Salary Outlook with Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling Degree
A mental health counselor helps people deal with many of the problems in their daily lives, teaching them ways to handle stress, grief, anger, and other negative feelings. There are many ways to become a mental health counselor, but getting your Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling allows you to work in private practice and offer your patients more treatment options.
Earning your Ph.D. also offers the opportunity to research new ways to provide mental health treatments. You also may use your advanced degree to teach psychology students at the bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral level, giving you a chance to have even more of an impact on this important field.
Getting your doctoral degree in this field is a good idea, but it takes many years of dedication, as well as a lot of money. Determining if it is worth it depends on many factors, one of which is the salary you can expect to earn.
Below is more information about the salary you can expect as a mental health counselor with a Ph.D.
Salary Outlook Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for all mental health counselors is $53,710. However, the top 10% salary in this profession starts at $89,920. A professional with a PhD in the field can expect to earn towards the top of the salary scale. The sectors offering the highest average salaries for mental health counselors are as follows:
- Business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations: $94,050
- Religious organizations: $78,220
- Insurance carriers: $77,900
- Childcare services: $76,790
- Junior colleges: $72,930
Many professionals with a PhD in mental health counseling also may decide to work in marriage and family therapy. BLS reports the median salary for marriage and family therapists is $58,510, with the top 10% salaries starting at $104,710.
The industries offering the highest average salaries for marriage and family therapists are:
- Home health care services: $122,120
- Elementary and secondary schools: $89,000
- State government, excluding schools and hospitals: $84,770
- Religious organizations: $81,600
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals: $80,930
High Salary Growth Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling
If you want to earn as much money as you can with your mental health counseling degree, you may want to consider working as a licensed psychologist. The median salary for psychologists is $92,740, with top 10% salaries starting at $151,880. Clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median salary of $96,100, while the median salary for school psychologists is $84,940.
Ph.D. Job Outlook
Professionals who decide to get their PhD in mental health counseling can look forward to many exciting career options. BLS states job demand for mental health counselors will rise by an impressive 18.8% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than average. It is expected that employment growth will be driven by people wanting more help with mental health counseling and addiction. Also, in the criminal justice system, there are more people being sent to mental health professionals to ensure that they do not become repeat offenders.
The job outlook for psychologists is also good. BLS states there will be a 7% increase in jobs in this field, which is faster than average. Employment for clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists is forecast to increase by 13.3% over this period, and that figure is 0.7% for school psychologists.
People are generally turning to counselors and psychologists more as they are getting older and want to improve their quality of life by dealing with their mental health and relationship problems.
Featured Online Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling Programs
Capella University offers an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision that will help you to become a better mental health counselor, and you also will advance as a mental health counseling leader, educator, and researcher. This five-year program offers you the means to practice the real-world application of theories while building skills in teaching, counseling, leadership, and supervision.
Key aspects of this PhD program are:
- 9 core classes
- 3 residencies
- 2 internships
- Dissertation required
This program has been designed to remove many of the difficulties in your dissertation process. This approach supports students through specialized program structure, dedicated faculty, and online support, as well as many helpful online resources. To ensure the best dissertation possible, you will begin this process early in the program with the help of your personal dissertation advisor. (Capella.edu)
Required courses for this accredited PhD program include:
- Advanced Research in Human Development
- Foundations of Advanced Social Science Research and Design
- Quantitative Methods for Counselor Education Research
- Advanced Qualitative Methods in Counselor Education Research
- Advanced Counseling Practice
- Counselor Education Teaching and Practice
- Counselor Supervision
- Leadership and Advocacy in Counseling
- Practicum and Internship
Conclusion
Obtaining your PhD in mental health counseling is a strong career choice for those who want to work in the growing mental health, psychology careers, and related healthcare fields. It is anticipated that healthcare and social assistance jobs will rise by 10% between 2023 and 2033. As the US population gets older and lives longer, more will want to work on their mental health issues to ensure they live a happier life. So, you have an excellent career before you with good pay with this PhD
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.