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Mental Health Counselors Resume Samples and Templates for 2026

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Mental Health Counselor Resume Examples and Templates: A Complete Guide

A professional mental health counselor resume is essential for standing out in India’s growing mental health sector. Whether you’re applying for positions at leading hospitals like NIMHANS, AIIMS, or Apollo, mental health clinics like Mpower or Vandrevala Foundation, corporate wellness programmes, schools, or NGOs working in mental health, your resume should highlight your therapeutic expertise, clinical training, and commitment to promoting mental well-being.

This guide walks you through mental health counselor resume examples and templates, formatting tips, and keywords to help you write a resume that stands out to recruiters at leading healthcare and mental health organisations in India.

Understanding the Mental Health Counselor Role in India

Mental health counselors are trained professionals who provide counselling services to individuals, groups, and families dealing with emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges. From addressing anxiety and depression to supporting clients through life transitions, mental health counselors in India work across healthcare, education, corporate, and community settings to promote mental wellness and emotional well-being.

Key responsibilities include:

Conducting individual and group counselling sessions
Assessing clients’ mental health needs
Developing and implementing treatment plans
Providing crisis intervention and support
Maintaining confidential client records
Collaborating with psychiatrists and other professionals
Conducting psychoeducational workshops
Referring clients to appropriate specialists when needed

India’s increasing awareness of mental health, growing counselling services industry, and expanding corporate wellness programmes create strong demand for qualified mental health counselors across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors.

Preparing to Write Your Mental Health Counselor Resume

Before drafting your resume, gather all relevant information:

Professional details to compile:

Complete employment history in counselling roles
Client populations and presenting issues
Therapeutic approaches and modalities used
Clinical hours and supervision experience
Training and certifications completed
Workshop facilitation experience
Professional memberships
Awards and recognition received

Research target employers:

Review requirements from hospitals and mental health clinics
Understand expectations at schools and universities
Note specific qualifications mentioned in job descriptions

Choosing the Best Resume Format

Select a format that best presents your counselling experience:

Chronological Format

Best for counselors with steady career progression in mental health roles. Highlights your work at organisations in reverse chronological order.

Functional Format

Suitable for those transitioning from related fields like social work or psychology who want to emphasise counselling skills and training.

Combination Format

Ideal for experienced counselors with diverse experience across different settings, populations, or therapeutic specialisations.

Format recommendations by experience: | Experience Level | Recommended Format | Resume Length | |-----------------|-------------------|---------------| | Entry-level (0-3 years) | Chronological | 1-2 pages | | Mid-level (3-7 years) | Combination | 2 pages | | Senior (7+ years) | Chronological | 2-3 pages |

Professional Summary Examples

Your professional summary should immediately communicate your counselling expertise:

Entry-Level Counselor

M.A. Clinical Psychology graduate from Tata Institute of Social Sciences seeking mental health counselor position at leading mental health organisation. Completed 1,000+ clinical hours during internship at iCall counselling centre. Trained in CBT, person-centred therapy, and crisis intervention. Strong assessment and counselling skills. Passionate about mental health advocacy. Eager to contribute to client well-being while developing expertise under supervision.

Mental Health Counselor

Compassionate mental health counselor with 4+ years of experience providing counselling services at leading mental health organisations. Currently Counselor at Mpower Foundation managing caseload of 30+ clients with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Expertise in CBT, solution-focused therapy, and group counselling. Achieved 85% client improvement outcomes. M.A. Psychology with RCI registration. Known for empathetic care and evidence-based practice.

Senior Mental Health Counselor

Experienced clinical counselor with 8+ years in mental health practice at premier healthcare organisations. Currently Senior Counselor at Vandrevala Foundation supervising team of 5 counselors and managing complex clinical cases. Expertise in trauma therapy, EMDR, and crisis intervention. Conducted 3,000+ therapy sessions with 90% client satisfaction. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with extensive training in multiple modalities.

Clinical Director

Seasoned mental health professional with 14+ years of experience leading counselling programmes at premier organisations. Currently Director of Counselling Services at leading corporate wellness provider managing team of 20 counselors serving 50+ corporate clients. Expertise in clinical leadership, programme development, and counselor training. Built award-winning mental health programmes. Ph.D. from NIMHANS. Known for innovation and clinical excellence.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

Present your counselling experience with specific achievements and metrics:

Director of Counselling Services

Leading Corporate Wellness Provider | Bangalore April 2018 – Present

Lead counselling programme serving 50+ corporate clients with 2 lakh+ employees
Manage team of 20 mental health counselors across India
Develop EAP programmes improving employee well-being scores by 30%
Conduct training programmes for HR and managers on mental health
Achieve 92% client satisfaction on wellness services
Establish clinical protocols and quality standards
Build partnerships with leading mental health organisations
Present at national conferences on workplace mental health
Publish research on corporate mental wellness
Receive “Mental Health Leadership Award” (2022)

