Making a Difference in a Mental Health Career
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One in four adults suffers from mental illness in any given year. While that is a sobering fact, the even more frightening issue is that there simply aren’t enough mental health resources to go around – meaning those who need help often fail to get it. For those looking to bolster the ranks of mental health professionals, this guide explores career paths where you can make a positive and lasting impact. It also provides a comprehensive review of major mental health disorders, including warning signs and volunteer opportunities. If you want to become a shining light for someone battling the darkness of mental illness, this is where you begin.
Pursuing a Career in Mental Health
From direct patient care and one-on-one counseling to research-driven psychology, many fields offer an opportunity to provide valuable care to those suffering from mental disorders. The following careers are some of the most popular:
Counseling
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors work with patients to help them deal with mental health problems, such as depression, grief and anxiety. Mental health counselors diagnose and treat patients and can work with individuals, families or groups.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors are specialized mental health counselors who treat patients in individual or group settings in order to identify issues and establish a treatment plan.
Psychology
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat individuals suffering from mental or behavioral disorders. They are trained in multiple treatments, including behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy and psychotherapy. Some clinical psychologists conduct research to better understand behavioral and psychological phenomena.
Neuropsychologist
Generally more research-oriented than clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists perform the important task of determining what is happening to the brain on a physical level during certain neurological events. Neuropsychologists’ findings lead to better mental health treatments.
Psychiatry
Mental Health Psychiatrist
Mental health psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating patients suffering from emotional and behavioral health problems. Unlike psychologists or mental health counselors, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs to treat mental health problems.
Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric technicians work under the direction of psychiatrists. They usually monitor patients, assist in the administration of treatment and medicine, and help patients perform daily tasks.
Social Work
Mental Health Social Worker
A mental health social worker specializes in helping individuals with mental health problems that affect their everyday lives. Mental health social workers don’t generally diagnose patients or administer treatment, but instead provide information and support to help patients managing their mental health problems.
Social & Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers run nonprofit organizations that provide services to the general public. They may not work directly with individuals suffering from mental illness, but they run organizations that provide them with resources.
Nursing
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Psychiatric-mental health nurses are usually registered nurses or advanced practice nurses who work with psychiatric patients. Job duties include assessing their medical needs and diagnosing and treating them.
Substance Abuse Nurse
Substance abuse nurses care for patients struggling with addiction. They might explain the dangers of substance abuse or advise on potential treatment options. Because of the nature of substance abuse, these nurses provide emotional support as well as medical assistance.
Mental Health Career Comparison
| Career | Provides Therapy | Can Write Prescriptions | Minimum Education | 2015 National Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselor | Y | N | Master's | $41,880 |
| Addiction Counselor | Y | N | Bachelor's | $39,980 |
| Clinical Psychologist | Y | Only in Illinois, Louisiana and New Mexico | Doctorate | $70,580 |
| Neuropsychologist | N | N | Doctorate | $70,580 |
| Mental Health Psychiatrist | Y | Y | Professional Medical Degree | $187,200 or greater (all psychiatrists) |
| Psychiatric Technician | N | N | Postsecondary Certificate | $31,140 |
| Mental Health Social Worker | N | N | Bachelor's | $42,170 |
| Social & Community Service Manager | N | N | Bachelor's | $63,530 |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses | N | N | Certificate or Career Diploma | $67,490 (all registered nurses) |
| Substance Abuse Nurse | N | N | Certificate or Career Diploma | $67,490 (all registered nurses) |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Why More Professional Help Is Needed
As mental health systems all over the world become overburdened and short-staffed, lack of mental health services has become a pressing issue, one made more serious by the fact that many mental health problems begin during childhood or adolescence. The World Health Organization reports that 20 percent of all minors have mental disorders or problems.
In addition, 25 percent of Americans will deal with mental illness this year. In fact, mental illness is so common that mood disorders are the third-most common cause of hospitalization for 18- to 44-year-olds.
Did You Know?
1 in every 4 Americans will suffer from mental illness this year.
Unfortunately, there are not enough mental health professionals to go around. Over 89 million Americans live in an area with a shortage of mental health professionals. Even those who do have access cannot always afford it. Forty-five percent of untreated sufferers say treatment costs are prohibitive.
Did You Know?
Over 89 million Americans live in an area with a shortage of mental health professionals.
Volunteers can step in to fill the gap between those who need mental health services and those who are paid to provide those services. Volunteer work is vitally important, especially during a crisis. For instance, a volunteer staffing a suicide hotline might answer a call of someone deep in the throes of depression.
