collageMental health is something many people take for granted. We all have highs and lows, but if they occur too frequently it may be affecting our daily life. Free online mental health courses are growing in popularity because internet information can be easily accessed.
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Mental Health Degree Program
Want to improve your own mental wellbeing or increase your awareness of complex mental health issues? Get mental health training or explore the science and psychology behind human development with our online mental health and psychology courses.
Earning a master’s degree usually takes between two to four years and may help students prepare for more advanced careers in a chosen field. It is earned after a student has already obtained an undergraduate degree.
What is a Master in Mental Health? This subject seeks to explain the thoughts and behaviors that influence the psychological well-being of people. The goal of an advanced degree in mental health is to provide students with foundational understanding of mental health through advanced research, clinical preparation and theory analysis. Common coursework may include professional ethics, psychopathology, substance-abuse intervention, human development, child psychology, abnormal psychology and other related topics.
Mental health is a complex field of study, which leads many students in this type of degree program to gain a multitude of skills. They often develop strong professional and personal relationships by learning interpersonal communication skills and creative problem-solving abilities. Students also tend to hone research and analytical skills.
The total cost of a graduate degree program may be offset by scholarships, financial aid, work-study programs and other factors. Other influences may include the length of the degree program, the type of school offering the degree and the location. Students are encouraged to contact potential schools directly for the most current information.
Mental health careers tend to span a variety of environments, from public schools to social service agencies. Having an advanced degree in the field of mental health can increase the number and type of careers a student may consider. Many students go on to work as licensed professional counselors, clinical therapists, child protective services workers, and rehabilitation specialists.
A master’s degree can be earned at numerous universities around the globe. You may also consider earning this degree online through one of many distance-learning courses. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.
Types of Mental Health Degrees
The field of mental health is incredibly wide and varied. Thus, there are also many different types of mental health degrees. If you are interested in the concept of mental health, therefore, you should start by taking some time to think about what it is that you actually want to do. From there, you will be able to choose a degree that matches not just your interests, but also your academic capabilities.
The Different Degree Levels
1. The Certificate
There are only a few certificates available in the field of mental health that would allow you to start working without any other training or degree program. The exception is the Mental Health First Aid certificate, offered by the National Council for Behavioral Health. This certificate enables people, regardless of what their background is, to recognize mental health emergencies and take appropriate action. They offer this course for both youths and adults, both of which are eight hour courses.
2. The Associate’s Degree
An associate’s degree generally takes around two years to complete. Specific to the field of mental health is the Associate of Science in Mental Health, which teaches students about issues, such as drug and alcohol treatment, therapeutic activities, case management skills, developmental and mental disabilities, psychosocial rehabilitation, human development, child mental health care, and community mental health. After completion of the degree, jobs like those of the group facilitator, nursing home administration assistant, mental health rehabilitation assistant, family support services caseworker, and shelter manager become available.
Your other option is the Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health Sciences, which is for those who want to take on an entry level position related to behavioral health. It prepares people to take on assistant and administrative roles in various mental health services. The emphasis is on sociology and psychology.
3. The Bachelor’s Degree Level
At bachelor’s degree level, mental health degree goes into more specific subjects, rather than focusing on a general mental health perspective. Some of the bachelor’s degree majors you could choose include counseling, psychology, sociology, education, human services, or nursing. If you are interested in working directly with individuals who have mental health difficulties, then you have to be prepared to continue to study, however, as the bachelor’s degree is not suitable for clinical work. It generally takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree.
4. The Master’s Degree Level
Once you reach the master’s degree level, you will be able to truly specialize your skills, although this does still depend on your chosen major. Some options include mental health counseling, psychology, education, human development, and so on. At this stage, you will start to advance your knowledge on the field of mental health and on putting measures in place to improve mental health outcomes. During your master’s degree, you will usually also have to complete a practical experience under supervision of an approved and licensed professional. Upon completion, you may be able to take an examination to be able to get to work in mental health, depending on your chosen field of study. For instance, you can take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) if you studied mental health counseling. Another degree option at master’s level that will prepare you to enter the mental health care workforce is nursing. If you have chosen to specialize in mental health nursing at advanced practice nursing level, then you can also put your degree into practice.
5. The Doctorate Degree Level
The doctoral degree level is required for those who want to be involved in clinical practice. This includes psychology, for instance, but also licensed mental health counseling. The length of time required to complete a doctorate degree will depend on the chosen degree, as well as its requirements.
Degree Requirements by Profession
So which degree do you need for the different common mental health professions?
1. Psychiatrist – medical school (doctorate level), residency, certification
2. Psychologist – doctorate degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) and licensing
3. Clinical Social Work – master’s degree and licensing
4. Psychiatric Nurse – bachelor’s degree, RN registration, specialized training
5. Marriage & Family Therapist – master’s degree
6. Licensed Professional Counselor – master’s degree
7. Clinical Psychologist – doctorate degree.
8. School Psychologist – doctorate degree
9. Mental Health Counselor – master’s degree
10. Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor – master’s or doctorate degree, as well as specific certification
11. Nurse Psychotherapist – master’s degree
12. Pastoral Counselor – master’s degree and ministry experience
13. Peer Specialist – high school or GED, as well as specific life experiences
14. Specialized Therapists (art, music, equine, etc) – varies, although a bachelor’s degree with certification is generally the minimum requirement
Which Type of Mental Health Degree Do You Need?
