O*NET-SOC 21-1014.00

Mental Health Counselors

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.Core1591
Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.Core1592
Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.Core1595
Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.Core23908
Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.Core18484
Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.Core18483
Perform crisis interventions with clients.Core20402
Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.Core1593
Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.Core1594
Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.Core1598
Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.Core1596
Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.Core1606
Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.Core1604
Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information.Core1600
Supervise other counselors, social service staff, assistants, or graduate students.Core18485
Discuss with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.Core1608
Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.Core1602
Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.Core1597
Collaborate with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.Core23909
Learn about new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.Core1607
Plan, organize, or lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients.Core1605
Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.Core1609
Monitor clients' use of medications.Core1610
Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting clients or patients.Core1603
Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counseling services.Core1612
Meet with families, probation officers, police, or other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.Core1601
Coordinate or direct employee workshops, courses, or training about mental health issues.Core18486

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 20 examples in 12 categories, 7 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Medical software

Client information database systems
Patient electronic medical record EMR software

Data base user interface and query software

Database software
Microsoft AccessHot Technology

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Project management software

Google Classroom

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Management information systems MIS
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoftHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Internet browser software

Microsoft Internet Explorer
Netscape Navigator
Web browser software

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Calendar and scheduling software

Scheduling software

Analytical or scientific software

Statistical software
Test interpretation software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Collect information about clients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Collect information about community health needs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or educational programs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Develop health assessment methods or programs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Plan programs to address community health issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Maintain professional social services knowledge.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Write reports or evaluations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Maintain client information or service records.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Maintain client records.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Confer with family members to discuss client treatment plans or progress.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Assisting and Caring for Others

Refer clients to community or social service programs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Provide basic health care services.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Selling or Influencing Others

Advocate for individual or community needs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Lead classes or community events.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Train staff members in social services skills.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Counsel family members of clients or patients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 34

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.