Virginia's Counseling & Mental Health Services pathway develops expertise in mental health support, counseling fundamentals, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and mental health advocacy—preparing students for careers supporting mental health.
Students study psychology basics, mental health conditions, counseling techniques, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and mental health resources. They learn through classroom instruction and mental health organization partnerships.
Graduates work as mental health counselors, crisis support specialists, peer counselors, or mental health advocates. Virginia's growing mental health needs create employment. Advanced students pursue counseling and psychology programs.
Counseling & Mental Health Services at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's mental health services standards address mental health fundamentals, therapeutic communication, ethical practice, and crisis support. Standards emphasize confidentiality and appropriate intervention.
Students demonstrate competency through mental health case studies and communication assessments. The state integrates mental health resources and ethical principles.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Mental Health Fundamentals |
| Therapeutic Communication and Counseling |
| Mental Health Conditions and Interventions |
| Crisis Support and Mental Health Resources |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Child Development Associate (CDA)
- ✓Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED - Adult, Child, and Infant
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓NOCTI Early Childhood Education
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Mental Health Counselor
Entry LevelSalary range: $47,530 - $76,530
Crisis Support Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $59,690 - $121,290
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at mental health clinics, hospitals, crisis centers, and mental health organizations throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Ready to Build Counseling & Mental Health Services Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Counseling & Mental Health Services in Virginia.