Do you have a passion to help others and make a meaningful impact in their lives? If so, then preparing for a career in mental health is your ultimate destination while making a meaningful and better impact on others’ lives.
When you choose a career in mental health, the one big problem that you will face is what to study. If you are also at the stage of choosing what to study to prepare for mental health, then this blog post will give you the answer.
Keep reading and stay hooked!
5 Best Programs and Degrees to Pursue for a Career in Mental Health
Here are some of the best programs and accredited degrees to pursue while preparing for a career in mental health.
1. Psychology
Firstly, we have added the Psychology degree that is your starting point to understand what other wants. When you go for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you will learn about human behavior, cognition, and emotional processes.
Such a knowledge retention power will be invaluable for roles in research, assessment, as well as clinical practice. Many psychology students pursue additional qualifications to become licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, or counselors to develop such skills.
2. Counseling Degrees
Counseling degrees and training, like the ones offered by the Breakthru College, offer an advanced direct approach to licensure careers, especially for one-on-one support and therapeutic work. The master’s level programs prepare students for roles like Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) to make an impactful life on others.
Counseling graduates often work directly with families or groups to promote emotional well-being and to build management skills. Further, this approach also helps them manage mental health conditions to cure their patients’ pain points.
3. Social Work
Social work offers a systems-based career in mental health that addresses individual needs within their social and community environments. A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree prepares students for several roles in the mental health sector, including clinical and non-clinical positions.
For added flexibility, online Master’s of Social Work programs allow students to complete coursework entirely online. This means you don’t have to be bound by four walls, which allows you to balance other responsibilities.
4. Public Health
A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree would be a perfect choice for you if you’re interested in education and systemic change. MPH programs train professionals to design, implement, and assess mental health programs at the population level.
Coursework often covers epidemiology, health promotion, policy, and health equity, which prepares graduates for roles in government agencies and NGOs. According to the CDC, collaborative skills are necessary to address the mental health crisis requires a broad approach.
5. Psychiatric Nursing
Psychiatric nursing is a fulfilling clinical career path for those who are interested in both medicine and mental health. Nurses students may pursue additional training to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) when they start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
These advanced expert nurses assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health issues and have the authority to prescribe medication. Further, they can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and telehealth.
Before You Go
The mental health department offers various educational and career options, each with its unique benefits and challenges. Whether you’re interested in one-on-one support or community advocacy, the right degree will equip you with the skills to make a meaningful difference.
You need to consider your strengths, interests, and the type of work environment you adore before choosing a career path. Research licensure requirements in your state and explore programs that offer the training and department experience you need.
People Also Ask
Q1. What’s the difference between a counselor and a social worker?
Counselors typically focus on helping individuals manage emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues through talking therapy. On the other hand, Social workers address broader social and environmental factors affecting clients.
Q2. Can I work in mental health without providing therapy?
Yes, you can work in mental health without providing therapy. Roles in case management, public health, advocacy, research, education, and program collaborative support mental health initiatives without direct counseling.
Q3. Is face-to-face learning better than online learning?
Face-to-face learning offers real-time interaction, structured environments, and immediate feedback, which some students find more engaging.
