Pursuing a Career in Mental Health (PDF)

Many people are interested in pursuing a career in mental health but may be uncertain about career options. Between the numerous disciplines and the economic implications of different educational decisions, the world of professional mental health can seem difficult to navigate.

Pursuing a Career in Mental Health helps demystify the world of mental health by identifying the best educational path for people interested in this career and by giving them the resources to prepare for success. Designed to prepare students to excel in training and in careers in practice, the book offers an introduction to the topics addressed in graduate study across disciplines, exploring important issues relating to current and future mental health practice. Throughout, mental health professionals share inspirational wisdom to build realistic expectations and highlight key decision points. This book provides comprehensive information about the disciplines of counseling, marital/couples and family therapy, psychology, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, and social work, along with an expansive array of job possibilities. It also offers practical guidance about masters versus doctoral degrees, graduate admissions requirements, educational costs, and salary projections. Readers learn about how diversity and inclusion issues, as well as laws and ethics, impact mental health, and how to prevent career burnout. Thought-provoking chapters promote balanced respect for both the healing art and the science of mental health, and forecast innovations that will shape the field into the future.