The average annual wage for mental health counselors in the New York City metro area is $48,400, slightly higher than the national average of $46,0504.
Mental Health Counseling in New York City
New York City is the most populous city in the country, with 8.6 million people1 of different economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds2 residing in the metropolitan area. Every year, one in five adults in New York City experience mental health challenges that disrupt their functioning in work, family, and school life3. As a mental health counselor in New York City, you can help people of all ages overcome their mental health challenges and reach overall wellness.
Between 2016 and 2026, employment opportunities for mental health counselors in New York are projected to grow 25 percent5.
Mental Health Challenges in New York City
Here are some common challenges that could affect the mental health of New York City residents6.
- Veterans and PTSD: Two hundred and thirty thousand veterans live in New York, and one in four are estimated to have post-traumatic stress disorder and/or major depression related to their military experience. As a mental health counselor, you can help veterans treat trauma from their military experiences.
- New York City Homeless Populations: 35 percent of NYC Department of Homeless Services shelter clients have a mental illness, and close to 40 percent of people who live on the streets of New York City have a mental illness. Counselors can help the homeless population thrive by providing much-needed support and connecting them to additional resources.
How to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York City
Before you become a practicing mental health counselor in New York, you must meet the criteria for licensure set by the Education Department’s Office of the Professions. A master’s degree in counseling from an accredited program is the minimum educational requirement to pursue licensure in the state of New York, and Counseling@NYU is registered by New York State as a license-qualifying program in mental health counseling. Resources for New York licensing board can be found on NYU Steinhardt’s Professional Licensure page .
Why Counseling@NYU Mental Health Counseling?
Counseling@NYU allows you to earn an NYU graduate degree in counseling from anywhere in New York or around the country. Delivered by the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, the online program offers an esteemed master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness degree that prepares you to pursue licensure and employment in New York City.
Earn Your Master’s through
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prepares you to pursue licensure as a counselor in New York City.
1 The New York Times, New York City’s Population Hits a Record 8.6 Million arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 United States Census Bureau, QuickFacts, New York Cityarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3 Thrive NYC: A Roadmap for Mental Health for Allarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statisticsarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
5 CareerOneStop, Mental Health Counselors – New Yorkarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference