mental health careers

Copyright © 2007 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. 1

MENTAL HEALTH CAREERS


Careers in Mental Health Care

In general, it involves counseling patients or clients in order to promote their optimum mental health, with an emphasis on prevention.


Information… continued

Working with individuals and/or groups of all ages, health professionals in this field help children, adolescents and adults deal with a variety of life stresses and problems, including addiction/substance abuse; problems with self-esteem; aging-related mental health issues; family, parenting or marital problems; grief, anger, or depression; and other emotional or behavioral issues.


FACTSRecent research by the

National Institute of Mental Health indicates that 26% of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from some diagnosable mental disorder in any given year.

Nearly 6% of all Americans suffer from severe mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder).


PsychiatristPsychiatrists are licensed physicians

specializing in the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disordersDetermines type and severity of disorder and plans necessary therapy

They evaluate a patient’s mental condition in conjunction with his/her physical condition.

In Wisconsin, only psychiatrists and other M.D.s can prescribe medications to treat mental illness.


Working ConditionsThey can work in hospitals, clinics,

schools, prisons, rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities as well as in government or private industry.

They work about 48 hours per weekMost psychiatrists spend over 60% of

their time with patients2/3 of their patients are seen as

outpatients


Schooling4-year residency after earning a

medical degree (12 years total)Must be licensed


Salary and Outlook

Salary$150,000 - $300,000

Outlook+ 23 %


Psychologist

Psychologists, or clinical psychologists, evaluate, diagnose and treat individuals with mental and/or emotional disorders and assist medical or surgical patients in coping with illness or injury. Psychologists may also specialize in different areas.

Study human behavior and mental processes to understand and explain human actions

They are trained to perform various psychological tests to diagnose mental or emotional disorders and plan and implement appropriate treatment(s).


Working ConditionsPsychologists work in hospitals,

clinics, schools, prisons, rehabilitation centers, laboratories, schools, and mental health facilities as well as in government or private industry.

Many work independently but can team up with other medical providers- scientists, physicians, engineers, lawyers, etc.


SchoolingThere are two types of doctoral degrees (8 years) –

a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) and a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology). Psychologists with a Ph.D. generally qualify for a number of teaching, research, clinical or counseling positions, while those with a Psy.D. often work in clinical positions.

Internship before the licensure or certification, which is required to practice independently Most psychologists earn a doctoral degree

Individuals with master’s degree (6 years) work under the supervision of a doctor of psychology


Salary and Outlook

Salary$36,100 -$96,600 in Wisconsin $37,300 - $104,500 Nationally

Outlook+ 18 %


Social WorkerProvide persons, families, or vulnerable

populations with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, or AIDS.

Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making necessary referrals for other social services.


Social Worker- MedicalMedical social workers, sometimes referred

to as clinical social workers or health services social workers, collaborate with physicians and health care professionals to help individuals cope with social and emotional factors related to a medical condition or problem.

They advise patient and family on following medical recommendations and teach them to use community resources to resume a normal or active lifestyle - without being inhibited by their medical condition.


Working ConditionsSocial Workers work a standard 40-

hour work week with occasional night and weekend meetings

They spend most of their time in an office or residential facility

Some may work for voluntary agencies

The work can be emotionally draining!


SchoolingThe recommended minimum requirement

for most positions is a bachelors degree in social work, psychology, sociology or a related field.

A master's degree in social work (MSW)- (6 years) is usually required for social workers seeking positions in the health and mental health fields.

Social workers must also adhere to certification, licensing and registration laws in the state of Wisconsin.


Professional Counselor Professional counselors provide mental health

and substance abuse care to millions of Americans nationwide. These master’s-level professionals work in partnership with individuals, families and groups to treat a wide assortment of mental, behavioral and emotional problems and disorders.

In addition, many professional counselors operate private practices. In some states, professional counselors are known by the title licensed professional counselor or licensed mental health counselor.


Working ConditionsProfessional Counselors work a

standard 40-hr weekSome may work evenings to

counsel clients who work during the day


SchoolingThe recommended minimum requirement for most positions is a master’s degree- 6 years

A bachelors degree qualifies them to work as a counseling aide.


Terms to KnowBehaviors- conditions; actions that can

be observed

Phobia- specific, unrealistic fears

Psychology- study of human and animal behavior; normal and abnormal behaviors


Psychoneuroses

Functional disturbances of the mindEveryone experiences anxiety and

depression Phobias are specific unrealistic fearsHypochondria is the belief in imaginary

illness


PsychosesSevere or major mental disorders in which

the individual is not in contact with reality. Person does not know that the behavior and thoughts are abnormalManic-depressive or bipolar psychosis

Severe depression is followed by elation/excited behavior

Paranoia Person feels persecuted and plotted against by

others


Psychoses (Continued)Deprivation syndrome

Condition in children resulting from inadequate nutrition and an environment unsuited for normal growth and development Children develop an intellectual slowing and difficulty

fitting into society

Dissociative disorders Person loses or changes identity

Example: multiple personalities


Treatment of Mental Disorders Psychotherapy

Discussion to help understand and cope with problems Medication Group therapy

People share their and feelings with others who have the same problem

Electroconvulsive therapyUses electric shock to interrupt temporarily

the normal functions of the brain Behavior modification

Used to change the individual’s lifestyle


Forms of Therapy

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