4 answers
Alexia
Student
Hammond, Indiana
2
Questions
Asked
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What did you learn in school that didn't fully prepare you for the mental-health field?
What areas were you taught about that lacked practical information for the job you eventually applied for?
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4 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
977
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Alexia,
Good question! One of the most frequent statements made by mental health specialists is that education gives students a foundation, but it does not necessarily reflect the full scope of the work. Although theory, diagnosis, and ethical norms are taught in psychology and counseling courses, these topics are frequently unapplied in the real world until you work in the field.
Many students claim they were not adequately prepared for the emotional intensity of working with clients in crisis or managing complex, real-life cases that don't fit textbook scenarios. For instance, managing emotional burnout, vicarious trauma, and maintaining boundaries are topics that aren't always thoroughly covered in school, despite being everyday challenges in mental health work.
Coordinating insurance systems, paperwork, and case management—all the back-end tasks that consume a large amount of a therapist or counselor's time—can also be a gap. Though frequently not covered in detail during training, these administrative and logistical aspects of the job are essential.
Lastly, many mental health experts believe that more should be done in schools to educate interpersonal skills in difficult situations, such as how to deal with clients who are resistive, how to be culturally competent, or how to deal with the uncertainty that comes with assisting people in their trauma and recovery.
Nevertheless, supervised experiences and internships typically help close some of these gaps. But overall, effective mentorship, on-the-job training, and ongoing training after graduation are key factors in the growth of the mental health industry. You're posing a really good question, and being aware of these gaps in front can actually make you more ready as you go down this path!
Best wishes!
Good question! One of the most frequent statements made by mental health specialists is that education gives students a foundation, but it does not necessarily reflect the full scope of the work. Although theory, diagnosis, and ethical norms are taught in psychology and counseling courses, these topics are frequently unapplied in the real world until you work in the field.
Many students claim they were not adequately prepared for the emotional intensity of working with clients in crisis or managing complex, real-life cases that don't fit textbook scenarios. For instance, managing emotional burnout, vicarious trauma, and maintaining boundaries are topics that aren't always thoroughly covered in school, despite being everyday challenges in mental health work.
Coordinating insurance systems, paperwork, and case management—all the back-end tasks that consume a large amount of a therapist or counselor's time—can also be a gap. Though frequently not covered in detail during training, these administrative and logistical aspects of the job are essential.
Lastly, many mental health experts believe that more should be done in schools to educate interpersonal skills in difficult situations, such as how to deal with clients who are resistive, how to be culturally competent, or how to deal with the uncertainty that comes with assisting people in their trauma and recovery.
Nevertheless, supervised experiences and internships typically help close some of these gaps. But overall, effective mentorship, on-the-job training, and ongoing training after graduation are key factors in the growth of the mental health industry. You're posing a really good question, and being aware of these gaps in front can actually make you more ready as you go down this path!
Best wishes!
Duaa Sarayi
Psychology and pre med student
11
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Duaa’s Answer
Reflecting on my educational journey, I've realized that while my coursework in psychology and healthcare studies provided a solid foundation, there are areas where I could benefit from more practical training. For instance:
1. *Crisis intervention and conflict management*: While I learned about theoretical models, I found that navigating real-life crisis situations requires additional skills and experience.
2. *Cultural competency and sensitivity*: Understanding diverse patient needs and backgrounds is crucial, and I believe further training in this area would enhance my ability to provide effective support.
3. *Self-care and burnout prevention*: Working in healthcare can be emotionally demanding, and I've learned the importance of prioritizing my own well-being to maintain my ability to support others.
4. *Interdisciplinary collaboration*: While I understand the importance of teamwork in healthcare, I've found that effective communication and collaboration require practice and experience.
My experiences as a volunteer at a local clinic and as a medical scribe in the ER have been invaluable in preparing me for a career in healthcare. However, I recognize that there's always more to learn and room for growth. I'm excited to continue developing my skills and knowledge to provide the best possible support to my patients and community.
1. *Crisis intervention and conflict management*: While I learned about theoretical models, I found that navigating real-life crisis situations requires additional skills and experience.
2. *Cultural competency and sensitivity*: Understanding diverse patient needs and backgrounds is crucial, and I believe further training in this area would enhance my ability to provide effective support.
3. *Self-care and burnout prevention*: Working in healthcare can be emotionally demanding, and I've learned the importance of prioritizing my own well-being to maintain my ability to support others.
4. *Interdisciplinary collaboration*: While I understand the importance of teamwork in healthcare, I've found that effective communication and collaboration require practice and experience.
My experiences as a volunteer at a local clinic and as a medical scribe in the ER have been invaluable in preparing me for a career in healthcare. However, I recognize that there's always more to learn and room for growth. I'm excited to continue developing my skills and knowledge to provide the best possible support to my patients and community.
Thank you!
Jillian
Ethel Casey
Product Builder
6
Answers
Galway
Updated
Ethel’s Answer
Great question, Alexia.
