4 answers
Sage
Student
Maine, NY
1
Question
Asked
343 views
How did you figure out that the mental health feild was right for you?
I keep going from really passionate about helping people with mental illness to scared that I won't like it as much as I think. What helped you make that choice?
4 answers
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
222
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
I don't have experience helping people with mental illness as in serious disorders, but you can certainly be in the mental health field by helping people learn relationship skills or become more informed about themselves. You might decide to work in connection with personality types and personality tests, or be someone who just works with people in particular situations like a mediator or a chaplain.
You would probably enjoy getting to know podcasts like those by John Delony or Forrest Hanson, or The Dr. Cloud Show and Dr. Paul Jenkins on YouTube, and you might like to read books by Gary Chapman, the Gottmans, Ross Campbell, John Delony, Henry Cloud and John Townsend, or Les and Leslie Parrott to get ideas of the kinds of things people discuss or common things people go to psychologists or therapists for, and you could look into the various kinds of 12-step programs that are out there and why they can be helpful and what limitations they might have, to understand that philosophy of living.
You can join mental health groups or support groups on social media, or join 7CupsofTea (7cups.com), and start being of service to people who need a listener or supporter virtually now, with no extra special training, and that would help you gain experience and confidence.
And if you are interested in quality higher education in mental health, you might like to check out The Townsend Institute (https://www.cui.edu/townsend) and see if that's something you'd be interested in working towards.
You would probably enjoy getting to know podcasts like those by John Delony or Forrest Hanson, or The Dr. Cloud Show and Dr. Paul Jenkins on YouTube, and you might like to read books by Gary Chapman, the Gottmans, Ross Campbell, John Delony, Henry Cloud and John Townsend, or Les and Leslie Parrott to get ideas of the kinds of things people discuss or common things people go to psychologists or therapists for, and you could look into the various kinds of 12-step programs that are out there and why they can be helpful and what limitations they might have, to understand that philosophy of living.
You can join mental health groups or support groups on social media, or join 7CupsofTea (7cups.com), and start being of service to people who need a listener or supporter virtually now, with no extra special training, and that would help you gain experience and confidence.
And if you are interested in quality higher education in mental health, you might like to check out The Townsend Institute (https://www.cui.edu/townsend) and see if that's something you'd be interested in working towards.
Kate Hellenga
Clinical-Community Psychologist, private practice and civil service
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kate’s Answer
By the time I was in high school, I had seen both good and not-so-good examples of mental health institutions and treatments; I was pretty sure I wanted to be connected to the field generally. I was less sure if I wanted to do direct service with clients or something more abstract/academic (research). I didn't know when I started pursuing a psychology major (undergrad) that there were also options for supervising, teaching/training, designing and managing programs, etc.
How I made sure that I was interested and would stay interested -- I paid attention to what classes and conversations I enjoyed; I volunteered in places where I could work directly with people who needed support; I took my education slowly. I did a BA, then a couple years off during which I worked in a residential program for young adults. I did an MA in a psychology/psychotherapy program and used the internships to try out different settings and client populations. All of that led me to the conclusion that I did want to be in psychology but I wanted to do more than private practice psychotherapy. So I went back to school for a PhD, and I loved every minute of the education and training process, so I knew I was on the right track.
I think some volunteer work might be helpful for you, and also keeping in mind that even if you end up not loving direct service work (which is what I think you mean by "helping people with mental illness"), there are lots of other (non-direct services/administrative/program design and management)kinds of work you can do that still support people with mental illness. And if you have experience working directly with people, you will be better able to understand what works and how to do those other jobs well.
I love being a psychologist for a lot of reasons, but one of the most important is that there is so much variety in the kind of work I can do. And when I am working directly with clients, every client and every session is different, so I don't really get bored.
Volunteer in the field (there are some really good mentor/coach/buddy programs)
Check out the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill website and see if you can talk to someone from the local chapter
Find some people who are doing the work you think you might want to do, and ask if you can talk with them about the work
How I made sure that I was interested and would stay interested -- I paid attention to what classes and conversations I enjoyed; I volunteered in places where I could work directly with people who needed support; I took my education slowly. I did a BA, then a couple years off during which I worked in a residential program for young adults. I did an MA in a psychology/psychotherapy program and used the internships to try out different settings and client populations. All of that led me to the conclusion that I did want to be in psychology but I wanted to do more than private practice psychotherapy. So I went back to school for a PhD, and I loved every minute of the education and training process, so I knew I was on the right track.