Senior Mental Health Counselor

Vandrevala Foundation | Mumbai June 2014 – March 2018

Provided individual and group counselling to diverse client population
Supervised 5 junior counselors on clinical practice
Conducted 2,500+ therapy sessions over tenure
Specialised in anxiety disorders and workplace stress
Achieved 88% improvement in client-reported outcomes
Developed psychoeducational workshops for community
Trained volunteers on basic counselling skills
Promoted from Counselor to Senior Counselor
Received “Outstanding Clinician” recognition (2017)

Mental Health Counselor

Mpower Foundation | Mumbai July 2011 – May 2014

Provided counselling to individuals with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues
Managed caseload of 25+ active clients
Conducted intake assessments and developed treatment plans
Facilitated support groups for specific populations
Maintained detailed clinical documentation
Participated in case conferences and supervision
Completed advanced training in CBT and DBT
Received positive feedback from clients and supervisors

Essential Skills for Mental Health Counselors

Clinical Skills

Individual counselling
Group counselling
Couples and family therapy
Crisis intervention
Psychological assessment
Treatment planning
Case conceptualisation
Progress documentation
Risk assessment
Referral coordination

Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Person-Centred Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Trauma-Informed Care
EMDR
Narrative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic Therapy

Soft Skills

Empathy and compassion
Active listening
Non-judgmental attitude
Communication skills
Cultural sensitivity
Ethical practice
Boundaries maintenance
Self-awareness
Patience
Resilience

Qualifications for Mental Health Counselors

Educational Qualifications

Qualification	Institution Type	Relevance
M.Phil Clinical Psychology	NIMHANS, RCI-approved	RCI registration eligible
M.A. Clinical Psychology	Universities	Standard qualification
M.A. Counselling Psychology	Universities	Counselling focus
M.S.W. with clinical focus	TISS, universities	Social work pathway
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology	Research institutions	Advanced qualification
PG Diploma in Counselling	Recognised institutes	Additional training

Professional Certifications and Registrations

RCI Registration (for M.Phil holders)
Certification in CBT
EMDR Training Certification
Trauma Therapy Certification
Play Therapy Certification
Art Therapy Certification
Suicide Prevention Training
Crisis Intervention Certification

Additional Training

Advanced therapy modality training
Supervision training
Cultural competence courses
Ethical practice workshops
Self-care for counselors
Research methodology
Workshop facilitation skills

Tips by Experience Level

Entry-Level Counselors (0-3 years)

Highlight M.A./M.Phil education and clinical training
Include internship experience and clinical hours
Emphasise therapeutic modalities learned
Showcase supervision received
Include any certifications completed

Target employers: Mental health clinics, helplines, NGOs

Mid-Level Counselors (3-7 years)

Quantify clients served and session counts
Highlight specialisations developed
Showcase outcome measurement experience
Demonstrate supervision provision
Include training and workshop delivery

Target positions: Senior Counselor, Lead Therapist, Supervisor

Senior Counselors (7+ years)

Emphasise programme development and leadership
Highlight team management experience
Showcase research and publications
Demonstrate industry recognition
Include training and mentoring contributions

Target positions: Clinical Director, Head of Counselling, Consultant

ATS Optimisation for Mental Health Counselor Resumes

Ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems:

Essential keywords to include:

Mental health counselor, therapist
Counselling, therapy
CBT, DBT, EMDR
Clinical psychology, assessment
Treatment plan, intervention
Crisis, trauma, anxiety, depression
NIMHANS, TISS, RCI (if applicable)
Client outcomes, satisfaction
Supervision, training
Individual, group, family

ATS-friendly formatting:

Use standard section headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education)
List certifications and modalities clearly
Avoid tables, graphics, and complex formatting
Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Include session counts and outcome metrics

Conclusion

A professional mental health counselor resume is essential for success in India’s growing mental health sector. Whether you’re targeting positions at mental health clinics, hospitals, corporate wellness programmes, or educational institutions, your resume must demonstrate your clinical expertise, therapeutic training, and commitment to promoting client well-being.

Focus on quantifying your achievements—sessions conducted, client outcomes, populations served, and supervision experience. Highlight your M.A./M.Phil qualification and therapy certifications that validate your expertise. With India’s increasing awareness of mental health and growing demand for counselling services, qualified mental health counselors have excellent career opportunities across healthcare, corporate, and community settings.

Use our resume builder to create an ATS-optimised mental health counselor resume, or explore our professional templates designed specifically for mental health professionals in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sections should a strong mental health counselors resume include?

At minimum, include contact information, a professional summary, work experience, key skills, and education. Depending on your experience level, you may also add certifications, achievements, projects, or industry-specific sections that highlight your expertise.

How do I write a professional summary for a mental health counselors role?

Keep it concise — two to three sentences highlighting your experience level, core competencies, and a key achievement or strength that shows why you're right for the job. Tailor it to match the specific role you're applying for.

What skills are most important to list on a mental health counselors resume?

Include a mix of technical skills specific to mental health counselors roles and soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Research job postings in your target companies to identify the most commonly requested skills.

