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Mental Health Careers
Mental health is the medical profession concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of human mental disorders.
Careers in the field of mental health can be extremely rewarding and challenging to those individuals who want to specialize in the medical areas of human emotion, thought and behavior.
Mental health is as important as physical health. Through various methods of treatment, most mental health problems can be minimized and even cured.
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Alcohol and other drug abuse counselors
help rehabilitate individuals who are physically, mentally and emotionally dependent on alcohol and/or drugs.
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Mental health technicians
help individuals resolve marriage and family conflicts, deal with substance abuse problems and improve interpersonal relationships.
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Psychiatrists
are physicians trained in the specialized field of psychiatry. They diagnose and treat disorders of the mind.
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Psychologists
are highly trained professionals holding a doctorate who study and assess human behavior and work in the prevention and treatment of emotional and mental disorders.
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Social workers
help individuals and families find ways to deal with their mental health problems. They interview patients, develop treatment plans, refer patients to other health care professionals and provide information on community resources.
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These professionals work in hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and public or community health centers. They strive to help patients reach their fullest potential and lead a normal and independent lifestyle. They are part of a mental health team along with other health care professionals including psychiatric nurses, therapeutic recreation specialists and occupational therapists.
Individuals entering the mental health field need to possess a special love, understanding and concern for people. The various career choices require different levels of education and certification.
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