Professional degrees, such as counselors, nurses, physicians, and psychiatrists, require considerable educational commitments before entering the workforce. [2] X Research source Non-professional career tracks may offer you similar exposure and job satisfaction without the same education or training commitment. These options include peer counselors, life coaches, administrators, medical assistants, hotline workers, mental health technicians, and support group monitoring. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental Illness Grassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source
Even in the medical field, the amount of exposure you will have to people with mental illness may vary considerably, and you have to be prepared for the lifestyle and commitment each career path will require.
Physicians can find employment providing emergency mental health care to individuals admitted to a hospital or provide medical supervision of patients in rehabilitation or psychiatric facilities. They can also work to find ideal medication regimens for individuals with mental health needs. Psychiatrists can offer professional treatment for individuals suffering from mental illnesses, addictions, and imbalances. They can provide a variety of therapies and prescribe medications to help resolve or even eliminate the symptoms of certain disorders. [5] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020. In addition, psychiatrists can find employment in private or group practices or larger mental health facilities such as psychiatric hospitals.
Assistants in the medical field spend considerable time interacting with patients. By finding work in a psychiatric hospital or unit, or by working at a mental health office, assistants can regularly care for individuals with mental health needs. Duties of assistants often include taking anthropometric and hematologic measurements, conducting intake questionnaires, explaining to patients what they can expect during the visit, updating medical files, and directly assisting the doctor during procedures and emergencies. [6] X Research source Advanced degrees, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, can see patients individually and can prescribe medication. [7] X Research source
Social workers, career counselors, counselors, counseling psychologists, addiction counselors, and charity organizers can offer invaluable services to clients with mental health needs. [8] X Research source Social workers and counselors are often a master’s level, licensed practitioner who specializes in offering talk-therapy or other types of psychotherapies. Social workers and counselors can also have a PhD. in their field, making them experts in specific areas of mental health therapy. Counseling psychologists and clinical psychologists are doctoral level, licensed practitioners who have advanced degrees and research experience in psychology. They also provide talk-therapy and psychotherapy to help their patients.
Many education programs may be completed in less time than a regular undergraduate degree, but some (like social work and counseling) can be pursued up to a master’s or doctoral level. Check your state’s requirements before opening shop as a counselor, advisor, or therapist to make sure you are not practicing illegally. While the path to becoming a licensed mental health professional can be long, it’s a highly rewarding career, and one that’s in high demand. There are also new treatments that are emerging, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine infusions, inhaled ketamine, and psychedelic treatment, making this an exciting time to be a part of the field. [9] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.
To obtain volunteer opportunities, call homeless shelters, rehabilitation centers, social work and career counseling offices, the local office for veterans’ services, and even the local public school. Ask if they need assistance with case management, intake forms, fielding phone calls, safeguarding the office, or hosting support group sessions. You may find that many places happy to receive the help and to offer you experience immediately. Working in the mental health field can be very emotionally taxing, because you’re working with individuals who are going through very traumatic experiences. However, since no two patients are the same, you’ll never be bored. [10] X Research source Padam Bhatia, MD. Psychiatrist. Personal interview. 12 May 2020.
Look into programs and positions for emergency medical technicians, crisis hotline counselors, and orderly work.
If the nature of the work appeals to you, consider seeking out education programs for emergency technicians and use that training to apply for work in mental health facilities, hospitals, crisis hotlines, or emergency response teams.
If you choose to attempt crisis counseling, be aware that phone calls can range from self-harming teens to violent addicts to suicidal elderly. Many of your interactions with individuals will be stressful, high-pressure situations that may include graphic language and uncomfortable discussions.
Specialty schools, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric units, and community centers are often eager to have a staff member able to manage the physical end of outbursts from mentally ill clients. Situations like these can be messy, violent, intimidating, and dangerous, and are not for everyone.
Many charitable and nonprofit groups exist with the sole purpose of spreading positive messages about mental health. Groups like this focus on helping those in need find care without fear of stigma, and de-mystifying the face of mental illness.
Social media organizations are often in need of writers, photographers, web designers, marketing and graphic design specialists, fundraising staff, and event planners.
Look into jobs coordinating events, networking with hospitals or other non-profits, organizing school activities (like free counseling or a celebrity guest speaker), promoting relevant books and movies, or publicizing their events.
Take the positive and negative aspects of each option into consideration and weigh your decision carefully. Listen to your gut feelings here, as ultimately you will know best what will make you happiest.
If possible, shadow someone who already performs that type of work to get a feel for what a day is like with that career. If that is not possible, spend more time online digging around for information about the job. Take note of the type of activities you will need to perform (the good, the bad, and the ugly), the salary you can expect initially and long-term, the type of environment you will work in, whether that career niche is in-demand, what your schedule will look like, and any other features about a career that are important to you.
You can then rule out options that do not interest you based on your research and your preference for certain features.
For instance, if you really want a job with regular patient interaction, you may want to exclude options like hospital administration.
Use your gut feelings when thinking about what would make you happy and not so happy about having a career in each of your options. [11] X Research source
If you have the willpower, pretty much any career option can be available to you.
Try to make sure that you have a passion for the career you are going to work toward. You can be more certain that you are passionate about your future job by shadowing someone who currently does that job or by doing your best to vividly imagine all aspects of the job you would do throughout the week.
Consider making yourself more attractive to educational programs or potential employers in the field. Pursue unpaid opportunities for mental health experience or training, such as Mental Health First Aid certification or volunteer training at a local hospital or crisis center. Try gradually building up your experience base in the mental health field and visit a career counselor to help tailor your resume to appeal to mental health organizations. Your experience may reflect more relevant skills for potential jobs than you realize; describe your experience as a university resident assistant as including behavioral monitoring and youth counseling, or your time as a bartender as helping you gain people skills and an unrivaled ability to listen.
For instance, apply for positions that will move you from welfare case management to substance abuse case management or from math teacher to youth group home resident assistant.
