Mental Health Counselor Resume Example and Template
A strong mental health counselor resume demonstrates your graduate counseling education, licensure status, and clinical specialization. Include your master's degree, state license or certificate, and populations you serve such as adolescents, trauma survivors, or individuals with serious mental illness. Show your therapeutic approaches and clinical outcomes.
Mental health employers prioritize your therapeutic skills, crisis response capability, and ability to work with diverse populations. Show your understanding of mental health diagnosis, treatment planning, and your commitment to evidence-based practice.
A complete, realistic Mental Health Counselor resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
Senior Mental Health Counselor / Clinical Supervisor, Mental Health Counselor, Addiction Services
Thomas Jackson: Mental Health Counselor
Nashville, United States
Summary
Licensed mental health counselor with master's degree and 7 years of community mental health experience serving adults, adolescents, and families. LPC-licensed with expertise in depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma. Maintain active caseload of 20-25 clients weekly with strong retention rates and positive treatment outcomes.
Work Experience
Senior Mental Health Counselor / Clinical Supervisor, Metro Nashville Community Mental Health Center
Apr 2022 – Present. Non-profit FQHC serving 3,000+ clients with 25+ clinical staff
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling to 20-25 clients weekly with diagnoses including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use
- Develop individualized treatment plans using evidence-based approaches including CBT, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused therapy
- Supervise 3 counselors in training, providing clinical guidance, reviewing cases, and supporting professional development
- Co-facilitate substance abuse recovery groups and crisis intervention training for community partners
Mental Health Counselor, Nashville Youth Services Alliance
Aug 2019 – Mar 2022. Non-profit serving adolescents and young adults with mental health needs
- Provided individual and family counseling to 15-20 adolescents and young adults weekly, addressing depression, anxiety, and family conflict
- Collaborated with school systems, probation, and family services to support successful youth outcomes
- Conducted psychoeducation groups on mental health, substance use prevention, and healthy relationships
- Maintained crisis availability on rotation basis for after-hours mental health emergencies
Mental Health Counselor, Addiction Services, Cornerstone Recovery Center
Jun 2017 – Jul 2019. Outpatient substance abuse treatment program
- Provided individual counseling and case management to clients in recovery from substance use disorders
- Facilitated group therapy and psychoeducational workshops focused on relapse prevention and recovery skills
- Coordinated referrals to psychiatric services, detoxification programs, and supportive housing
Education
Lipscomb University
Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Aug 2015 – May 2017
Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology. Aug 2011 – May 2015
Skills
Individual counseling, Group therapy facilitation, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Crisis intervention, Motivational interviewing, Trauma-focused therapy, Treatment planning, Documentation, Family systems, Substance abuse counseling
Languages
English
Certificates and Awards
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Tennessee Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, 2017
Why this look works
Mental health counseling is fundamentally about connection and healing. A warm, approachable yet professional layout reflects the therapeutic alliance essential in counseling. Calming colors and readable design convey both competence and genuine care.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with your state license or certificate. LPC, LMHC, or LCPC credentials vary by state but are essential qualifications.
- Highlight your therapeutic specialties. Trauma, substance abuse, adolescents, or grief work are valued areas of expertise.
- Quantify your client caseload and treatment outcomes. '20-25 clients weekly' and strong retention rates show clinical effectiveness.
- Include group facilitation, supervision, or training experience. These roles demonstrate leadership and advanced competence.
Common questions
Should I detail specific client populations or diagnoses I work with?
Yes, but keep it general and professional. 'Depression, anxiety, and trauma' is appropriate; detailed case descriptions would violate confidentiality. Employers want to know your experience with specific disorders and populations you serve well.
How do I explain years without full licensure as an entry counselor?
Most states require supervised practice hours before licensure. If you worked as a counselor in training or assistant counselor, list those roles separately. Once licensed, your resume transitions to LPC or LMHC titles. This progression is standard and expected.