Mental Health Counselors and Social Workers
From our Blog:
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American Social Workers Working Abroad October 4th, 2010 01:00 AM Social work is not only a growing field in North America, but in countries throughout the world. This is because so many nations are finding it difficult to recruit new workers or hold onto the oens they have. To turn around this trend, many nations have begun recruiting social workers from across the globe. This [...] More >>> |
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The Benefits and Drawbacks of Technology in Social Work Practice September 29th, 2010 12:58 AM Social work is a field that focuses on obtaining and providing resources to people that need them. These professionals can be found in many settings such as hospitals, mental health institutions and educational facilities. Many social workers use a variety of resources which enables them to perform their jobs efficiently. Over the years technology has [...] More >>> |
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Mental Health Counselors in a Down Economy September 24th, 2010 12:53 AM While roughly 10% of Americans are currently unemployed, those in mental health professions are working harder than ever. Although there is no denying the impact the recession has had on Wall Street’s wealth, it’s easy to overlook the effects this time of economic instability is having on Main Street’s mental health. And it’s not just [...] More >>> |
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Social Workers and Mental Health Counselors Make a Difference August 28th, 2009 12:33 PM If you have a desire to work with people to help them overcome social or economic difficulties a career as a social worker or mental health counselor might be for you. There is an overwhelming need for social work to assist people who have had conflicts with the law or have suffered mental health problems [...] More >>> |
Certifcation Information
Alcohol & Drub Abuse (OADA)Addictions Counselling
Rehab Counselor (CRCC)
National Counselor (NCE)
Social Work (ASWB)
Are you interested in a career where you can really make a difference in the lives of other people? Do you want a profession that allows you the flexibility to work in a variety of settings, and one that is in demand virtually everywhere? If so, then a career in mental health or social work may be for you.
Social workers provide a wide variety of services that help people to cope with difficult life situations and to solve personal or family issues that they are dealing with. Social workers may be employed in any number of settings, from schools and hospitals to private health and child welfare agencies or food banks. There is no ‘typical’ day for a social worker, as every case and every person is different. A hospital social worker may be called upon to help locate the family of a patient, to assist a new mother in applying for public insurance for her baby, speak with doctors regarding a case of child abuse, and help an uninsured patient to schedule and secure follow up medical care- all in the same day!
Mental health workers have duties that are related, but not identical, to those of social workers and in some cases the two careers may overlap. (That is, a social worker may be employed in what is advertised as a ‘mental health’ job.) Mental health counselors are professionals with extensive training in helping people to promote optimum mental health. They may work with individuals who have mental illnesses, or counsel clients with marital or personal problems. A mental health counselor’s job is focused more on therapeutic counseling than on helping a person to solve day to day problems like social workers. Counselors may work in private practice, mental hospital, institutions, schools, and many other settings.
Career opportunities abound in the fields of mental health and social work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are expected to continue to grow at a much greater than average rate over the next ten years. This means that students with a degree in psychology, counseling and social work will be in great demand. Although there are some entry level positions that are available to those holding a Bachelors degree, the majority of jobs now require a MSW (Masters of Social Work) degree.
Mental health counselors must have a license to practice in all fifty states. Although many municipalities do not require social workers to be licensed unless they use the professional title of LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), many agencies will only hire workers who have obtained this certification. Both mental health counselors and LSWs may also choose to add on certifications in areas of specialized practice, such as pediatrics, substance abuse or Art or Music Therapy.
In order to obtain a professional certification, applicants must successfully complete a professional board examination. For social workers, this is the ASWB (Association of Social Work Board) Test. The untimed exam consist of 170 questions. Studying for the ASWB can be a stressful experience, but there is no reason to think that you won’t do well if you have prepared. For this and other certification exams, we highly recommend purchasing test preparation materials. The best way to do well on examinations is to have taken several practice exams, so that you know what areas you need to review. Because re-taking examinations is costly and time-consuming (not to mention stressful!), it is better to make the investment of time and effort in doing well to begin with.
In order to qualify for licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, you must get a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). This exam presents the candidate with ten different mental health scenarios or ‘cases’ and tests the ability to evaluate, diagnosis and design a treatment program based upon the information that is given. Because this exam format is quite different from the majority of examinations that you have probably taken, it is especially important to prepare by completing practice scenarios and reviewing study materials.
Although preparing for a career in the mental health or social work field is challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort. In addition to job security and benefits, counselors can leave their work each day knowing that they have positively affected the lives of many people.
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Mental Health
Alcohol & Drug Abuse (AODA)
Addictions Counselor
Art Therapy (ATBCE)
Music Therapy
Certified Rehab Counselor (CRCC)
Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
National Counselor Exam (NCE)
National Clinical Mental Health (NCMHCE)
Music Therapy
Social Work (ASWB)