Careers in Mental Health: Opportunities in Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work

Accessible and balanced, Careers in Mental Health introduces beginning undergraduates and upper–level high school students to the different aspects of various mental health professions. It contains essential career advice for anyone considering an advanced degree in one of the helping professions within mental health. The book clarifies the distinctions between professions by discussing the history and philosophy of each field, requirements for advanced education, licensing, available jobs, and salary potential. The chapters cover clinical psychology, counseling psychology, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, and school psychology. A second section of the book includes practical information applicable to all the professions, including characteristics for success, ethical issues, the importance of critical thinking, applying to graduate school, and current issues affecting the field of mental health. Packed with helpful tips and up–to–date information, this is an indispensable guide for anyone embarking on a career in mental health.

Introduction

Unit 1

Chapter 1 – Ph.D or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Types of clients served

What about getting a Master s degree in psychology?

Chapter 2 Ph.D or Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Chapter 3 Master s in Social Work (MSW)

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Chapter 4 Master s in Counseling

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Chapter 5 Master s in Marriage and Family Therapy

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Chapter 6 Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency Counselors

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Chapter 7 School psychologist

Overall history and philosophy of the profession

School psychologist versus school counselor

Education

Licensing

Types of jobs for which the degree will qualify you

Earning potential

Unit 2

Chapter 8 Why (and why not) to pursue a mental health professional

Why TO pursue a mental health career

You are genuine and have a caring personality

You have good coping skills

You are a good listener and show empathy to others

You have good communication and interpersonal skills

Why NOT to pursue a mental health career

You want to be rich

You want to work from 9 to 5.

You want to socialize and talk to other people at your job

You need to see the results of your work immediately

You are good at telling people what to do

You are anxious to begin learning about and solving your own or your loved ones emotional problems

Chapter 9 Critical thinking

Distinguish between real science and psychobabble

Always ask questions

Pay attention to the way terms are operationalized when evaluating information

Examine the evidence both sides of the evidence

Analyze assumptions and biases of those making claims

Avoid emotional reasoning

Consider other interpretations

Tolerate uncertainty

Chapter 10 Ethics: a primer on mental health profession guidelines

Confidentiality

Boundaries

Record keeping

Chapter 11 How to increase your chance of getting into graduate school

GPA and GRE scores

Research experience

Volunteering

Internship

Personal statement

Letters of recommendation

Vita or resume

Interview

Attend to deadlines

Chapter 12 After you have earned your degree

Continuing education

Malpractice Insurance

Telehealth/telepsychology/on–line support groups

Prescription privileges

Conclusion

Index

Kim Metz is Professor of Psychology at Walsh University, USA. She also works as a Clinical Psychologist with children, adolescents, and adults at Avenues of Counseling and Mediation.  Over the last 20 years, she has held a wide variety of positions as a psychologist, including positions in the forensic unit at a prison, a VA hospital, an outpatient clinic, an adolescent ward of an inpatient hospital, a community mental health agency and a private practice.