Because the field of mental health is so wide and varied, some would say even more so than the field of regular health, it can be really difficult to plan your future career through education. This is why it is advisable to check with the APA Practice Organization, where you can see the licensing and educational requirements for the different types of mental health professionals.
If you are interested in a career in the field of mental health, you need to start by thinking about the options that are available to you. Generally speaking, the field of mental health is one that people become involved in because they have a passion for making things better, and not for the career prospect or earning professional. Hence, how long a mental health degree will take to finish or how much it costs is less likely to be a determining factor for you.
Of greater importance is that you will be able to make a difference where you feel it matters. Start by asking yourself whether you want a professional career (psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, therapist, etc.) or a non-professional career (mental health first aider, Samaritan, etc.). Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, you should try to find voluntary positions, which will give you a true immersion into the field of mental health, thereby enabling you to make better choices. Do speak to a career or educational counselor to gain a greater idea of what you would like to do (career and educational guidance counselors are also mental health professionals, by the way), and how you would need to achieve that.
Choosing a mental health degree is not a choice you should make lightly, as it has the potential to affect your entire future, particularly if you were to go down the doctorate degree level route. Hence, list all the pros and cons of your different options, seek advice, and always sleep on it before you make a final decision on what to study.
Online Mental Health Counseling Degrees 2021
Mental health counselors provide counseling and treatment services to patients who suffer from behavioral disorders or addiction. A mental health counseling degree prepares students to work in hospitals, private clinics, and substance abuse treatment centers as counselors.
Schools offer on-campus and online mental health counseling degrees. The flexibility of online programs appeals to professionals who want to continue working while they complete their degree. Admission requirements generally include transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and an essay or personal statement.
Job opportunities for mental health counselors continue to grow much faster than the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects mental health counseling jobs to grow 25% between 2019-2029.See Our Rankings Methodology
Top 10 Best Online Mental Health Counseling Programs
| RANK | SCHOOL | AVG NET PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon Institute of Technology | $8110 |
| 2 | University of North Texas | $7688 |
| 3 | Toccoa Falls College | $20714 |
| 4 | Clarks Summit University | $22510 |
| 5 | Hobe Sound Bible College | $5600 |
| 6 | Crown College | $24250 |
| 7 | Faulkner University | $18320 |
| 8 | University of Maine at Machias | $6660 |
| 9 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | $18900 |
| 10 | John Wesley University | $10500 |
What Are the Requirements for a Mental Health Counseling Degree?
Admission requirements for mental health counseling programs vary by school and degree level. However, schools typically require test scores, reference letters, and transcripts from high school or college. Additional requirements may include a personal statement, resume, and background check.
Once enrolled, students complete core and specialized courses on psychology and human development. Programs also typically require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor.Online Guide to Accredited Colleges and Universities
Professional Organizations for Mental Health Counseling Students
Professional organizations provide students with opportunities to network and learn more about their profession. These groups may offer career counseling, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. Membership also provides access to credentialing that counselors need to stay current in the field. The list below highlights three organizations that may appeal to mental health counseling students.
- American Counseling AssociationThe ACA serves as the premier counseling organization in the United States. It offers several membership levels, including one for students. Members receive access to continuing education opportunities and networking events. The organization also hosts an annual conference and expo.
- American Mental Health Counselors AssociationThis organization supports mental health counselors through advocacy, training, and networking. Members receive discounts on liability insurance and free legal advice. Membership also includes subscriptions to several society publications and opportunities to connect through conferences and webinars.
- American School Counselor AssociationFounded in 1952, the ASCA offers membership to practicing school counselors, as well as counseling students. Members gain access to the organization’s peer-reviewed journal and other publications. The organization also offers professional development opportunities like local workshops and online webinars.
Scholarships for Mental Health Counseling Students
Mental health counseling students may qualify for many scholarships. Some scholarships offer funding for more specialized study, while others apply to general study in a counseling field. This list outlines several scholarship opportunities for students earning an online mental health counseling degree.
Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Leopold Schepp Foundation hosts an annual scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students who express a commitment to human services. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.3 GPA and submit reference letters and evidence of financial need. The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens only.
Amount: Up to $9,000
Future Counselors of America Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in psychology or a related field, like counseling, qualify for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants must submit an essay on how relationship professionals can help people navigate the challenges of online dating.
Amount: $1,000
Lullellia W. Harrison Counseling Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Zeta Phi Beta Society offers this annual scholarship to undergraduate and graduate learners studying counseling. The scholarship covers one year of full-time academic study. Applicants must submit proof of enrollment.
Amount: Varies
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