One thing I didn’t learn in school is how much resistance there still is when it comes to improving mental health care. In college, I was surrounded by people who truly wanted to help everyone, and we all kind of assumed the world felt the same. But once you're out in the real world, you realise not everyone is on board yet. There’s still stigma, and a lot of people fall through the cracks in the system.
That said, there is progress. It’s just slower than I expected. Change takes time, and it takes people like us who are willing to keep pushing for it. If you care about mental health and want to make a difference, you’ll need a strong voice, a lot of heart, and some serious patience - but you can help move things forward.
And honestly? Knowing that makes the work even more meaningful. Because the fight is worth it.
One thing I didn’t learn in school is how much resistance there still is when it comes to improving mental health care. In college, I was surrounded by people who truly wanted to help everyone, and we all kind of assumed the world felt the same. But once you're out in the real world, you realise not everyone is on board yet. There’s still stigma, and a lot of people fall through the cracks in the system.
That said, there is progress. It’s just slower than I expected. Change takes time, and it takes people like us who are willing to keep pushing for it. If you care about mental health and want to make a difference, you’ll need a strong voice, a lot of heart, and some serious patience - but you can help move things forward.
And honestly? Knowing that makes the work even more meaningful. Because the fight is worth it.
Ava Jarman
Social Work / Psychology / Occupational Therapy
2
Answers
Lawrence, Kansas
Updated
Ava’s Answer
Taught in School | What Was Missing/Not Enough
Theories (Freud, CBT, Attachment Theory, etc.) | How to actually apply these theories with real clients who don't fit perfectly into "theories"
Diagnosing Disorders | How messy and complicated real people’s symptoms are — nobody walks in with textbook symptoms
Research Methods | How to build rapport with clients and handle emotional conversations without burning out
Basic Counseling Skills (in some classes) | Deep emotional regulation skills for yourself when dealing with trauma, grief, crisis
General Ethics Codes | How gray ethical dilemmas can be — not everything has a clear right or wrong
Self-Care is Important! (but said vaguely) | How to create a sustainable, real self-care plan when you’re working 40+ hrs in mental health and feeling compassion fatigue
Case Studies and Roleplays | What to do when a client threatens self-harm, reveals abuse, or fully shuts down emotionally mid-session
DSM-5 Diagnoses | How to work collaboratively with clients, families, other healthcare professionals beyond just diagnosis
Cultural Competency (usually a class) | Real-world depth: navigating race, gender identity, poverty, immigration trauma sensitively and effectively without being performative or textbook-ish
Real-World Mental Health Work Demands:
Adaptability — Clients aren't predictable. What worked last week might fail this week.
Emotional Stamina — Hearing trauma stories daily is draining; no one teaches you how intense that is.
Boundary-Setting — Saying no, leaving work at work, managing savior complex (a lot of us want to "fix" everything at first).
Advocacy — Sometimes you have to fight for your clients in broken systems (healthcare, education, courts).
Paperwork Skills — Seriously... treatment plans, progress notes, insurance forms... so much documentation nobody tells you about 😭
All in all I would say the best way to prepare is to get experience! Volunteer, get internships, and shadow! You can do all the research in the world but nothing will prepare you as well as real world application! Try not to get discouraged you go this!
Theories (Freud, CBT, Attachment Theory, etc.) | How to actually apply these theories with real clients who don't fit perfectly into "theories"
Diagnosing Disorders | How messy and complicated real people’s symptoms are — nobody walks in with textbook symptoms
Research Methods | How to build rapport with clients and handle emotional conversations without burning out
Basic Counseling Skills (in some classes) | Deep emotional regulation skills for yourself when dealing with trauma, grief, crisis
General Ethics Codes | How gray ethical dilemmas can be — not everything has a clear right or wrong
Self-Care is Important! (but said vaguely) | How to create a sustainable, real self-care plan when you’re working 40+ hrs in mental health and feeling compassion fatigue
Case Studies and Roleplays | What to do when a client threatens self-harm, reveals abuse, or fully shuts down emotionally mid-session
DSM-5 Diagnoses | How to work collaboratively with clients, families, other healthcare professionals beyond just diagnosis
Cultural Competency (usually a class) | Real-world depth: navigating race, gender identity, poverty, immigration trauma sensitively and effectively without being performative or textbook-ish
Real-World Mental Health Work Demands:
Adaptability — Clients aren't predictable. What worked last week might fail this week.
Emotional Stamina — Hearing trauma stories daily is draining; no one teaches you how intense that is.
Boundary-Setting — Saying no, leaving work at work, managing savior complex (a lot of us want to "fix" everything at first).
Advocacy — Sometimes you have to fight for your clients in broken systems (healthcare, education, courts).
Paperwork Skills — Seriously... treatment plans, progress notes, insurance forms... so much documentation nobody tells you about 😭
All in all I would say the best way to prepare is to get experience! Volunteer, get internships, and shadow! You can do all the research in the world but nothing will prepare you as well as real world application! Try not to get discouraged you go this!
Thank you for the advice.
Cecilia