Salary guide
Mental Health Counselor
- Average salary
- £25,000 – £45,000
- Working hours
- 37.5 hours/week
HealthcareTherapy
- Over 60,000 counselors are registered in the UK
Other names this job is known by
- Therapist
- Talking Therapist
Key responsibilities
- Provide counseling to individuals or groups
- Assess client needs and develop therapy plans
- Use talking therapies to support mental health
- Maintain case notes and records
- Liaise with healthcare teams
- Adhere to ethical and safeguarding guidelines
- Undertake supervision and training
- Promote mental health awareness
Skills and qualifications required
- Degree in psychology, health, or social care
- BACP-accredited diploma in counseling
- Supervised placements
- Registration with a professional body
- Communication and empathy
Promotional job opportunities from this role
- Senior Counselor
- Supervisor
- Service Manager
- Private practice owner
How to get the job
- Study psychology, health, or social care
- Complete a BACP-accredited diploma in counseling
- Undertake supervised placements
- Register with a professional body
- Progress to senior or specialist roles
Learn to grow in this role
Practical Job Near Me guides chosen for people in this kind of job.
- Industry Guides2 min read
Mental Health Support Roles: Skills and Boundaries
Mental health support roles—from peer work to support workers and wellbeing teams—require empathy, training, and clear professional boundaries.
- Industry Guides2 min read
Healthcare Support and Care Roles
Care assistants, support workers, and allied roles form the backbone of the UK health and social care system.
- Industry Guides2 min read
Social Care Careers: Values, Training, and Progression
Social care supports adults and older people across the UK—with values-led hiring, mandatory training, and paths from care worker to team leader and beyond.