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Mental Health and Wellbeing Careers

Find Your Calling

Are you passionate about helping others and making a real difference in people's lives? Do you want a career that's both rewarding and meaningful? Then exploring mental health and wellbeing careers could be the perfect path for you!

Why Choose a Mental Health and Wellbeing Career?

  • Make a Real Impact: Contribute to improving the lives of individuals and communities.
  • Growing Demand: The need for mental health professionals is increasing significantly.
  • Diverse Opportunities: A wide range of roles catering to different interests and skillsets.
  • Personal Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of helping people thrive.
  • Career Progression: Many pathways for professional development and specialisation.

Key Career Paths

Clinical Roles

  • Psychiatrist: Medical doctors specialising in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. (Requires medical degree and specialist training)
  • Clinical Psychologist: Assess and treat psychological disorders using therapy and other interventions. (Requires psychology degree and doctoral training)
  • Educational Psychologists: Educational Psychologists work with children and young people, their families, and schools to address learning, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. They conduct assessments, provide interventions, and offer advice to create supportive learning environments. Educational Pathway: requires a psychology degree, followed by a postgraduate doctorate in educational psychology.
  • Mental Health Nurse: Provide direct care and support to individuals with mental health conditions in various settings. (Requires nursing degree with mental health specialisation)
  • Counsellor/Psychotherapist: Offer talking therapies to help individuals manage emotional and psychological difficulties. (Requires relevant qualifications and training)
  • Occupational Therapist (Mental Health): Helps individuals develop skills and strategies to participate in daily activities and improve their wellbeing. (Requires occupational therapy degree)
  • Community Paediatrician: Specialises in the health and development of children, particularly those with developmental, behavioural, or social difficulties. Work within community settings, assessing children, providing diagnoses, and developing care plans. Requires a medical degree, specialist paediatric training, and registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). This role is very important for early intervention in children with mental health needs.

Support and Community Roles:

  • Mental Health Support Worker: Provide practical and emotional support to individuals in their homes or community settings. (Requires relevant qualifications and experience)
  • Social Worker (Mental Health): Advocate for and support individuals with mental health needs within the social care system. (Requires social work degree)
  • Youth Mental Health Worker: Support young people with mental health challenges in schools or community settings. (Requires relevant qualifications and experience)
  • Peer Support Worker: Use personal experience of mental health challenges to support others. (Requires lived experience and relevant training)
  • Wellbeing Coach: Facilitate positive lifestyle changes and promote overall wellbeing. (Requires relevant qualifications and training)
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Practitioner: Working with children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties. Provide assessment, therapy, and support in various settings. Roles can include psychologists, therapists, and social workers.​​​​​​​

Related Fields:

  • Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP): Working in schools to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people. (Requires specific training and qualifications)
  • Arts Therapist: Using creative arts such as music, drama, or art to promote mental health and wellbeing. (Requires relevant arts therapy qualification)
  • Researchers and Academics: Conduct research and contribute to the development of mental health knowledge and practice.

Getting Started: Education and Training

  • GCSEs and A-Levels: Focus on subjects like Psychology, Biology, Sociology, and Health and Socialcare.
  • Undergraduate Degrees: Consider degrees in Psychology, Nursing, Social work, or related fields.
  • Postgraduate Degrees: Many clinical roles require master's or doctoral-level qualifications.
  • Apprenticeships: Explore apprenticeships in health and social care, offering practical experience and qualifications.
  • Volunteering: Gain valuable experience and explore different areas of mental health by volunteering with charities or community organisations.

Where to Find More Information:

Tips for Students:

  • Explore your interests: Identify the areas of mental health that resonate with you.
  • Gain practical experience: Volunteer or seek work experience to build your skills.
  • Network with professionals: Attend events and connect with people working in the field.
  • Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with current developments and research in mental health.
  • Prioritise your own wellbeing: A career in mental health can be demanding, so it's essential to practice self-care.

Your journey to a fulfilling career in mental health and wellbeing starts here. Take the first step and explore the possibilities!

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