Choosing Your Career Path as a Behavioral Health Professional
Helping others is your passion, so you’ve decided to make a career of it. Specifically, you know you want to work in the behavioral health field, but you’re not sure exactly what you want to do.
This line of work offers many diverse yet important career possibilities. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be able to have a positive impact on patients who need you. To get you started, here’s a look at four different careers in the behavioral health field.
Addiction Counselor
Dedicated to helping patients who suffer from substance abuse, addiction counselors meet with clients individually and in group settings. They work with patients, helping them learn to manage stress and other issues they’re facing in a positive manner that promotes their recovery. They might also provide assistance with getting their personal and professional lives back on track, so they’re able to enjoy a fresh start in life.
Employment of substance abuse counselors is expected to surge 25% through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Social Worker
A job with a variety of responsibilities, social workers help clients deal with issues impacting their everyday lives. This could include advocating for community services, responding to crisis situations, or helping them adjust to changes in their lives — i.e., divorce or job loss.
Clinical social workers are another form of the job, who are licensed to diagnose and treat behavioral, mental, and eating disorders. They work with clients to create strategies to help them adopt positive behaviors and regularly refer them to other resources. Often times, they work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create treatment plans.
According to the BLS, employment of social workers is expected to rise 13% through 2029, rising to 14% for healthcare social workers.
Family and Marriage Therapist
Relationships with loved ones can be complicated, so marriage and family therapists help clients become more open and honest about their emotions. They might offer support to patients going through challenging life changes and help them make important decisions about their future. These professionals also work with clients to create healthy coping skills, so they’re better equipped to handle tough situations.
Employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 22% through 2029, according to the BLS.
Psychologist
Understanding human behavior is the core of a psychologist’s work. The job has a variety of specialties, offering a number of different options for professionals in the field.
For example, a clinical psychologist works with patients to assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. On the other hand, counseling psychologists help patients cope with problems affecting their lives — i.e., at home or work — so they no longer feel weighed down by them.
The employment of psychologists is expected to increase 3% through 2029, according to the BLS.
Ready to take the next step in your career? If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].
