What are the best mental health counselor qualifications and training to get ahead?

What is the best training for becoming a mental health counselor? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective mental health counselor?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

You want to get a Masters degree from nothing less than a 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hour CACREP accredited program titled either Mental Health Counseling or Marital, Couple and Family Counseling/Therapy. Avoid school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, art therapy, all psychology masters. If you can't get licensed with the degree you are wasting your time and money.

Host said: What is the best training for becoming a mental health counselor? What types of ongoing training or certifications are necessary to be an effective mental health counselor?

What do non-traditional career paths look like?

I have a Masters degree in Human Services. While filing for my MD license I discovered I only have 54 credit hours; short of six credits. I located a university that while suffice the needed credits, but I don't have the money. Is there any avenues I can take. I start paying back my school loan in Novemeber!