How detailed should my work experience be?

Use bullet points to describe your roles, focusing on specific results, tools used, and the impact you made. Quantify achievements where possible — numbers and percentages help recruiters quickly understand your contributions.

Do I need certifications on my mental health counselors resume?

Certifications aren't always required, but they can strengthen your application — especially if they demonstrate advanced training or specialised expertise. List the certification name, issuing organisation, and year obtained.

What's the best resume format for a mental health counselors?

Most mental health counselors professionals benefit from a reverse-chronological format that lists your most recent experience first. If you're changing careers or have gaps, a functional or combination format might work better.

How long should my mental health counselors resume be?

Aim for one page if you're early in your career. Experienced professionals with extensive achievements can use two pages — just ensure every section adds value and remains relevant to the role.

Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

Yes. Customising your resume with keywords and responsibilities from the job posting improves your chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and resonating with recruiters. Focus on relevant experience and skills for each role.

Mental Health Counselors Text-Only Resume Templates and Samples

Arvind Rawat

Phone: 9876543870

Email: arvind@abc.com

Address: Alpha1 greater noida, Beta 2 greater noida, Noida

About Me

Mental Health Counselor

Seasoned mental health counselor with XX years of experience in behavioral monitoring, psychological testing, research methods, rehabilitation techniques, and psychometrics; strength in performing diagnostic testing and delivering appropriate therapies.Proven track record of effective results and positive outcomes with clients; compassionate, understanding, and friendly demeanor when working with challenging clients in any situation
Outstanding knowledge of principles of psychology and mental health and expertise in implementing many types of behavioral and counseling therapies; competencies in administering and interpreting psychological tests and developing intervention programs to adjust behavior
Ability to provide individual counseling services or facilitate group therapy sessions in a positive and effective manner; strong sense of integrity when dealing with clients and a commitment to keeping information confidential when necessary; excellent oral communicator and compassionate listener when discussing details of individual cases with clients and family members
Gained significant knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders
Excellent knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance; knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins
Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, and ask questions as appropriate; patient, detail-oriented, and very easy to communicate with; compassionate, understanding, and friendly demeanor when working with challenging clients in any situation

Education

Law and Finance, Master of Science, Post Graduate, March 2015

Medical College

– Marks null

Noida, UP

Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Completed , January 2019

Work Experience

Period: February 2018 - Current

Mental Health Counselor

Brain Weave ABA therapy

Noida, UP

Assess patients’ mental health conditions by conferring with them and their families
Counsel patients with emphasis on promoting mental health
Help patients deal with addictions and substance abuse
Manage patients’ problems with self-esteem and mental and emotional growth
Encourage clients to vent their feelings and discuss problems openly
Collect and record patient information by interviewing them
Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical insight
Refer patients to community resources or other healthcare specialists
Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and modify accordingly
Conduct counseling sessions with the patients and understand their metal issues and health problems
Meet family members of the patients and get history of the patient and their behavioral changes and other problems associated with them
Record all the collected information and study the maintained documents and analyze them to suggest proper treatment procedures; determine the needs of the patients and the reason behind their mental problems
Plan and give proper treatment in the form of counseling and some medications and provide them mental support
Record the progress in health of the patient and plan for alternative treatment methods in case the previous treatments are not proving to be successful
Conduct counseling sessions in schools and communities and help people tackle common mental problems and stress
Plan workshops in schools and colleges so that they can come-up with their problems to get group counseling sessions
Interview clients to obtain information regarding their medical history, background, and issues
Create and maintain an up-to-date client profile to effectively track patient treatment process
Proffer recommendations and solutions to address health issues such as depression, stress, suicide impulse, and anger
Liaise with the families of patients to monitor and assist patients through the recovery process
Assist clients to take appropriate decisions concerning their career, marriage, and relationship
Refer clients to psychiatrics or psychologists for proper medical attention
Organize group/personal counseling sessions to advise and assist individual(s) struggling with dependencies or adjusting to harsh circumstances; track the progress of treatment to determine the need for plan adjustment
Develop and implement treatment plans/procedures effective in resolving patients’ issues
Help clients cultivate skills and coping mechanisms necessary in overcoming their challenges

Period: September 2018 - May 2016

Mental Health Counselor

NIHAM

Noida, UP

Developed a treatment plan for clients based on diagnosed condition, family input, client conversations, and other lifestyle aspects
Used cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to address mental health conditions and improve patient outcomes during a crisis
Implemented treatment plans that resulted in a more than 90 percent success rate, based on survey results six months after completing the program
Offered counseling services for patients struggling with substance abuse issues and worked with families to help support and treat individual behaviors
Advocated for clients to assist with additional supplementary services beyond the counselor’s office, such as medication, social services, and housing help
Opened a free community center counseling office for local citizens without health insurance to address crisis situations; monitored and regulated the intake/use of medication by patients
Carried out assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs in resolving patients’ problems and organize programs to educate the community on ways to improve mental health conditions