Pursuing a counseling career in the state of Missouri can be a rewarding professional choice. Persistent challenges within the state’s mental health care system will likely sustain robust demand for newly trained professionals for years to come.

The 2023 Mental Health America report noted Missouri’s overall ranking as 39th place in the United States.

Dr. Karrie Swan, graduate counseling program director at Missouri State University, spoke with CounselingSchools.com about becoming a counselor.