Mental Health Care Trends
Atrio of counseling fields will grow faster than all other occupations combined More than 40,000 new openings are projected in the field of counseling for behavioral disorders, substance abuse and general mental health over the decade ending in 2030. Here’s a look at how these hot career tracks are broken down.
PSYCHIATRISTS/NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Licensed medical doctors with psychiatric training who can diagnose special conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide personalized therapy are called psychiatrists. Nurse practitioners in psychiatry or mental health are licensed nurses who provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy, and in some cases may prescribe and monitor medicines. PSYCHOLOGISTS/COUNSELORS These are professionals with doctoral-level degrees who make mental-health evaluations and diagnoses, while providing group and individual therapy. Counselors, on the other hand, join clinicians and therapists as professionals with a master’s degree who evaluate mental health situations and provide personal therapy. Pastoral counselors are clergy with training in clinical education, and can diagnose conditions and provide counseling.
SOCIAL WORKERS/PEER SPECIALISTS
Clinical social workers are master’s degree holders who evaluate mental health cases while providing therapy through specific training programs. Social workers also have masters degrees, but only provide placement services, case management and support for patients. Certified peer specialists have lived experience with substance-abuse disorders and mental health conditions. They offer mentoring, support and guidance.