鈥淢ental illness can affect anyone,鈥 states decorated boxer Frank Bruno in an interview with Express, who has experienced the rough end of bipolar disorder.
If people like Bruno or others you know have inspired you to pursue a mental health career after school, or you just have a keen interest in this path, you've come to the right guide. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Explore Your Interests
A mental health career spans many different fields. There's counseling, psychology, psychiatry, social work, occupational therapy, and more. Look at the various subspecialties and narrow down to what most interests you.
You should also look into the career aspects of both approaches. What are the different roles? What are the responsibilities? The qualifications? How about potential workplaces? When you pair these questions with where you see yourself in a few years, you'll be better placed to make a more informed decision.
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Pursue Relevant Education
The right base for a mental health career is set in high school. Make sure that your grades in biology, psychology, sociology, and communication are pretty solid. Once you've made it to university or college, enroll in a bachelor鈥檚 degree program related to mental health. Common options include:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Human Services
- Sociology
Some programs also come with specialized tracks or minors that align with specific interests. You could focus on child development, addiction and substance abuse studies, etc. This way, you get to align with exactly what makes you tick.
Gain Practical Experience
of students agree that volunteering is a great way to gain experience and learn new skills. But it's not just about learning. Volunteering also sets you up for success in your future career.
Look for positions at local clinics, hospitals, shelters, or community organizations focused on mental health. You'll get insights into real-world challenges, which can better shape your approach to this fulfilling career.
Another aspect to look into is internships. Given the weight that they carry, you should consider first reviewing resources geared towards helping you . Once you have a clue, apply to mental health facilities, schools, or non-profits that fit your career path.
Shadowing professionals is another way to gain experience. You may find clinical social workers, mental health counselors, or other relevant professionals who are open to this experience. Observing them can help you know exactly how to go about your career in the near future.
Consider Advanced Degrees
The mental health career path may ask for a lot more than a bachelor鈥檚 degree. If you're looking to become a licensed psychologist, prepare to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in addition to a bachelor鈥檚. You should also anticipate supervised clinical experience and passing licensure exams.
An aspiring psychiatrist must complete an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), a residency program with a strong bias in mental health, and obtain a medical license to practice independently. All this is on top of a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology, psychology, or a pre-med track.
Develop Essential Skills
Nailing the "education" part of your career journey is important, but it isn't the be-all, end-all. There are other essential skills that carry just as much weight.
Empathy and compassion are some of these traits. They'll help you connect with your clients emotionally and also understand their points of view. Active listening is another. Your patients will come with a myriad of issues that will require your utmost attention. You should be able to pay attention to their concern without judgment.
Also, given the sensitivity of your career path, knowing how to effectively convey information can help build trust. For this, you'll need to use empathetic language to explain a diagnosis so your client feels heard and understood.
Build a Professional Network
Connecting with experts can help you learn from those who came before you, as well as those who can be relevant in your future endeavors. Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA) are full of kindred spirits. These members may be open to collaboration, mentorship, and even connecting you to job opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing to pursue a career in mental health can be one of your most fulfilling decisions if you do the legwork beforehand. This guide has shared some good tips to help you with that.
Where you find the going rather tough or need expert advice, reach out to your academic advisors, experts in the field, or any other people whose opinions you value. Their input can help clear things up and steer you towards the right approach.
