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Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Question 30 of 40 for our Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Mental Health Counselor was updated by on June 26th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 30 of 40

What is your availability in the case of a client's mental health emergency?

Depending on your work setting, you may need to be flexible with your hours and be willing to respond quickly in case of an emergency. Reassure the interviewer that you are ready and able to support your clients and employer with a flexible schedule. If you have ever done shift-work or have been on-call, you can further confirm your willingness by explaining that you are not new to these types of expectations.

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How to Answer: What is your availability in the case of a client's mental health emergency?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mental Health Counselor job interview.

  • 30. What is your availability in the case of a client's mental health emergency?

      How to Answer

      Depending on your work setting, you may need to be flexible with your hours and be willing to respond quickly in case of an emergency. Reassure the interviewer that you are ready and able to support your clients and employer with a flexible schedule. If you have ever done shift-work or have been on-call, you can further confirm your willingness by explaining that you are not new to these types of expectations.

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Entry Level Example

      "I got into this career, knowing that emergencies are a fact of life for Mental Health Counselors. I am flexible and want to be there for my clients when they need me the mos. I pride myself on being reliable and dependable and will be a source of stability for my clients."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on August 15th, 2020

      Answer Example

      "I have full availability at a moment's notice. As an experienced Mental Health Counselor, I have worked numerous shifts, including being on call 24-hours bi-weekly. I knew that that would be an aspect of being a mental health counselor even before I started going to school for it. The way I see it, my clients wouldn't be calling me unless they needed me, and I make it my responsibility to be dependable and available to them whenever they need me."

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "As a mental health provider, the safety and well-being of a client come first. When a client experiences an emergency, I make that client's need my priority. I leave whatever I am doing and attend to the client. Also, at times when I am unavailable, clients are advised to use the counseling center's emergency line, where a clinician will attend to them or be encouraged to dial 911."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      It sounds like you are very dedicated to your work, so I am wondering how you navigate a work/life balance. Because you may not always be available (or be the best resource) when a client is experiencing a mental health emergency, I suggest adding in a few details about how you'd guide your clients when you're not available. For example: "Since there are times that I cannot be immediately available in the case of a client's mental health emergency, I make sure that each of my clients has the information and resources to navigate a mental health crisis, such as having the 24-hotline for mental health emergencies or calling 911."