Working in the mental health sector involves working with a wide variety of clients and assessing and addressing their emotional or psychological problems to improve their quality of life. There is a wide variety of careers available in the mental health sector, each with their own requirements and possibilities.
Mental health workers can be involved in roles as diverse as psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, counselors, therapists, and social workers. Within a career, mental health workers can also choose to specialise in treating either a particular group, or alternatively specialise in a particular area such as drug and alcohol abuse, or relationship counseling.
Study requirements for the mental health sector
Health jobs always require some form of tertiary education, though the level of qualification varies greatly between specialisations. For the field of psychiatry, for example, a Bachelor of Medicine is required, followed by postgraduate study. For counselors and social workers, though, a Certificate or Diploma of Counselling can be gained at TAFE, which will provide them with the skills they need.
Studying a Bachelor of Psychology or a related degree at university will usually take four years to complete when studying full time. Alternatively, a Certificate or Diploma in Counselling or Mental Health will generally take one semester to one year to complete. However, it is important that someone interested in working in the mental health sector thoroughly researches what requirements are necessary to work in their particular field, as they do vary widely, and can be quite strict.
Working conditions for mental health workers
Once a qualification has been gained, mental health workers can choose to work in a medical centre or family practice, start their own business or work from home, or even be employed by a public or private hospital. Mental health is an area that will always need qualified workers, and those committed to improving their clients’ wellbeing. Job prospects and earnings are therefore generally good for those working in the mental health sector.