To become a mental health clinician, one must attend post-secondary education, earn a graduate degree or experience, and apply for jobs. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, rehabilitation or counseling is usually required, and licensure may require a master’s or doctoral degree. Experience can be gained through internships and entry-level positions. Jobs can be found in mental health clinics, hospitals, and government agencies.
There are different paths to becoming a mental health clinician, although many of them require similar steps: attending a post-secondary institution, earning a graduate degree or experience in the field, and applying for jobs. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, rehabilitation or counseling will usually prepare you for the role. Not all mental health physicians hold a master’s or doctorate, but in some countries, it is a requirement for licensure. Jobs can be found in mental health clinics, hospitals and through government agencies.
A four-year degree is required to become a mental health clinician. The specific course must be related to psychology or social work if you don’t want to continue your education to receive a master’s or doctoral degree. Many facilities and organizations require their mental health physicians to be licensed by a regulatory agency, which requires a master’s or doctoral degree. Check with your local professional licensing regulatory board to find out the specific details of the licensing you live in to become a mental health clinician.
If you decide to pursue graduate school, you must apply to programs in areas such as psychology, social work, and counseling. Certain professions in clinical mental health, such as psychology, often lead to a doctorate in the subject. If you want to become a clinical supervisor, consider an educational path that eventually leads to a PhD. Individuals who do not obtain a graduate degree will need to begin working in entry-level positions working with clients in a training capacity. Some positions will allow unlicensed individuals to practice counseling, but others will not.
Experience is built into many clinical mental health programs through internships and other types of field experience. In some cases, it is possible to get a job in a mental health facility while in school, which can lead to further opportunities to become a mental health clinician in the future. Try to gain as much experience as possible working with clients while you are in school so that it will be easier for you to find employment when you finish the program.
The next step in becoming a mental health clinician is to look for jobs in the field. Jobs can be found in many public and private facilities, rehabilitation centers and clinics. An application usually requires an up-to-date resume that details your education and work experience, a background check, and references from previous employers or teachers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
