Think about it: you make time to repair your car. You make time to take your pets to the vet. You even take time to clean your house. But how often do you make time to monitor the state of your own mental health?

With health care reform laws expanding coverage for mental health and substance abuse services, more and more Americans will be able to seek the help they need to manage stress, deal with trauma, and improve their lives.

If you want to be one of those professionals who help people take care of their mental and emotional health, consider a career in psychology, counseling, or social work. We’ve broken down five popular mental health careers and their degree requirements to help you get started.

Careers

When you think of mental health, a career in psychology most likely comes to mind. Psychologists use their knowledge of the human mind and emotions to help patients deal with a wide range of issues, from serious psychological disorders to addiction and recovery to couples counseling.

How to start a career in psychology

Requirements for psychologists vary from state to state, but at a minimum, you’ll need a master’s degree in psychology to practice. Some states will require you to have a Ph.D.

Marriage and Family Therapist Careers

The dynamic of husband, wife, and their children is unique, which is why marriage and family therapists are a specialized group of mental health workers. They spend their time in school learning to read and diagnose different family dynamics and treat each family member, not just one individual.

How to Start a Marriage and Family Therapy Career

Most marriage and family therapists have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

Career Guidance Counselor

Growing up isn’t easy, which is why elementary, middle, and high schools hire counselors to help children and young adults throughout their educational careers. Guidance counselors make sure students progress mentally and emotionally, and even help during the college and career decision-making process.

How to start a guidance counselor career

Guidance counselors will need a master’s degree in counseling to start.

Rehabilitation Counselor Careers

Those who have physical, emotional or psychological disabilities need a unique type of counselling. Rehabilitation counselors fill this need, using their skills to improve their quality of life and helping them live as independently as possible.

How to start a rehab career

Like the careers listed above, rehabilitation counselors must have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.

Social Work Careers

Some of society’s most difficult problems—child abuse, spousal abuse, homelessness, poverty, truancy—often go hand in hand. It is the responsibility of social workers to help the men, women and children who are caught up in this complicated web of problems.

How to start a career in social work

Social workers need a master’s degree in social work to start, and typically also have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

To learn more about these careers and the corresponding degree programs, visit this Health Services Career Profiles page.