I think some volunteer work might be helpful for you, and also keeping in mind that even if you end up not loving direct service work (which is what I think you mean by "helping people with mental illness"), there are lots of other (non-direct services/administrative/program design and management)kinds of work you can do that still support people with mental illness. And if you have experience working directly with people, you will be better able to understand what works and how to do those other jobs well.
I love being a psychologist for a lot of reasons, but one of the most important is that there is so much variety in the kind of work I can do. And when I am working directly with clients, every client and every session is different, so I don't really get bored.
Kate recommends the following next steps:
Dana Storey
Licensed Professional Counselor
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Hello Sage,
By the time I had wrapped up my bachelor's degree studies, I was fairly convinced that I had found my calling. Once I completed my master's degree, I was eager to put theory to the test in the real world... and it didn't disappoint. Through practicum and internships, I gained invaluable experience, even with groups I initially didn't fancy working with. This exposure further clarified my preferences and helped me identify the populations I truly wanted to serve. Once you complete your licensing hours, you'll have a clearer perspective on how and where to apply your degree. However, it's only through hands-on experience that you'll truly determine if this field is the right fit for you.
Remember, it's perfectly fine to change your mind midway through your studies. Even if you eventually realize that mental health isn't your true passion, you can still pivot to a different field. There are no mistakes here, only choices. And informed choices can only be made with sufficient information, which comes from experience.
Let go of any fear of making a mistake; instead, understand that it's a mistake NOT to pay attention when new information comes to light! Choices are simply the ticks on our list of "yes", "no", "maybe", and are not indicative of poor judgment.
coursework
volunteer in the field
By the time I had wrapped up my bachelor's degree studies, I was fairly convinced that I had found my calling. Once I completed my master's degree, I was eager to put theory to the test in the real world... and it didn't disappoint. Through practicum and internships, I gained invaluable experience, even with groups I initially didn't fancy working with. This exposure further clarified my preferences and helped me identify the populations I truly wanted to serve. Once you complete your licensing hours, you'll have a clearer perspective on how and where to apply your degree. However, it's only through hands-on experience that you'll truly determine if this field is the right fit for you.
Remember, it's perfectly fine to change your mind midway through your studies. Even if you eventually realize that mental health isn't your true passion, you can still pivot to a different field. There are no mistakes here, only choices. And informed choices can only be made with sufficient information, which comes from experience.
Let go of any fear of making a mistake; instead, understand that it's a mistake NOT to pay attention when new information comes to light! Choices are simply the ticks on our list of "yes", "no", "maybe", and are not indicative of poor judgment.
Dana recommends the following next steps:
Liana Ho
Graphic Designer
38
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Liana’s Answer
Hi Sage,
Thanks for posting your questions. I will try my very best to answer your questions! When you want to help clients with their mental health disorders, you will need to take your time to adapt to their life. I know helping people mentally can sometimes feel intimidating. I think it's better if you take one patient at a time. When someone is suffering from a mental health issue, it's better to allow that person to be open and vulnerable. You can always do your best to give her or him some advice, insights, and motivation. If you're still interested in pursuing a career in Psychology, you will need to get your Masters's degree. You can become a Sports Psychologist, a Clinical Psychologist, a psychiatrist, I/O Psychologist, etc. I hope this answers your questions. Best of luck!
Thanks for posting your questions. I will try my very best to answer your questions! When you want to help clients with their mental health disorders, you will need to take your time to adapt to their life. I know helping people mentally can sometimes feel intimidating. I think it's better if you take one patient at a time. When someone is suffering from a mental health issue, it's better to allow that person to be open and vulnerable. You can always do your best to give her or him some advice, insights, and motivation. If you're still interested in pursuing a career in Psychology, you will need to get your Masters's degree. You can become a Sports Psychologist, a Clinical Psychologist, a psychiatrist, I/O Psychologist, etc. I hope this answers your questions. Best of luck!
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