Exploring Different Degree Pathways to a Career in Mental Health

The demand for professional mental health services has grown significantly in recent years, as more people recognize the importance of emotional well-being.

As mental health issues continue to impact individuals, families, and communities, the need for skilled and compassionate professionals who can provide therapy and counseling has never been higher. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow by 18% from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than the average for all occupations. ¹

If you’re considering a career in the mental health field, you may be wondering about educational pathways, necessary skills, and career opportunities.

In this blog article, we’ll guide you through the different paths to becoming a licensed mental health professional. We’ll also explore the applicable degree programs available at NMSU Global Campus and connect you with the educational tools to achieve your career goals.

What is a Licensed Mental Health Professional?

A licensed mental health professional is a skilled practitioner equipped to support individuals, couples, and families through their emotional and psychological challenges. These professionals possess a deep understanding of human behavior, mental health conditions, and therapeutic approaches.

By combining empathy, expertise, and specialized techniques, licensed mental health professionals help clients work through issues such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Family and relationship challenges
• Trauma

Whether in private practice, hospitals, schools, or community health centers, licensed mental health professionals bring essential support to those navigating complex personal and relational dynamics. Their work not only focuses on immediate concerns but also fosters long-term emotional growth and healing, empowering clients to build healthier relationships and lives.

There are several types of licensed mental health professionals, including:

• Clinical Psychologists: Focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders through therapy and counseling. Some may also prescribe psychopharmaceutical medication.
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): Provide therapy to individuals and groups, often focusing on personal development, life transitions, and mental health issues.
• Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs): Specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families dealing with emotional or relational challenges.
• Substance Abuse Counselors: Specialize in working with clients struggling with addiction and related behavioral issues.

The mental health field is diverse, with various types of licensed professionals specializing in different areas. As the demand for mental health support continues to grow, the counseling field remains a sustainable and rewarding career choice. ²

With advancements in technology reshaping how individuals and families receive care, the future of counseling is evolving rapidly. Understanding the different entry points into this dynamic field can help you find the right path to a fulfilling career in mental health.

Navigating Your Path to a Career in Mental Health

Given this broad range of roles, the mental health field offers numerous career opportunities depending on your interests and goals. Whether you’re drawn to traditional therapy, family counseling, clinical psychology, or working with specific populations like those affected by addiction, understanding the different educational pathways is essential.

Your degree choice will shape your professional journey and open doors to impactful careers in mental health. Let’s take a closer look at the various degree options available for those seeking to work in mental health, along with the opportunities each one can lead to.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or Human Services

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services is often the first step toward a career in mental health. These undergraduate degrees provide a solid foundation in understanding human behavior, cognition, and emotion. They prepare students for entry-level positions or to continue their education in a graduate program.

Career Opportunities With a Bachelor’s Degree:

• Behavioral health specialist
• Case manager in community-based mental health settings
• Mental health technician
• Social service assistant

2. Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

For those who want to work directly with clients and provide therapeutic services, a master’s in clinical mental health counseling is one of the most common degree pathways. This program focuses on training students in therapeutic techniques, diagnostic skills, and client management, preparing them for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Career Opportunities With a Counseling Master’s Degree:

• Career counselor
• Grief counselor
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Mental health counselor
• Substance abuse counselor

This degree typically involves both coursework and clinical hours under supervision, and graduates are equipped to work in various settings, such as private practices, hospitals, schools, or community mental health centers.

3. Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy

A master’s in marriage and family therapy (MFT) is ideal for those who want to specialize in working with families, couples, or individuals experiencing relational and emotional difficulties. MFT programs focus on family systems theory, communication strategies, and addressing mental health issues within the context of family dynamics.

Career Opportunities With an MFT Degree:

This growth, combined with advancements in healthcare technology, has increased the need for professionals who can integrate new technologies and processes into patient care, maintain efficient operations, and manage large teams.

• Child and adolescent therapist
• Couples therapist
• Family mediator
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

MFTs are trained to help clients address complex issues, such as communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, parenting struggles, and mental health challenges that impact relationships.

4. Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)

A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree allows graduates to work in a broad range of settings and address both the individual and systemic issues that contribute to mental health struggles.

Social workers with an MSW can pursue licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and provide therapy, case management, and advocacy.

Career Opportunities With an MSW:

• Community program coordinator
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Social services director
• School counselor/social worker
• Social worker in healthcare settings

This degree pathway prepares graduates to not only work with individuals and families but also advocate for mental health resources and policies within communities and organizations.

5. Doctoral Programs in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

A Ph.D. or Psy.D. in counseling psychology offers similar benefits to a clinical psychology degree but with a focus on providing therapy and counseling to individuals, groups, or communities. Counseling psychologists tend to work with a broader range of client populations, including those in schools, community agencies, and private practice.

Career Opportunities With a Counseling Psychology Doctorate:

• Career coach
• Counseling psychologist
• Organizational consultant
• School psychologist

Counseling psychologists focus on emotional well-being, self-esteem, life transitions, and the prevention of mental health disorders, often taking a more holistic approach to treatment.

7. Specialization Through Postgraduate Certification Programs

For licensed professionals who want to deepen their expertise in a specific area of mental health, postgraduate certification programs can provide additional specialization. Examples include:

• Addiction counseling
• Child and adolescent therapy
• Clinical Psychopharmacology
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) certification
• Forensic psychology
• Trauma-focused therapy

These certifications provide advanced knowledge and training in specific therapeutic modalities, allowing professionals to expand their client base and offer specialized care.

How Earning a Degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology Can Expand Your Career Opportunities in Mental Health

For licensed professionals in the mental health field, earning a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) from NMSU Global Campus can open up a world of new career opportunities and enhance the services you provide to clients. This specialized post-doctoral degree offers a unique combination of therapeutic and pharmacological expertise, allowing you to address both the emotional and medical needs of those you work with.

Who Can Benefit From This Program?

This program is ideal for professionals who are already licensed in areas such as counseling, psychology, or social work and want to add pharmacological treatments to their practice. If you’re looking to expand your ability to treat mental health conditions with both therapy and medication, this degree can be a game-changer.

What Will You Learn?

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology focuses on the use of psychiatric medications to treat a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Other mood and psychiatric disorders

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of psychopharmacology, learning how to prescribe, monitor, and adjust medications for clients. This program equips you with the skills to make informed, evidence-based decisions about medication management, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive care that addresses both psychological and physiological aspects of their health.

The Benefits of Combining Therapy With Medication Management

In many cases, mental health conditions are best managed through a combination of therapy and medication. By integrating clinical psychopharmacology into your practice, you’ll be able to:

• Offer Holistic Care: You’ll be able to address both the emotional and medical needs of your clients, making you a more versatile and valuable professional.
• Collaborate With Healthcare Providers: This degree will prepare you to collaborate with doctors and psychiatrists to ensure that clients receive the best care possible.
• Pursue Prescriptive Authority: In states like New Mexico, the degree also qualifies you to sit for the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP), a necessary step on the path to becoming a prescribing psychologist.
• Meet Growing Demand: The need for mental health professionals who can provide integrated care is increasing. By offering both therapy and pharmacological treatment, you’ll be better positioned to meet the diverse needs of your clients.

Is This the Right Path for You?

If you’re passionate about offering a well-rounded approach to mental health care, the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology can help you build a more comprehensive practice. Whether you’re working with individuals who require long-term medication management or clients seeking therapy alongside pharmacological support, this program enhances your ability to serve them in a meaningful way.

Explore Your Path to a Career in Mental Health With NMSU Global Campus

NMSU Global Campus offers a wide range of online degree options for those wishing to explore a career in mental health. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or seeking to advance your current practice with specialized knowledge, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, accessible programs to help you achieve your career goals.

From foundational undergraduate degrees to master’s programs and advanced postgraduate training, NMSU Global Campus supports your path to becoming a licensed mental health professional.

References

1. “Strong growth projected in mental health-related employment.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 09 January, 2024.

2. “Is Counseling a Sustainable Career? What Research Says About the Future of Counseling.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 20 November 2024.