How To Find A LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)

Living with mental health concerns and symptoms can be difficult, but you don’t have to go through them alone. In times of need, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) may be a trusted ally who can help guide you through challenges you may face. 

An LMHC might not just be a professional but also a confidante. They can listen to your thoughts and your experiences with an open mind. They might also work with other professionals, such as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), to help you manage any mental illness symptoms. Still, choosing an LMHC can sometimes be confusing. Read on to learn more about counselors and get the support you need. 

What is a licensed mental health counselor?

LMHC educational requirements

To become a licensed mental health counselor, a person needs to get a specific level of education. It starts with an undergraduate degree, typically in a field related to psychology or counseling. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring LMHCs can pursue a master's degree in mental health counseling. At this stage, they can learn about various psychotherapy and health counseling methods, such as cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy.

During a master's program, students gain experience through internships or supervised work placements, allowing them to apply knowledge to real-world situations.

LMHC and licensing requirements

After earning a master's degree, budding counselors must typically meet licensing requirements, which vary by state. This process typically involves:

1. Completing a specified number of supervised clinical work hours (often between 2,000 and 3,000)
2. Passing a state-recognized licensing examination
3. Applying for licensure within the state they plan to practice

Besides these requirements, mental health counselors may pursue certifications to show expertise in specific areas, such as addiction counseling or couples counseling. A licensed mental health counselor can tailor their practice to particular populations or areas they're passionate about. With evidence-based therapies, counselors can provide mental health treatment for a broad range of people.

A licensed mental health counselor can support individuals facing various mental health needs. If you’re experiencing mental health concerns, a counselor can use diverse techniques and methods to help you improve your mental health and overall well-being. Let’s explore the roles and responsibilities of an LMHC.

Roles and responsibilities

An LMHC's primary responsibility is counseling clients with mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and grief. They may work in various settings, including community mental health centers, social services, and family centers. Counselors can offer support to individuals, groups, and families by:

• Identifying clients' mental health needs and creating a treatment plan
• Providing individual and group sessions
• Working with other healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive care for clients
• Checking clients' progress and adjusting treatment plans accordingly

Some standard techniques counselors may use include cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and dialectical behavior therapy. These methods help clients better understand emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors, promoting improvements in mental health.

Areas of expertise

LMHCs may help clients tackle mental health problems in the following areas:

• Family Services: Providing family counseling to resolve conflicts, communication issues, and other challenges among family members.
• Substance Use: Supporting clients in overcoming addiction and guiding them through recovery.
• Trauma Counseling: Assisting individuals who have experienced traumatic events, helping them process emotions.
• Grief Counseling: Guiding clients through complex emotions, like loss and grief.
• Children's Mental Health: Offering specialized counseling services to help manage children's unique mental health needs.

While counselors cannot prescribe medication, they can work with psychiatrists and other medical professionals to ensure clients receive a comprehensive treatment plan. Still, they can help clients develop the skills and use the tools necessary to overcome difficulties.

Mental health counselors aren't limited to one-on-one sessions. They can also work with families, couples, or groups. This flexibility allows them to adapt their approach to best fit the unique needs of each individual or group they are helping. A marriage and family therapist, for example, can support multiple family members in various settings. Family therapists are trained to support various health challenges, including behavioral disorder and mental illness, and a family therapist may be able to facilitate communication among family members.

LMHC vs. other mental health professionals

LMHCs differ from other mental health professionals' ‌education and treatment approaches.

LPCs

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs), and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs) have common similarities with LMHCs in terms of roles within the mental health field. They all provide counseling services to clients and develop treatment plans. However, each professions' licensure requirements and governing bodies may vary by state.

LCSWs

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) usually work within a broader social context. For example, LCSWs often don't just focus on a person's mental health. They might also consider the larger picture, such as this person's surroundings and social systems. That could be a school, workplace, or family. LCSWs might work to understand how these unique elements interact with a person's mental health.

Licensed psychologist

Licensed psychologists hold advanced degrees, often a Ph.D. or PsyD, and have extensive mental health training. They work with clients to diagnose, assess, and treat various emotional and behavioral issues. Psychologists may also conduct research or teach in academic settings. In contrast, counselors receive training focused on wellness techniques and treating common disorders. 

Finding therapists for mental health support

When looking for a counselor, consider experience level, approach to treatment, and how they fit your individual needs. 

Licensed counselors ‌use techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help clients with problematic thought patterns and behaviors. Therapeutic plans may vary from person to person, as each individual's needs and situations are unique.

Typical workplaces for LMHCs include:

• Mental health clinics
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals
• Community centers
• Individual and family services

You might find a  by exploring nearby organizations or asking friends, family, or healthcare providers for recommendations. Various website platforms and directories may help you find local counselors. Online directories may include profiles with therapists' qualifications, specializations, and contact information.

Online counseling

Online therapy has become increasingly popular, with counselors offering their services through various platforms. An online counselor typically holds a degree in counseling and has undergone extensive training to get their license. With the convenience provided by online therapy, clients can receive the support they need from a professional counselor without the need to travel to a physical location.

Additional support options

A study on the effectiveness of online counseling found that telehealth can be an efficient and sustainable way to improve mental health. The study found that university students experienced positive effects of improved mental well-being by attending online counseling sessions. This evidence suggests that individuals seeking mental health support can benefit from online therapy with a qualified mental health professional.

One platform that connects clients with LMHCs is BetterHelp, which can assist clients in finding a counselor based on their needs and preferences. The platform offers a wide range of mental health experts, including LMHCs, who can provide therapy sessions via video calls, phone calls, live chat, or messaging. By using BetterHelp, clients can seek personalized, professional support from a health counselor conveniently and comfortably.