But professionals are also needed. From mental health counselors to social workers to psychiatric nursing aides, there is plenty of space in the healthcare system for those who want to contribute to alleviating the effects of mental illness.
Career Spotlight: How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Becoming a mental health counselor can put you in a position to help others. However, it takes training and experience. Here are the specifics:
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Career Readiness Check: Is the Mental Health Field for You?
Make no mistake – working in mental health services is not easy. Whether you are a highly trained professional or a fresh volunteer, there will be some tough moments. Before you charge into the mental health profession, ask yourself these five questions:
Mental health professionals typically work with physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other healthcare providers to offer a well-rounded plan of care for patients. You must be able to communicate well with all of these individuals and work as a team to create a treatment plan.
Attention to detail is vitally important. You will be writing numerous reports, keeping detailed notes, writing letters, passing along crucial information while maintaining client-patient confidentiality, and keeping up with numerous patients at once. Being organized isn’t just an advantage — it’s a necessity.
Having empathy for your clients is essential. Perhaps you won’t fully understand what someone is going through, but you will likely be able to relate to feelings of sadness and loss. Compassion will allow you to listen more effectively and motivate you to help them even more.
Sometimes you will encounter individuals who have made bad decisions or can’t seem to get on the right track. You must be able to set aside judgment of these people and instead focus on helping them as much as you can.
Working in any field related to mental health can take a personal toll. You must have ways to “leave work at the office” and come home to a calm atmosphere where you can gather your thoughts and take a break from the intensity you experience during the day. Those who can’t decompress will usually burn out quickly.
Types of Mental Disorders & Related Volunteer Opportunities
Mental health disorders are not “one size fits all.” Even people diagnosed with a particular disorder might have a host of other issues and coexisting disorders, all of which must be dealt with in order to help them reach their full potential. Here are some of the most common mental health disorders, the warning signs for each and where volunteers can go to offer their assistance.
Anxiety Disorders
Common Examples
Social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobia
Symptoms & Warning Signs
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Panic attacks
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Frequent diarrhea
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Shortness of breath
-
Feelings of dread
-
Restlessness
-
Constantly watching for danger
-
Trouble concentrating
-
Headaches
-
Difficulty in social situations
Volunteer Opportunities
National Institute of Mental Health – Join a Research Study: Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Common Examples
Major depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, substance-induced mood disorders
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Anxiety
-
Sadness
-
Feelings of emptiness
-
Thoughts of suicide
-
Hopelessness or prolonged periods of elation
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Restlessness
-
Grandiosity
-
Risky behaviors
-
Decreased energy
-
Fatigue
-
Trouble concentrating
-
Insomnia
-
Easily distracted
-
Hypersexuality
-
Racing thoughts
Volunteer Opportunities
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Addiction Disorders
Common Examples
Behavioral addiction, substance abuse, impulse control disorders
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Obsessive behavior
-
Hiding addictive behaviors from others
-
Low self-esteem
-
Cravings
-
Feeling a loss of control
Volunteer Opportunities
MARR Addiction Treatment Center
Eating Disorders
Common Examples
Bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Abnormally low weight
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Obsession with weight or calories
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Excessive exercise
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Vomiting after eating
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Binging and purging
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Overuse of laxatives
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Eating alone
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Distorted body image
Volunteer Opportunities
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Psychotic Disorders
Common Examples
Schizophrenia, delusional disorder, catatonia, brief psychotic disorder
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Social withdrawal
-
Apathy
-
Loss of appetite
-
No attention to hygiene
-
Disorganized speech
-
Delusions
-
Hallucinations
-
Disorganized behaviors
-
Depersonalization
Volunteer Opportunities
Personality Disorders
Common Examples
Antisocial disorder, borderline disorder, paranoid, avoidant, narcissistic
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Avoidance of social interaction
-
Disregard for the feelings of others
-
Overly dramatic or emotional
-
Unstable emotions or mood swings
-
Inflated view of personal importance
-
Extreme shyness
Volunteer Opportunities
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Excessive thoughts
-
Fear of contamination
-
Constant checking
-
Hoarding
-
Constant counting
-
Repeated unwanted ideas
-
Excessive cleaning
-
Fear of harm or harming others
Volunteer Opportunities
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Common Examples
Normal stress response, acute stress disorder, PTSD comorbid, uncomplicated PTSD, complex PTSD
Symptoms & Warning Signs
-
Intrusive memories
-
Negative changes in thinking and mood
-
Severe emotional reactions
-
Avoidance
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Intensification of symptoms over time
Volunteer Opportunities
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Join a PTSD Study
Sources: HelpGuide.org; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Institute of Mental Health; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – National Center for PTSD; WebMD
The Importance of Detecting & Treating Mental Illness
People suffering from mental illness do not live in a vacuum. Their mental health issues can spill out into the world around them, affecting family and friends, upending relationships and leading to self-destructive behaviors. Treatment can make a drastic difference, but those who go without treatment might face consequences that go well beyond what they ever imagined.
