When someone is struggling with their mental health, all it takes is one person who truly listens to make them feel seen and heard. More than just diagnoses and treatments, mental health support is also about compassion and supporting others as they cope with anxiety, grief, burnout, and more.
If you’ve ever considered helping those in need, you may want to consider a career in mental health. If you’re not sure which one is a good fit for you, here are five paths where you can truly make a difference in someone’s life.
1. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychology professionals are trained to assess and diagnose emotional and psychological issues. They can treat mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. These professionals help people navigate life’s challenges with research and science-backed therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for those with panic attacks and trauma.
Psychologists often work in hospitals, community health clinics, or their own private practices. If you’re curious about how the mind works and want to use science to help people heal, this may be the path for you. Becoming a clinical psychologist usually requires a doctoral degree in the field. You also need a state licensure and supervised clinical experience.
2. Social Worker
Social workers help families facing challenges by connecting them with resources and advocating for any mental health needs. For example, they might help someone find housing after a psychiatric hospitalization, or support a teen in foster care going through depression and trauma. They can work for hospitals, non-profits, and even schools.
If you want to become a social worker, you’ll need a Master of Social Work, along with some clinical hours and a license to practice. This is a great career option for those passionate about community care.
3. School Counselor
Counselors play a vital role in supporting mental health in schools. They support students’ emotional well-being while helping them reach their academic goals. They also help kids and teens manage stress and resolve conflicts. In high schools, they also guide graduating students through the college application process. Most importantly, they’re often the first line of support for students dealing with anxiety, bullying, grief, and other challenges that hurt their overall mental health.
To become a school counselor, you’ll need a Master’s of School Counseling and other credentials, depending on your state. This is an optimal path for those who want to improve mental health in young people.
4. Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors help people overcome addiction and offer guidance throughout the recovery journey. They help address the root cause of addiction, whether it’s trauma or mental illness, and then help people get through it. They also often advocate for family involvement in addiction treatment to create a strong support system at home.
You’ll often need a bachelor’s degree in psychology to be a substance abuse counselor. Pursuing a graduate degree in addiction counseling can also strengthen your chances of landing this job.
5. Art Therapist
Art therapy is a terrific way to help people process emotions and trauma through creative expression. Therapists who specialize in this field work with people who can’t use words to process their feelings, like children or those who can’t openly talk about their pain.
They use techniques like painting or even playing music to help people through creative healing. If you have a warm, creative soul and care for others, this might be the perfect job for you. Most of these roles require a graduate degree in art or music therapy. You’ll also need clinical hours and a national certification.
Final Thoughts
There are many jobs out there that allow you to help build people up and support them through mental health struggles. No matter what path you choose, the most important thing is to do your work with empathy and a genuine desire to help make people feel whole again.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024, January 22). Mental Health in Schools. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/school-health/mental-health-in-schools/
- American Psychological Association. (2022, September). Clinical Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024, February 12). Types of mental health professionals | National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/types-of-mental-health-professionals/
- St. Bonaventure University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Education in School Counseling Online. Retrieved from https://online.sbu.edu/programs/master/msed/school-counseling