Mental Health Mental health is a broad field with a wide range of career choices. In general, it involves counseling patients or clients in order to promote their optimum mental health, with an emphasis upon prevention. Working with individuals and/or groups of all ages, health professionals in this field help children, adolescents and adults deal with a variety of life stresses and problems, including addiction/substance abuse; problems with selfesteem; aging-related mental health issues; family, parenting or marital problems; grief, anger, or depression; and other emotional or behavioral issues. Some mental health practitioners specifically, professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses hold advanced degrees with special training in brain function and human behavior. These professionals help patients with clinically diagnosed mental illness and emotional problems, and their approach to care may be purely medical, psycho-therapeutic, psycho-social, or a combination of therapies. The mental health field encompasses a variety of professions, each of which has a number of different career avenues: Professional Counselor. Professional counselors provide mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans nationwide. These master s-level professionals work in partnership with individuals, families and groups to treat a wide assortment of mental, behavioral and emotional problems and disorders. The counseling profession as a whole utilizes mental health, psychological and human development principles to address issues of wellness, personal growth and career development, in addition to pathology. Although professional counselors are employed by a variety of organizations across a wide range of work environments, they make up an especially large percentage of the workforce in community health centers and agencies. They are both employed in and covered by managed care organizations and health plans. In addition, many professional counselors operate private practices. In some states, professional counselors are known by the title licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor. Pscyhologist - hold a Ph.D. and may choose to be counseling psychologists, who help people cope with everyday life issues, or clinical psychologists, who work in more clinical settings, hospitals, criminal justice, etc. Psychiatrist (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/career.95.aspx) - are advanced-practice M.D.s. They evaluate a patient s mental condition in conjunction with his/her physical condition. In many states, only psychiatrists and other M.D.s can prescribe medications to treat mental illness. Psychiatric Nurse Social Worker
Psychiatrist - DO/MD Psychiatrists are physicians (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/field.5.aspx) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. The stereotype of the "bearded analyst" sitting by the couch is obsolete. While psychoanalysis is still practiced, most psychiatrists today provide a wide range of biological, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial treatments tailored to the specific needs of the patient. Psychiatrists also serve as the medical experts for the mind/brain/body interface. Like other medical conditions, mental illnesses can range from relatively mild and self-limiting conditions to severe and life-threatening disorders. Recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/) indicates that 26% of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from some diagnosable mental disorder (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-numbers-count-mentaldisorders-in-america.shtml) in any given year. Nearly 6% of all Americans suffer from severe mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder). Psychiatry is one of the oldest medical specialties. The American Psychiatric Association (http://www.psych.org/career_corner/jobbank/) (APA) is over 150 years old. Psychiatry is also one of the frontiers of medicine, as researchers constantly make new discoveries about the brain. Recent advances in the neurosciences have led to significant new technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of many mental illnesses. Among other innovations, brain imaging and new pharmaceuticals have led to mental illness treatments that are just as effective as treatments in other medical specialties. The prospects for finding a good job in this field are excellent for the foreseeable future. There is still a great need for psychiatrists in all aspects of the public, as well as in the private care sector. Psychiatry was designated as a shortage specialty and a priority specialty in a recent report by the Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee (http://www.cogme.gov/charter.htm). Subspecialists such as child psychiatrists and geriatric psychiatrists are in even greater demand. Working Conditions The average psychiatrist spends more than 48 hours each week at work. Professional activities include administration, teaching, consultation and research. Most psychiatrists spend over 60% of their time with patients. Two-thirds of these patients are seen as outpatients, with the rest being seen in a hospital setting or, increasingly, in partial hospital or day programs and community residential programs. Psychiatric hospitalization is now more intense, more focused, and much shorter in duration than in previous years. Psychiatrists work in group or solo private practice much the way other physicians do. They also practice in the public sector, such as Veterans Administration and state hospitals and community mental health centers that are unique to psychiatry. Other settings for psychiatric practice include medical schools, HMOs, and general hospitals, as well as specialized psychiatric hospitals. Academic Requirements To become a psychiatrist, you first must hold a medical degree. Once you earn your MD or DO, you must enter a residency program in psychiatry (http://www.psych.org/career_corner/jobbank/trngprogram10703.pdf). Post-graduate education in psychiatry consists of 4 years of residency training, of which at least 3 are in psychiatry. During the first year, the resident spends at least four months in general medical care, including internal medicine, family medicine or pediatrics, and at least two months of neurology.
