Mental Health Professional Job Description
Mental health professionals work to help people deal with mental illness or issues. Their job titles can include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses trained to deal with mental illness or licensed counselors. In essence, their job is to listen, diagnose and treat mental issues, working closely with their patients and often their families.
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Background
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A mental health professional must have extensive training to work in the field of mental health. In most cases, he will have a bachelor's degree as well as a master's or doctorate degree in psychiatry, counseling or social work. This education also involves clinical work where mental health professionals gain experience in working with patients, and in prescribing appropriate medications, in some cases. In addition, he must be licensed by the state in which he works and often holds industry certifications as well.
Significance
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Because of the population they work with, the work of a mental health professionals is significant. They can help prevent or reduce suicides, family problems, drug addiction, self-harming, anxiety disorders and other serious issues that can stem from mental illness. In addition, they often work with families to help them understand what their loved ones are experiencing and how they can help both their family member and themselves.
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Features
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In this important role, mental health professionals must be able to assess, diagnose, treat and monitor patients, often working closely with families and prescribing medications as well. This job requires listening skills, analytical skills and decision-making skills. Mental health professionals must be able to interpret their patients' words and make appropriate recommendations.
Employment
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In 2008, mental health professionals represented about 113,300 jobs in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook; job prospects for this profession continued to be positive. Mental health professionals had a median annual wage of about $37,000, according to the handbook.
Special Populations
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Some mental health professionals work with special populations, including kids, teens or the elderly. They are trained to work with kids who have abused drugs and alcohol, for instance, and specialize in particular topics or populations.
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References
- Photo Credit a l"écoute du patient image by Emmanuel MARZIN from Fotolia.com
