Career Options for those with a Degree in Mental Health Services
Career News February 15, 2016In the next few minutes, expect to learn the general career information for a degree program in Mental Health Services. Learn what professions graduates of this degree program pursue, salaries they could earn and the job growth rate for jobs related to this field.
Information for those with a Degree in Mental Health Services
Mostly, completing a degree program in mental health services prepares you to be a professional counselor. You get essential counseling skills that you can use when you become a psychiatrist, a mental health counselor or a school psychologist. Students who further their studies to a master’s level usually get higher paying jobs.
| Career | Mental Health Counselor | Psychologist or Clinical Counselor | Psychiatrist |
| Education details | Graduate level degree | PhD in psychology | Doctorate degree |
| Additional training | An operating license | Certification | License and residency |
| Estimated job growth rate (2012) | 29% | 11% | Less than 21% |
| Average salary in 2014 | $43,990 | $74,030 | $182,700 |
Career Options for Individuals with a Degree in Mental Health Services
Mental Health Services degree program graduates have a wide array of careers to choose from. They however must acquire a license or certificate from their specific states before joining any of the following professions: health counselors, psychiatrists or psychologists.
Mental Health Counselors
They use group therapy, individual counseling sessions as well as other methods to help their clients achieve desired psychological well-being. They are mainly found in high schools, colleges, universities and other institutions to address issues such as substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, emotional trauma, relationship challenges and stress related issues.
There is good news for anyone wishing to join this profession within the next few years. Jobs growth rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are expected to increase at 29% up to 2022. On the other hand, the average salary for mental health psychologists were $43,990 in 2014.
Psychologists
They are mainly found in schools and higher learning institutions such as colleges and universities. Their work is to teach, in the case of colleges and universities, conduct research about issues that affect people psychologically, and give recommendations to either the affected individuals or to company managers. To be a psychologist, you are required to have a PhD in Psychology plus you have to obtain a license from the necessary authorities in the state you are operating in. Jobs for psychologists are expected to grow at a rate of 11% as per the BLS. On the other hand, a psychologist who work at a school or a clinic could earn $74,030 annually.
Psychiatrist
They work to prevent or treat psychological and mental disorders. A psychiatrist examines a client’s mental health issues, either by checking their past medical records or through therapy sessions with them. To be a psychiatrist, you need to train as a doctor, participate in a residency and have an operating license before you can seek employment. Their pay in 2014 was estimated to be $182,700 annually. Note, while most people with a Bachelor’s degree in mental health services obtain good jobs, those with additional training earns higher income on average.
