Mental health care is growing fast around the world. This industry is not only financially rewarding but also spiritually fulfilling. You can have a great opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of people who are suffering quietly, and also contribute to society’s overall wellness.
Mental health issues, specifically stress, anxiety, and depression, are increasing day by day. But, it’s a relief that people are more aware of it and demand capable professionals to help them get back to their normal lives.
If you wish for a career in this space, the diverse specialities can easily feel overwhelming. So, it’s best to know your interests, skills, and passion for helping others so you can better decide which specific path to choose.
How Do You Know if Mental Health Care is Right For You?
Although mental health care is an incredibly rewarding industry, it is not for everyone. Human psychology can be scary; you need to have specific characteristics as a person and a deep sense of responsibility to help people with mental disorders. If you are good at following, a career in mental health care might be right for you:
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Patience
- Resilience
- Great communication skills
- Thirst for lifelong learning
- Commitment to make a change
Sought-After Careers in Mental Health
Psychiatrist
Becoming a psychiatrist is one of the best career choices if you love the mental health industry. You get to diagnose the disorder, create treatment plans, and also prescribe medicine if necessary. All in all, this career choice is very fulfilling.
To be a practicing psychiatrist, you’ll need to qualify as a medical doctor and then specialize in mental health. This can be challenging, but the compensation structure makes it worth the effort. The average salary of a Psychiatrist is also among the highest in the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a psychiatrist earns around $256,930 per year.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
If you’re already working as a nurse, upgrading to a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner can be a great step. To become a PMHNP, you need to complete an MSN with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. Many nurses easily balance their work lives with advanced education through psych NP schools online that provide flexible courses.
After becoming a PMHNP, you can assess, diagnose, treat, and even prescribe medications and therapy to people who are dealing with mental health issues. The mean salary of a PMHNP is around $115,000 in the US, but there’s a possibility of higher earnings based on location and experience.
Clinical Psychologist (CP)
Another great option in the mental health care industry is the career of a Clinical psychologist. To become one, you need a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy. D. or Ph.D). After getting the degree, you can work in hospitals, clinics, or privately, depending on your interests. A clinical psychologist is fully capable of assessing the patient, diagnosing the disorder, and treating it using their expertise. The average salary of clinical psychologists in the US is $81,000 per year.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
To become an LPC, you need a Master’s degree in Counseling, which you can get from any recognized institute. After that, you can apply for a license to work as an independent LPC. As a licensed professional counselor, you can provide therapy to patients who are specifically dealing with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma. This career is in great demand in hospitals, private practices, and schools. An LPC earns around $50,000 per year in the United States.
Mental Health Social Worker
If you love social work, becoming a mental health social worker can make it more meaningful and rewarding. You can help people cope with mental health issues by providing therapy, resources, and professional as well as moral support. To work as a Mental health social worker, you must have a Master’s degree in Social work (MSW) and a license. Once you do, you can work in a hospital, government agency, NGO, or even in schools. The average salary for an MSW is around $50,000 per year, but you can earn more based on the location and your experience.
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
As a CCMHC, you can provide counseling to people, couples, or families struggling with mental health concerns. You’ll need to get a Master’s degree in Counseling or a relevant field, as well as a license and certification from the state.
Diagnosing mental health conditions, offering therapy, and providing continuous support to patients in the long term fall under the scope of work for CCMHC. In the US, their salary averages around $46,000 per year, however, you can potentially earn more with your experience and the location that you practice in.
Mental health care is a great choice if you’re seeking a meaningful career. There are several paths that you can choose from to build a rewarding profession in your area of expertise. Besides monetary aspects, this particular career brings significant positivity to society.
