Mental health workers use their skills and expertise to help people overcome a wide range of personal and mental health issues including depression, psychiatric disorders, and various mental illnesses. Although mental health careers come in all shapes and sizes, all professionals in this field share the common goal of helping patients overcome their disorders or problems and live productive, happy lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some common tasks performed by workers in this field are as follows:
Although many different types of workers can be found in mental health careers, the following occupations are some of the most popular in the mental health realm, according to the BLS:
Top Careers in Mental Health (BLS, 2013)
Career | Number of Workers Nationally in 2013 | Job Description | Degree Requirements |
Mental Health Counselors | 115,580 | Mental health counselors provide guidance and advice to patients struggling to cope with life's ups and downs. They listen carefully and provide emotional support, make recommendations for treatment, and refer patients to other mental health professionals as needed. | According to the BLS, mental health counselors are typically required to hold a Master's degree and become licensed to practice in their state. |
Psychologists | 116,390 | Psychologists study and interpret human behavior by conducting experiments, observing natural behaviors, and recording how humans interact and react to specific situations and triggers. Some psychologists focus on using their knowledge to diagnose behavioral disorders or mental illness, while others specialize in the mental health of children or the elderly. | According to the BLS, most psychologists earn a Doctoral degree. However, certain positions may only require a Master's degree. In most states, psychologists need to become licensed. |
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 83,120 | Workers in this field offer advice and support to individuals suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, or addiction to other destructive behaviors. They listen to their concerns and problems, help clients create and meet goals, and measure their progress as they overcome their addictions and issues. | According to the BLS, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors who want to work in private practice typically need a Master's degree and to become licensed in their state. However, educational requirements range for other workers in this field, depending on the position. |
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 104,480 | Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists use their skills and expertise to help individuals with mental illness or behavioral disorders. They use diagnostic tests to discover underlying issues, design behavior modification programs, and monitor their patients for progress and signs of recovery. | According to the BLS, most psychologists earn a Doctoral degree. However, certain positions may only require a Master's degree. In most states, psychologists need to become licensed. |
Psychiatric Technicians | 66,760 | Psychiatric technicians provide care and supervision for patients with mental illnesses, behavioral disorders, and disabilities. They provide therapeutic care, observe patient behavior for abnormalities, and help them with daily activities. | Although a high school diploma may be the only requirement for certain positions, the BLS notes that most psychiatric technicians earn a certificate or Associate degree from a trade or technical school. |
Mental Health Career Education
Although educational requirements vary depending on the career, almost all mental health professions require postsecondary education and licensure. The following table uses BLS data to outline the different degree options in this field:
Degree Type | Timeline for Completion | Possible Careers |
Certificate | Although timelines vary, most certificate programs can be completed in 1-2 years. | Psychiatric Technicians, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors |
Associate | Associate degrees can typically be completed with two years of full-time study. However, programs completed on a part-time basis may take longer. | Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors, Psychiatric Technicians |
Bachelor's | Bachelor's degree programs typically take four years of full-time study to complete. | Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors |
Graduate or Professional Degree | Students can earn a Graduate or Professional degree in 1-3 years after earning a Bachelor's degree. | Mental Health Counselors, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors, Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists |
Doctoral Degree | Most Doctoral degrees take an additional 3-5 years to complete after earning a Master's degree. | Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists |
Sources:
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," May 2013 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Psychologists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-and-behavioral-disorder-counselors.htm
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Psychiatric Technicians and Aides, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/psychiatric-technicians-and-aides.htm
Schools for Mental Health are listed in the column to the left.
This table shows summary data on occupations in the US. Clicking on any occupation name brings you to a page showing job prospects and salaries for that occupation in hundreds of metro areas across the country, with data updated through 2022.(Where data is denoted by an asterisk (*), summary info was not available.
Click each Occupation title for more details.
Occupation | Jobs (2016) | Median Pay (2016) | % Growth 2014-2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Clinical Psychologists | 113,270 | ||
Mental Health Counselors | N/A | ||
Organizational Psychologists | 630 | ||
Psychiatric Technicians and Aides | 78,470 | ||
Psychiatrists | 25,530 | ||
Psychologists | 14,220 | ||
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | N/A |