How to Answer: Are you accustomed to providing mental health services to a diverse population?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mental Health Counselor job interview.
19. Are you accustomed to providing mental health services to a diverse population?
How to Answer
Mental Health Counselors must be in tune with the needs and challenges that various groups and populations face. You must maintain a high ethical standard, both professionally and personally. Throughout your career, you will work with people from all walks of life, of a different race, sexual orientation, religion, culture, age, gender, or disability.
Let the interviewer know that you are comfortable and experienced working with a wide variety of clients. Give an example of how you have worked with different populations, whether during your career, an internship, volunteer work, or while obtaining your post-secondary education.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014
Entry Level Example
"Although I am new to my career as a Mental Health Counselor, I understand how important it is that I remain current on conversations surrounding diversity. I completed my internship working as a counselor within a free counseling program specifically aimed to support the LGBTQ/2S community. We called it 'Pride Counseling,' and my eyes were wide open after only one week of volunteering. Although I was aware of the diversity in this community, I was not aware of how vast the topics are within this community. By working in this volunteer role, I have become a better counselor. I gained more robust listening skills and more empathy for others. This exposure working with diverse groups will show me precisely how different communities have their particular dynamics that can impact people's life choices, experiences, and overall mental health."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 15th, 2020
Answer Example
"I have worked in culturally diverse populations, and I am accustomed to the challenges that come with being on top of issues related to culture, race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. One of the reasons that I love working as a Mental Health Counselor is that I get the opportunity to grow and learn as I help others. I achieve this growth by keeping an open mind and remaining up to date on conversations that are happening amongst various populations and groups. I stay informed and aware through watching the news, reading industry blogs, and through my volunteer work at the homeless shelter, which brings me so much awareness of others. Our world is forever changing when it comes to the needs of every culture and group, so to have a beat on diversity across the board is critical to my success as a Mental Health Counselor."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014
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