Suicide
According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th-most common cause of death among American adults, and the third-most common cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds. About 90 percent of those who die by suicide experience mental illness, a clear indication that the two are strongly linked. Other risk factors for suicide include substance abuse, prolonged stress, isolation, a recent tragedy and sleep deprivation.
But there is help. Mental health professionals can aid people struggling with suicidal thoughts by offering a variety of therapies, sometimes in conjunction with medication.
The first step is seeking help. If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who does, call this 24/7 hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (9255) – The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Domestic Abuse
Mental illness and domestic violence often go hand-in-hand. Those who are suffering from a mental illness are more likely to be victims, but sometimes they will become perpetrators. The Department of Justice found that in cases where a spouse is killed by another spouse, 12.3 percent of defendants were suffering from mental illness. In cases where a parent is killed by a child, over 25 percent of the perpetrators were suffering from mental illness at the time of the attack.
Inadequate treatment is a huge factor in violence. According to a 1998 MacArthur Foundation study, people with serious mental disorders were far more likely to act violently while not taking their medication. Those who were treated showed a 50 percent reduction in the rate of violence.
Those who know victims of domestic abuse, or are victims themselves, can find immediate help here: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) – The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Substance Abuse
People with mental health problems often turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. They may overuse prescription drugs, drink too much or seek out very dangerous narcotics. Using drugs or alcohol to “self-medicate” and control mental health disorders can actually increase the underlying risk for mental disorders or make symptoms worse. When an individual suffers from mental illness and substance abuse simultaneously, it is known as “dual diagnosis.”
Among those who abuse alcohol, 37 percent have at least one serious mental illness; among those who use drugs, the number rises to 53 percent, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Fortunately, mental health experts can quickly recognize the problem and are trained to tackle both the mental illness and any corresponding substance abuse issues.
If you’re ready to get help, it’s just a phone call away: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
More Consequences of Non-Treatment
- Legal and financial troubles
- Work and school problems
- Poverty and homelessness
- Family conflicts and relationship difficulties
- A weakened immune system
- Incarceration
10 Apps for Mental Illness Sufferers
Mobile and online apps have provided an additional avenue of treatment for those suffering from anxiety, PTSD, sleep deprivation and other ailments related to mental health. Share the following app list with anyone you know who needs help.
Breathe2Relax is an app that teaches breathing exercises to help handle stress.
This app is designed to educate users about PTSD and help them deal with symptoms.
The Optimism app detects mood patterns in order to help people track their mental illness.
SAM: Self-help for Anxiety Management (iOS)
SAM helps users record their anxiety levels to identify triggers, allowing them to cope with anxiety.
Operation Reach Out asks those with suicidal thoughts to change their thinking and get help when necessary.
The Sleep Cycle app can track the sleeping habits of individuals and wake them up at the best possible time for feeling refreshed.
The tracker allows users to record their physical and emotional health.
Talkspace allows users to obtain help from a licensed therapist for a reasonable fee.
Mental Health Resources & Organizations
Mental health is a massive issue, and there are many organizations working to make life better for those struggling with a mental illness. Here are a few:
American Psychological Association
The APA maintains a comprehensive website about all things related to psychology, including careers, education opportunities and research.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
ADAA provides information about anxiety and depression, including how to get help, understanding the signs, managing the symptoms and helping others.
Mental Health America is a major nonprofit organization with the goal of assisting those suffering from mental illness and improving the mental health of the general public.
A comprehensive site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, MentalHealth.gov serves people looking for more information about mental illness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Using grassroots efforts, NAMI raises awareness and educates the public on mental health problems facing Americans today.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
This branch of the National Institutes of Health presents research, news and information on the health effects of alcohol on the human body in order to educate the public about the harm of alcohol abuse.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this is a large source of statistical material and treatment information for anyone suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
The SPRC is a federally funded organization that works to educate others on suicide prevention.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Mental Health
This website is a resource for those suffering from mental health problems (including PTSD) that might have been triggered or exacerbated by their military service.
Related Resources at a Glance
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