Mental Health Counseling in Washington, DC

Every year, tens of thousands of people in Washington, DC, seek treatment for mental health disorders that prevent them from living their lives to the fullest1. As a mental health counselor in our nation’s capital, you can evaluate children, adolescents, adults, and seniors who have been struggling for too long.

The annual median wage for mental health counselors in Washington, DC, is $52,2502, more than the US median wage of $43,3003.

Between 2016 to 2026, employment opportunities for mental health counselors in Washington, DC, are projected to grow 20 percent4.

How to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington, DC

Mental health disorders are highly complex, and it requires a depth of knowledge and skills to treat them effectively. Mental health counselors who want to practice in Washington, DC, must earn licensure from the DC Department of Health’s Board of Professional Counseling.

One of DC’s requirements is to earn at least a master’s degree in professional counseling from an accredited institution. Resources for Washington, DC licensing board can be found on NYU Steinhardt’s Professional Licensure page.

Why Counseling@NYU Mental Health Counseling?

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares you not only to evaluate clients with mental health disorders but also help them pursue a fulfilling lifestyle. The program requires no relocation and is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.

Earn Your Master’s through
Counseling@NYU

Learn how NYU Steinhardt’s online mental health counseling program
prepares you to pursue licensure as a therapist in Washington, DC.

Request Information

1 SAMHSA, Behavioral Health Barometer District of Columbia, 2015 arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

2 CareerOneStop, Mental Health Counselors – Washington, DCarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

3 CareerOneStop, Mental Health Counselors – United Statesarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

4 CareerOneStop, Mental Health Counselors – Washington, DCarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference