Over the past year, there has been a steady increase in the demand for mental health services. In a report by the American Psychological Association, about 84% of mental health practitioners have seen an increase in the demand among patients who have anxiety disorders. In addition, referrals have also doubled along with clinic waiting lists.
With the increasing need for psychiatric services, there is also a corresponding rise in the demand for mental health providers. These practitioners play an important role in providing assistive care to patients in diagnosing and treating a wide range of disorders.
In this article, we talk about how starting a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Professional is the best step to take in today’s mental health landscape.
Multiple career paths to choose from
The field of psychiatry is a broad one. It encompasses multiple disciplines and sub-disciplines, each one requiring a certain level of expertise and training. Candidates who want to join the throngs of mental health professionals can choose which path to take depending on their needs and preferences.
Here are a few of the best options to consider when you start a career as a psychiatric mental health professional:
- Psychiatrist: This field of expertise involves diagnosing mental illness and prescribing appropriate medication to treat such illness. You will need to attain a medical degree and become a licensed doctor to start a psychiatric practice.
- Psychologist: Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist is not allowed to prescribe medication or treatment for mental illness. They can, however, treat behavioral problems through counseling or psychotherapy.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: As a nurse practitioner, you are responsible for providing assistive care to people who cope with mental illness. As such, you are focused on integrating physical and mental care in order to boost patient outcomes.
- Physician Assistant: Mental healthcare providers have physician assistants or PAs that specialize in delivering quality mental care. If you want to become a PA, you will need to get PA training from an accredited program and apply for certification. You may also complete a clinical rotation in mental healthcare.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Social workers play an important role in helping the most vulnerable sectors of society. With your psychiatric training, you will be able to restore the dignity of different individuals, including drug addicts, abused children, veterans with PTSD, and seniors with memory problems.
- Licensed Professional Counselor: Want to help couples and troubled teens resolve their internal issues and help them build healthy relationships? As a professional counselor, your understanding of mental health can help pull down communication barriers, restore bonds, and strengthen ties.
Where can you get started?
Are you looking to start a career as a psychiatric mental health professional in the field of your choice?
If you have had training in psychiatry or mental health treatment, it shouldn’t take you long to find clinics and institutions that can help you on your journey.
In case you are living in or around Grapevine, TX, consider joining our growing family of mental health advocates! At MidCities Psychiatry, we are always looking for psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, PAs, and counselors who have a passion for service.
Let us guide your growth in the career you love. Send your resume to H-R@midcitiespsychiatry.com to get started.