Mental Health career?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
Mental Health career?
4
Mon, 07-31-2006 - 5:13pm

As you know, I need a job.

I decided my ideal job might be helping others like me. But, the problem is I don't want to go to school for years again or get into more debt.

Is there a job I could do without more degrees? And if not, is there a very short certificate I could get instead of a PHD? I just want to get started. Maybe in the end I will get a graduate degree but I don't know if I"m strong enough now. But I need a good career very badly.

I actually think that if I had a career, I would not be suicidal anymore. That is my biggest source of anxiety and hoplessness right now.

Does anyone know if you need a degree to get hired for a suicide hotline? Probably, right? But, I think I could do it even at this point...I think I could help now...

I need a purpose in life, guys. I need a reason to get out of bed. I need to be GOOD at something IMPORTANT.




Edited 7/31/2006 5:17 pm ET by bluerains
Avatar for alsmith32
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 08-01-2006 - 7:30am
Well, my advice when considering entering a field is to talk to people within that field to get more info about it. Maybe you have a friend of a friend/relative who is a therapist who could talk to you? Or perhaps find a career counselor? my college has career counselors which are available to graduates no matter when they graduated. something like that might be helpful. Or go to your local community college and see if you can see one of their counselors although they might not be that great. I would also look on the internet, there might be something there too. Another way to get into the field without a degree is to get in through substance abuse counseling, a woman at my job now used to work at a substance abuse counseling center, she did not go to college at all. She probably could have gotten a different job from there. Being a case manager is a similar job where you are helping people in crisis but not really a therapist. Or perhaps a probation officer? Their job is helping people, kind of like a life coach. I know quite a few probation officers and many of them really like their jobs. you aren't required to have any advanced degree for that. Just some things to consider. I agree about the whole career thing, I think without mine I would be a lot worse off. it keeps me motivated and gives me self-worth, it's funny because I have a lot of negative thinking (understatement! Obviously or I wouldn't be on this board!!!!), but, I have never felt negatively about my abilities at work.
Allie
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Tue, 08-01-2006 - 5:59pm

Hey Blue,


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 12:44pm

Thank you Allie and Lori for the advice,

I tried to do some research, there seem to be so many degees out there and I don't know where to start. The very idea of going to school again scares me, so I want to make sure if I do I pick the degree where I can get good jobs.

Lori, what schools offer that certification- community colleges, or 4 year college?

The only job ads I see around here for mental health are all case workers for children with emotional and behavior issues. And I'm too shy for those jobs, the kids would always get their way. I definately want to work with adults or senior citizens.

I did some research and found one local mental health place. Now I'm worried that they won't give me a chance because I have no experience- my resume is all library work and an English major.

I know this post may be off topic, but like I said it's my biggest weak point and challenge. I know I'll never be happy and secure without getting somewhere career wise.




Edited 8/2/2006 12:47 pm ET by bluerains
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 2:26pm

Hi Blue,


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