General psychiatry residents spend the next 3 years rotating through in-patient services, with full and partial hospitalization; ER and/or walk-in or crisis clinic coverage; and ambulatory services. These experiences are complemented by lectures, seminars and case supervision. Introductory experiences in public health/community psychiatry, child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, substance abuse, forensic psychiatry and consultation/liaison programs usually are included in the final two years. The last year offers numerous opportunities for electives. Some residents become the chief resident of an inpatient or ambulatory care unit. Others focus on special clinical and/or research interests. Following residency, you must select a sub-specialty. Most sub-specialties require a one-year fellowship, although some (such as child/adolescent psychiatry) require two years. Sub-specialty fellowships culminate in a certificate of added qualification in one of the following fields: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Geriatric Psychiatry Addiction Psychiatry Forensic Psychiatry Psychosomatic Medicine In addition, there are a number of informal "subspecialties", for which advanced training is available. These include, among others: Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry Community Psychiatry Administrative Psychiatry Emergency Psychiatry Research Psychiatry Physicians who have completed the specialty residency training requirements are eligible to take the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certification examination. The ABPN also issues certificates on psychiatry subspecialties in addition to the general certification. NOTE: Psychiatry has developed a number of combined programs with other medical specialties, including internal medicine, neurology, family medicine, and pediatrics. These programs allow for complete training in two specialties in a shorter time period than would be the case otherwise. Professional Associations American Psychiatric Association (http://www.psych.org/about_apa/) National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/) Funding Opportunities Search for funding opportunities in this field (http://) Enrichment Programs Search for enrichment programs in this field (http://) Source www.psych.org Learn more about this field: Mental Health (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/field.17.aspx) Salary: $150,000 - $300,000 Years in school: 13-14 * Job outlook: Excellent Reproduction is permitted with appropriate attribution: Reprinted courtesy of ExploreHealthCareers.org, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of Princeton, NJ, and administered by the American Dental Education Association, 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. www.adea.org, 202-289-7201
Psychologist Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, the understanding of behavior is the enterprise of psychologists. Psychologists traditionally treat patients with mental and emotional problems, but they also serve as scientists researching the phenomenon of human (and non-human) behavior. They study how human beings relate not only to each other but also to machines, and they work to improve these relationships. In particular, they concentrate on behaviors that affect the mental and emotional health and mental functioning of healthy human beings. In their research, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. They develop theories of human behavior and test them through their research. As this research yields new information, psychologists findings become part of the body of knowledge that practitioners call upon in their work with clients and patients. Psychology is a tremendously varied field. Psychologists conduct both basic and applied research, serve as consultants to communities and organizations, diagnose and treat people, test intelligence and personality, and teach future psychologists and other types of students. With the rapidly increasing diversity of the U.S. population, psychologists bring important knowledge and skills to understanding different cultures. There are many different careers within this profession. For example, psychologists work with business executives, performers, and athletes to reduce stress and improve performance. They advise lawyers on jury selection and collaborate with educators on school reform. Immediately following a disaster, such as a plane crash or bombing, psychologists help victims and bystanders recover from the trauma, or shock, of the event. They team with law enforcement and public health officials to analyze the causes of such events and prevent their occurrence. For more information including profiles of people in careers ranging from human-computer interface designer to animal programs psychologist see the American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/topics/psychologycareer.html) website. Working Conditions Many psychologists work independently. They also team up with other professionals for example, other scientists, physicians, lawyers, school personnel, computer experts, engineers, policymakers, and managers to contribute to every area of society. Thus we find them in laboratories, hospitals, courtrooms, schools and universities, community health centers, prisons, and corporate offices. Most psychologists say they love their work. They cite the variety of daily tasks and the flexibility of their schedules. They are thrilled by the exciting changes taking place in the field, from adapting technology to humans to working as part of primary health care teams. They are working hard to provide answers to research questions in diverse areas such as prevention, perception, and learning. Educators strive to train the next generations using new technology and knowledge. Academic Requirements According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an organized, sequential program in a regionally accredited university or professional school. The APA website (http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/doctoral.html) provides a listing of APA-accredited doctoral programs in the following areas:
