Mental Health Job?
Asked by Becca
I am majoring in human services at a community college right now and I am guessing that when transfering to a four-year school that I would major in social work. I don't know if I want to go into therapy, though. I don't know if I would be good at giving advice, but I am empathetic, have been through mental illness myself and I just want to make a difference. I've thought about addictions counseling but I'm not spiritual so I don't think the whole 12-step thing would be good. Or maybe being a mental health tech in a hospital. I want to help others, do something fufilling, yet still make a decent earning. Last I heard, a mental health tech only makes $9-$11/hr. Is there something besides being a psychiatrist or dietitian (I am interested in working w/ eating disorders, depression, self-harm issues) that would pay the bills but also satisfy my interests? Should I major in psychology or human services/social work? What careers are in these degree areas? Help!! Thanks.

Best Answer:
To really do the work you seem to want to do you will need a minimum of a masters degree. If you complete you AA and then transfer to a 4 year school with an Accredited BSW (social work) program - you can then apply for advanced standing for an MSW program (this allows you to do your MA in one year rather than two). The MSW is the most broad and flexible of the MA level human service related degrees. It is also the most respected. You can do an MA counseling or psychology - but these are more restricting. DA