an independent practice or for various care organizations. They often provide a variety of therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure counselling, depending on the diagnosis and needs of each client. 

Key responsibilities that a mental health counsellor has include assessing the client’s needs, outlining a therapeutic plan, building a safe therapeutic relationship, guiding therapy sessions, providing emotional support, protecting client information, and keeping records. Other responsibilities of a therapist include conducting risk assessments, making sure to maintain a professional manner, adhering to clinical standards, and determining appropriate use of clinical modalities.

In order to practice, counsellors need to have certain qualifications. They need to receive accredited training in a post-graduate program, and then they have to do a certain number of clinical hours under supervision. As they practice ongoing therapy, they need to adhere to professional standards and remain committed and enthusiastic.  

Typical work environments and team structures

A therapist can work in a number of different environments and within a variety of structures.

Work environments

The various work environments, both public and non-public, in which a therapist can practice include hospitals, community clinics, schools and universities, correctional facilities, or their own practices. Some therapists work on-site at physical locations, both city- and rural-based, while others deliver their services virtually. They may work with individuals, couples, groups, or families.

Team structures

The structures in which therapists work can also vary. While some therapists work independently, others work as part of a team. Some teams include therapists who do similar kinds of work with clients, while others work as part of a multidisciplinary team that could include physicians, social workers, psychiatrists, and more. Some therapists may not work directly with clients in such environments, but instead will be part of management, organizing operational delivery. In any case, it’s important for a therapist to seek out a supportive environment in which to work.  

Career progression and professional development

In order to work as a therapist, you need certain qualifications and need to progress through certain steps. First off, you need to attend an accredited master’s program in counselling. From there, you need clinical supervision hours, and you need to register with one of the UK’s professional counseling organizations. From there, you are ready to practice independently. As you deliver ongoing therapy, they must adhere to professional standards. While not a formal requirement, it is important to demonstrate commitment to your clients’ growth, having awareness of all aspects of your clients’ therapeutic process, and to maintain a professional manner. 

Counselling roles in social care and education

Counsellors can also work in various jobs in social care settings. For example, a counsellor might serve people living in a nursing home or rehabilitation facility. They might provide individual counselling care or lead groups to support the mental well-being of residents. 

Counsellors can also work in educational settings. For example, some might work in universities to help young people experiencing mental health challenges.

Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists treat a number of mental disorders through psychotherapy and counselling. They can work in their own independent practice or in hospitals and other organizations. Clinical psychologists often conduct assessments and form personalized treatment plans for clients. They may also communicate with medical doctors about medications prescribed for various mental disorders as part of a client’s overall treatment plan. 

To become a clinical counselling psychologist, you first need to obtain a degree in psychology from a university approved by the British Psychological Society. Then, you have to complete a doctorate in psychology—either a PhD or a DClinPsych. 

How to find and apply for counselling roles 

If you are looking for a job in counselling services, whether as a therapist or in management, there are many places to look. First off, you can look for NHS jobs through the listings on their website. You can also join an organisation such as the BACP and look at the BACP job listings. Realize that it’s important to maintain awareness of who is offering the job and to be cautious when sharing personal information, as job scams can be rampant, and to check any websites terms of appropriate use.     

Example job descriptions and skills employers look for

Once you’ve received your training and are looking for a job as a therapist, it’s important to know what people are looking for when interviewing therapist candidates.

Therapist job descriptions

Therapist job descriptions will vary, depending on what the role entails and the type of organisation you are applying for. That said, you may find some of the following phrases in a job description and will want to think about how your skills and experience meet the employer’s needs as you write your application and prepare for your interview.

• “fantastic opportunity” 
• “right candidate”
• “successful candidate”
• “assess client needs”
• “develop and implement treatment plans”
• “provide individual/group/family therapy”
• “adhere to clinical standards”
• “use evidence-based practices”
• “maintain secure records”
• “adhere to legal and ethical standards”

Therapist skills and qualities 

Skills and qualities that employers may look for include strong communication, critical thinking, a person-centred approach, empathy, open-mindedness, listening skills, problem-solving skills, relational skills, cultural competency, and the overall ability to deliver high-quality care.

What are full-time and pro-rata counselling salaries?

The salaries of counsellors can vary according to a number of factors, including location, specialization, workplace, and experience. Counselling salary may also vary according to the responsibilities of each role. For example, managing counsellors may earn more given their experience level and responsibilities in managing other counselling staff. 

According to the United Kingdom National Careers Service, the average starting salary for a full-time counsellor is £24,000 per year in the United Kingdom, with more experienced providers making around £46,000. Pro-rata salaries for counsellors who work less than full-time are likely to be based on these figures.

Benefits and flexible working opportunities

There are numerous benefits to working as a therapist. Many therapy organizations are supportive of their employees. If you work for an organization, you may receive wellness benefits such as a gym membership. If you work for a school or university, you may only need to work during term time and will have school breaks to yourself. Furthermore, many therapists are able to negotiate flexible working arrangements, which contributes to a healthy work–life balance and overall wellbeing. 

Counselling UK: online and in person

Professional counsellors who provide counselling for mental health challenges may see clients only in person or completely online. Others may offer hybrid counselling, with some sessions in person and others remote. This may depend on the individual and the mental health challenges they’re experiencing.

Why do people seek online counselling?

Online counselling can be an appealing option for receiving care for a number of reasons. For one, some people may not want to talk to a counsellor in their local community or may have trouble making it to regular in-person appointments. Online counselling with a platform like BetterHelp offers connection to a large network of therapists from all over the United Kingdom, so clients can receive care from wherever is convenient for them as long as they have an internet connection.

Also, online counselling allows people to connect with a professional counsellor via audio, video, live chat, or a combination of these methods. The flexibility of format allows people to speak to a mental health professional in a way that’s comfortable for them.

Over the last several years, numerous peer-reviewed studies have suggested that online counselling can often be as effective as in-person counselling care. For example, one systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective for treating depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder, and other disorders in many cases.

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