Accredited Programs in Combined Professional-Scientific Psychology Accredited Programs in Clinical Psychology - A through L Accredited Programs in Clinical Psychology - M through Z Accredited Programs in Counseling Psychology Accredited Programs in School Psychology In terms of curriculum, psychology students in traditional programs can expect to study both normal and abnormal functioning, focusing on the intersection of two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior. For more information, see the Students section of the American Psychological Association website. Professional Associations American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/topics/psychologycareer.html) Funding Opportunities Search for funding opportunities in this field (http://) Enrichment Programs Search for enrichment programs in this field (http://) Source research.apa.org Learn more about this field: Mental Health (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/field.17.aspx) Salary: $30,000 - $76,604 Years in school: 6-8 * Job outlook: Excellent * after high school graduation Reproduction is permitted with appropriate attribution: Reprinted courtesy of ExploreHealthCareers.org, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of Princeton, NJ, and administered by the American Dental Education Association, 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. www.adea.org, 202-289-7201
Rehabilitation Counselor Rehabilitation counselors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. They evaluate the strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and vocational counseling, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement. Rehabilitation counselors interview individuals with disabilities and their families, evaluate school and medical reports, and confer and plan with physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, and employers to determine the capabilities and skills of the individual. Conferring with the client, they develop a rehabilitation program, which often includes training to help the person develop job skills. They also work toward increasing the client's capacity to live independently. Working Conditions Rehabilitation counselors usually work a standard 40-hour week. Self-employed counselors and those working in mental health and community agencies, such as substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, often work evenings to counsel clients who work during the day. Marriage and family counselors also often work flexible hours to accommodate families in crisis or working couples who must have evening or weekend appointments. Academic Requirements Vocational and related rehabilitation agencies usually require a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, counseling and guidance, or counseling psychology for rehabilitation counselor jobs. Some, however, accept applicants with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation services, counseling, psychology, sociology, or related fields. A bachelor's degree often qualifies a person to work as a counseling aide, rehabilitation aide, or social service worker. Experience in employment counseling, job development, psychology, education, or social work is helpful. For a listing of accredited rehabilitation programs (http://www.cacrep.org/directory.html), see the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (http://www.cacrep.org/index.html) Website. Other helpful sites include: American Counseling Association (http://www.counseling.org/) American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (http://www.arcaweb.org/) Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (http://www.crccertification.com/) Council on Rehabilitation Education (http://www.core-rehab.org/)
Professional Associations National Council on Rehabilitation Education (http://www.rehabeducators.org/) National Rehabilitation Association (http://www.nationalrehab.org/) Funding Opportunities Search for funding opportunities in this field (http://) Enrichment Programs Search for enrichment programs in this field (http://) Source nrca-net.org Learn more about this field: Mental Health (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/field.17.aspx) Average Salary: $42,110 Years in school: 4-6 * Job outlook: Excellent * after high school graduation Reproduction is permitted with appropriate attribution: Reprinted courtesy of ExploreHealthCareers.org, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of Princeton, NJ, and administered by the American Dental Education Association, 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. www.adea.org, 202-289-7201
