"What do you want to be when you grow up?" When you were asked this question as a 5-year-old, chances are you didn't think of being a psychologist or mental health provider as an option. But perhaps now, after taking a class in psychology, you discovered that you might be interested in pursuing a career in this field. Let's look at the types of mental health careers you may want to consider!
- What are some mental health career pathways we can consider?
- Are there any careers in mental health without a degree?
- What are the different types of psychologists one could be?
- What are some mental health counselor careers in psychology?
- Are there rewarding careers in the mental health field?
Mental Health Career Pathways
Mental health careers generally require some background or knowledge in psychology.
Psychology is the study of mind and behavior using scientific investigation.
So what are the various mental health career pathways a person must consider when deciding to pursue a career in this field? Well, there are several different options, most of which require specific education. This could mean going to college, but not always. Other options, such as certificates and licensures, could also allow a person to start a mental health career.
Later, we'll discuss what type of mental health careers are possible without college.
Mental Health Careers: Undergraduate Level
There are several different degree levels you can pursue if you are considering a mental health career. Colleges and universities often offer these degrees in their Arts & Sciences departments, but they may also be in the Sciences department.
Associate's degree: often a two-year, undergraduate-level program designed to prepare students with basic skills and knowledge to find employment or continue their studies.
Getting an associate's degree can be a great place to start if you are not sure what you want to study but are drawn to a career in mental health. An associate's degree doesn't always have to lead to more school. There are still several mental health careers that only require an associate's degree.
Bachelor's degree: an undergraduate academic level program often lasting between 3-6 years that colleges or universities award.
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to several possible mental health careers. While you do not need an associate's degree to get a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's degree is required to obtain any other higher education degree.
Fig. 1 Some mental health careers require a degree, while others do not.
Mental Health Careers: Graduate Level
If you want to pursue a more specialized mental health career, it may be good to consider taking your studies to the graduate level.
Master's degree: a postgraduate academic program awarded by a college or university for advanced expertise in a specific field of study.
If you want to specialize in a specific field in psychology, a master's degree may be the pathway you want to take. To obtain a master's degree, you must first complete a bachelor's degree, usually in a related field but not always.
Doctoral degree: the highest and most advanced collegiate degree that can be attained in any given field of study.
You may achieve either a professional doctorate which centers heavily around the application of knowledge, or a PhD (or PsyD in some cases in psychology), which centers heavily around research.
Careers in Mental Health Without a Degree
As we've mentioned, not all mental health careers require a degree. College may not be for everyone, but there are still plenty of opportunities to gain the knowledge and experience required to start a mental health career. Here is a list of mental health careers that may not require a degree.
Are you a people person? Do you love listening to your friends and offering advice and support? If so, it may be worth looking into mental health counselor careers in psychology.
Counseling psychologists support people looking to make changes in lifestyle or adjust to challenging life transitions.
Counseling psychologists are similar to clinical psychologists but do not require a doctorate degree and do not treat severe cases of psychopathology. Typically, counseling psychologists conduct therapy to help a client's maladjustment, distress, crisis resolution, and improve overall functioning in life.
There are several types of counseling a counseling psychologist may offer including:
- Individual counseling (including child/teen counseling).
- Group counseling.
- Family counseling.
- Marriage/couple counseling.
If you were to become a counseling psychologist, you would focus on supporting and encouraging your clients' strengths and helping them develop coping skills. To practice independently, you would be required to obtain a state license allowing you to offer counseling services.
Fig. 2 Psychologists can specialize in different types of counseling, e.g. marriage counseling.
Rewarding Careers in the Mental Health Field
Some of the most rewarding careers in the mental health field can be challenging and even emotionally draining.
Listening to clients share their deepest troubles can become burdensome. Seeing the destruction that addiction can cause in a person's life can wear a person down.
But at the end of the day, mental health careers can help a person have a sense of purpose -- like they are making a difference. Additionally, even beyond any formal education, having a career in mental health can teach you a lot about yourself. Some of the most rewarding mental health careers include:
Social worker.
Substance abuse counselor/nurse.
Career counselor.
Special education teacher.
Art and music therapists.
Psychiatric technician.
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