Mental Health Job Opportunities
- Addiction Specialist
- Private Practice Therapist
- Community Mental Health Counselor
- Child and Adolescent Therapist
- Organizational Psychologist
Mental health jobs exist within a rich, diverse field where aspiring professionals have a multitude of choices available to them. Professionals in this field find rewarding work that enables them to positively impact their community in long-term ways. As society becomes more receptive to the importance of mental health care, both traditional and emerging job fields expect continued growth.
1. Addiction Specialist
As the growing epidemic of substance abuse has become more visible through the national media, the need for addiction specialists has become obvious. The American Society of Addiction Medicine estimates that there is only one addiction specialist for every 4,500 people suffering from chemical dependence or addictive behavior. Addiction specialists often have degrees in both psychology and medicine. They work with clients to develop holistic treatment models that address physical, emotional, and psychological imbalances. Many addiction specialists also engage in research to expand knowledge about effective addictive treatments.
2. Private Practice Therapist
Private practice is one of the oldest models of mental health work. Practicing therapists have flexibility in choosing hours, treatment models, and client loads. While access to therapy has been restricted to wealthier individuals in the past, the increased availability of mental health care through medical insurance has expanded the client base of the private practice therapist. Some therapists choose to specialize in certain populations, while others work with a varied client base.
3. Community Mental Health Counselor
Community mental health work presents a broad base of job opportunities that usually involve providing services to individuals who are denied access to traditional therapeutic interventions. Most Community Mental Health Counselors are engaged in direct interventions with clients. This work includes educating clients about available resources, helping them process and heal from traumatic events, completing court-mandated therapy, and intervening in crisis situations. There are also community mental health jobs that focus on the organizational and political aspects of needed services. Advocacy or grant writing, for example, allow community mental health organizations to be more effective in their mission.
4. Child and Adolescent Therapist
Working with children and adolescents is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields in mental health. The California Agency Early Psychosis Intervention attests to the efficacy of early interventions in preventing relapse and psychiatric hospitalization later in a client’s life. Child and adolescent therapists may work at a private organization or within a school system. Play therapy, music therapy, or drama therapy certifications are effective tools for professionals working with young children. Training to work with families is an important part of child and adolescent therapy, as guiding parent and child relationships will be a major factor in working with young clients.
5. Organizational Psychologist
Organizational psychology is one of the fastest growing fields within mental health. Organizational psychologists work with organizations to improve workflow and create effective environments for employee growth and learning. Mental health professionals are increasingly being sought out for help with recruiting, training, and retention within a company. There are full-time positions available for organizational psychologists in a variety of organizations including schools and corporations. There is also ample opportunity within the field for independent contractors.
The mental health field is an exciting fit for individuals looking for work that both pays the bills and holds personal meaning. Mental health jobs provide challenging and engaging work for professionals at all stages of their development.