Social Worker Social workers are a diverse group of skilled professionals who help people function as best they can, given the challenges of their personal situation or environment. They assist individuals, groups, or communities to restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning. The approach to care is oriented toward problem-solving and promoting positive social change. Professional social workers respond to and help prevent crises, and they counsel individuals, families, and communities on how to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Social workers frequently work with people with socio-economic disadvantages, including severe poverty, unemployment, discrimination, or inadequate housing. they also help people who have serious illness, disabilies, or substance abuse problems, as well as families with serious domestic conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse. There are various types of social workers, including: Child, Family, and School Social Workers Medical and Public Health Social Workers Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) Social workers' responsibilites often overlap with those of other practitioners in the mental health (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/field.17.aspx) field. LCSWs have special training in mental illness, but their scope of practice is narrower than it is for such other mental health professionals as psychiatrists (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/career.115.aspx), psychiatric nurses, or psychologists (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/career.96.aspx), who hold advanced practice degrees. To be effective, social workers must have deep understanding of human development and behavior. They also must have an appreciation for the effects of various social, economic and cultural factors, and an understanding of how these factors interact. Working Conditions Full-time social workers usually work a standard 40-hour week; however, some occasionally work evenings and weekends to meet with clients, attend community meetings, and handle emergencies. Some, particularly in voluntary nonprofit agencies, work part time. Social workers usually spend most of their time in an office or residential facility, but also may travel locally to visit clients, meet with service providers, or attend meetings. Some may use one of several offices within a local area in which to meet with clients. Professional social workers are found in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices, prisons, corporations, the military, and numerous public and private agencies. They usually specialize in one or more of over 40 practice areas including Disaster Relief, Child Welfare Services, Homeless Family Assistance, and Gerontology Services, among many others. The work, while satisfying, can be emotionally draining. Understaffing and large caseloads add to the pressure in some agencies. To tend to patient care or client needs, many hospitals and long-term care facilities are employing social workers on teams with a broad mix of occupations, including clinical specialists, registered nurses, and health aides. Academic Requirements A bachelor s degree in social work (BSW) is the minimum requirement to qualify for most jobs. Clinical positions and some jobs in public or private agencies typically require a master s degree (MSW), as do most supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions. College/university teaching positions and most research appointments
require a doctorate in social work (DSW or Ph.D.). For a listing of accredited social work programs, see the Council on Social Work Education (http://www.cswe.org/) website. Undergraduate social work programs prepare graduates for direct service positions, such as caseworker, and include courses in social work values and ethics, dealing with a culturally diverse clientele, at-risk populations, promotion of social and economic justice, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, social research methods, and field education. Accredited BSW programs require a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field experience. Master s degree programs prepare graduates for work in their chosen field of concentration and continue to develop the skills required to perform clinical assessments, manage large caseloads, take on supervisory roles, and explore new ways of drawing upon social services to meet the needs of clients. MSW programs last 2 years and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction, or internship. Most MSW programs offer advanced standing for those with a bachelor s degree from an accredited social work program, but a BSW is not required. For MSW applicants holding a bachelor s degree in another field, it is important to have taken courses in psychology, biology, sociology, economics, political science, and social work. Facility with a second language also is very helpful. All states and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification, or registration requirements regarding social work practice and the use of professional titles. Although standards for licensing vary by state, a growing number of states are placing greater emphasis on communications skills, professional ethics, and sensitivity to cultural diversity issues. Most states require two years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience for consideration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition, the National Association of Social Workers (http://www.naswdc.org/) (NASW) offers voluntary credentials. Social workers with an MSW may be eligible for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) credential, based on their professional experience. Credentials are particularly important for those in private practice; some health insurance providers require social workers to have them in order to be reimbursed for services. Professional Associations National Association of Social Workers (http://www.naswdc.org/) (NASW) Funding Opportunities Search for funding opportunities in this field (http://) Enrichment Programs Search for enrichment programs in this field (http://) Source www.bls.gov Learn more about this field: Mental Health (http://www.explorehealthcareers.com/en/field.17.aspx) Salary: $29,100 - $49,500 Years in school: 4-10 * Job outlook: Excellent * after high school graduation Reproduction is permitted with appropriate attribution: Reprinted courtesy of ExploreHealthCareers.org, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of Princeton, NJ, and administered by the American Dental Education Association, 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. www.adea.org, 202-289-7201