Nobody denies life can be stressful. Fortunately, there's an entire career field, mental health services, dedicated to helping people achieve mental clarity. Mental Health Services and similar degree programs can prepare students to work in a variety of capacities in this field, including as psychiatric aides, mental health counselors or, with further education, psychologists.
What is a Degree in Mental Health Services?
Few educational institutions actually offer degree programs termed Mental Health Services, but dozens of colleges and universities award degrees and certificates in mental health, mental health counseling or similar fields that focus on many of the same skills and concepts. These degree programs prepare students to work in the field of mental health care by developing their knowledge of subjects such as sociology, psychosocial dynamics, therapy techniques and case management. Many programs, particularly at the graduate level, also require students to acquire a certain amount of clinical experience before graduation. Depending on the type and level of program, holders of degrees in Mental Health Services or similar fields might work as psychiatric aides, mental health counselors, psychologists and more.
Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric aides work to help psychiatric patients carry out basic tasks, such as bathing, eating and interacting with others. Working under the supervision of such mental health professionals as psychiatrists and psychologists, these aides carry out plans for patient care and provide updates on patients' progress. This profession does not generally require education beyond high school, but an associate degree in Mental Health Services or a similar field may provide a significant competitive advantage in applying for jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, this fast-growing career field paid a median hourly wage of $11.19 in 2004.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors help clients overcome difficulties stemming from issues such as depression, alcoholism or emotional trauma using therapy and other techniques. They might work in corporate offices, schools, community centers or other settings. A large proportion are employees of government agencies. In therapy sessions, counselors' clients learn to recognize negative patterns of behavior and develop alternative behavioral strategies. According to the BLS, this career field will also experience rapid growth in coming years and paid a median annual salary of between $25,000 and $44,000 in 2004.
Psychologists
Psychologists might teach at the college level, conduct psychological research, advise companies on issues that affect employees' mental health or work in private practice. Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists cannot prescribe medications to counteract mental disorders, but clinical psychologists use other techniques, including specialized therapy, to assist patients in resolving emotional difficulties. In most cases, aspiring psychologists who hold master's or bachelor's degrees in Mental Health Services or a similar field will need to complete Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Ph.D. degrees to gain professional licensure. Psychologists earned a median of $54,950 per annum in 2004 (BLS).
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