Top In-Demand Mental Health Careers You Should Consider

This article explains why mental health professionals are in demand, various options to consider, and how to get the requisite education.

Why Mental Health Careers Are on the Rise

Demand for mental health professionals is high and growing; in fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong employment growth over the next decade. There are several reasons for the rise in mental health careers:

• Increased prevalence of mental health conditions: Medical professionals have become more well-versed in diagnosing mental health conditions, and more individuals seek help after experiencing the challenges of today’s changing world.
• Reduced stigma and increased awareness: With better awareness of these conditions and less of a stigma surrounding them, it’s easier for people to speak up when they need help.
• Advancements in telehealth: Telehealth has made mental health support more accessible.
• Stronger need for support: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the need for mental health support, and in addition to traditional therapy, the need for services like peer support or vocational rehab has also grown. 
• Shortage of professionals: Over 122 million people reside in areas with a mental health worker shortage. This shortage leads to more opportunities for those joining the mental health field.

Exploring the Mental Health Field: What’s It All About?

Most people probably think of the mental health field and picture a therapist listening to people’s problems. While working as a therapist or counseling psychologist is a common option in the field, there are actually several mental health careers.

Mental health professionals can hold various roles, including:

• Clinical roles, such as therapy and counseling or managing medication
• Administrative roles, like policy advisers or program coordinators (such as governmental Department of Mental Health careers)
• Supportive roles, such as case managers, vocational rehabilitation specialists, or peer support specialists

Positions in this field can be an excellent choice for adult learners seeking a meaningful career transition, as they offer an opportunity to make a significant impact on others.

Entry-Level Mental Health Careers to Start With

For those making their initial transition into the field, there are plenty of entry level mental health careers to consider:

• Mental health aide: Offer support to populations in residential or outpatient settings
• Crisis intervention specialist: Provide immediate support during times of crisis
• Behavioral health technician: Assist with direct patient care under supervision from a superior
• Peer support specialist: Leverage personal experiences to support others in similar situations 
• Case worker: Ensure clients or patients receive the services they need 
• Counseling intern: Provide counseling and therapeutic support under supervision
• Substance abuse counselor: Support people experiencing addiction 

Many of these options don’t require much formal education, although some—like a counseling intern—are best for those with higher education from a program like the Masters in Counseling Psychology at CityU.

Careers in Counseling and Mental Health Support

If you know you want to counsel and support others directly, careers in counseling and mental health​ may be the choice for you. Here are a few options to consider:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): Provide therapy and counseling in individual or group settings; this role requires a master’s degree.
• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT): Offer counseling that specializes in family or relationship dynamics; this requires a master’s as well. CityU offers a comprehensive Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): With a Master’s in Social Work, you can work as a mental health counselor. 

Psychology & Psychiatry: Advanced Mental Health Career Paths

Those who want to continue to advance in the mental health field can consider advanced degrees such as a PsyD or MD. While these are typically the highest paying mental health careers​ with a high average salary, the degrees required can be costly and time-consuming.

To become a psychologist, whether a clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist, you’ll need a PhD or a PsyD degree. Your work will be focused on therapy and psychological testing or on continued research to learn more about the mind.

As a psychiatrist—which requires an MD or DO degree—you’ll be a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and can prescribe medication. Your role will likely involve less therapy work and more focus on medication management.

Social Work & Community Mental Health Roles

For those who want to make a difference but don’t necessarily want to offer individual counseling or develop treatment plans, roles in social work or community mental health are a great option:

• Case manager: Coordinate services and care for clients to ensure they can access and receive critical resources
• Community outreach coordinator: Educate and support communities on topics related to mental health or general wellness 
• Housing support manager: Support individuals in need of housing and help foster independent living 

These roles, which often require a master’s degree in social work or a related field, are vital in addressing mental health at the community level.

Mental Health Nursing Careers

A mental health nurse provides patient care for those with mental health conditions, whether they’re in hospitals, clinics, private practice, or community settings.

You might work as a psychiatric registered nurse (RN), which typically requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing; you’d provide care and support in psychiatric settings.

Or, if you want to take it a step further, you could become a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP), which is an advanced practice nurse able to diagnose and treat mental illness and conditions.

These jobs are very in-demand. Currently, a small percentage of nurses focus on mental health—just 4-6%—and it’s expected that the shortage will remain until at least 2037.

Alternative Career Paths for Mental Health Professionals

Not sure the above careers are for you, but still want to be part of the mental health field? Luckily, there are some alternative career paths for mental health workers. Take a look:

• Life or wellness coach: Support clients in the achievement of personal, fitness, or financial goals; you may need a certification
• Executive coaching: Help leaders improve their skills and executive presence
• Corporate wellness or EAP specialist: Coordinate and implement programs that support worker wellbeing at a company
• Mental health educator: Use your expertise to develop and deliver programs to educate others on mental health topics

Choosing the Right Path: How CityU Prepares You for Success

It’s clear that there are plenty of careers in mental health for those who want to make a difference, whether in a clinical setting, a community setting, or on an alternative career path.

While each career has its own unique requirements, CityU of Seattle offers programs that equip you with the skills you’ll need. Consider earning a CityU Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. Or, if you’re seeking a more advanced degree, look into CityU’s MA in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Explore CityU’s programs to see how we can set you up for success in the mental health field.