Gabriel Said:

Should I go into Mental health Counseling or Speech Pathology?

We Answered:

In 20 years of practice as a speech pathologist, I did 20 years of counseling my patients!
Speech pathologists advise patients, families, physicians, other therapists, and nurses on the best methods for managing the particular problems they face with communication, voice, and swallowing disorders. Emotional support is a huge part of it.
The beauty of being a speech pathologist is the wide variety of settings and clientele/patients from which to choose. If you get tired of working with a particular population, you can find a job in another.
It is possible to learn something new every day, and one isn't always stuck in an office somewhere on ones backside.
Other advantages? Working with a host of professionals in other fields. I can't begin to tell you how much I learned about medicine, patient care, and disease processes. I learned all about medical insurance and government programs, and how to find patients appropriate aftercare. It made me a far better-informed consumer of healthcare, myself.
Not only does speech pathology pay better, it's always easy to find a job. I was never out of work for longer than a week. Whereas MFTs' practices are vulnerable due to the state of the economy, rehab jobs are always in high demand.
Go to asha.org for more info.

Jimmie Said:

What can I do with a mental health counseling degree and an MBA?

We Answered:

Good luck, also went your route and am in the same position

Angel Said:

What could I do with a mental health counseling degree and an MBA?

We Answered:

I would say that it would help you if you want to work in the medical field. You could work for a drug company that sells drugs for mental health or addictions, or a health care provider (for example Kaiser Permanente).

Debra Said:

Political Issues in Mental Health Counseling?

We Answered:

I suppose the key points would be confidentiality: when do you tell someone else what has been said in confidentiality (when they might get hurt, when someone else might get hurt, when someone else has been hurt? When it's in their best interests), how far the therapist is responsible for the patient (i.e if the patient fails to get better - protection for the therapist from accusations) and disclosure - how much do you tell a patient about your diagnosis and your sessions.

Those would be my points, anyway

Irene Said:

I'm considering a second career in adult mental health counseling, anyone have suggestions regarding specialty?

We Answered:

I would suggest addiction counselling. It doesn't require as much education and experience counts for a great deal. Depending on finances and your living expenses, this would be the way to go. You can also volunteer for suicide intervention hot line which speaks volumes on a resume. If you want to go in the way of a therapist or psychologist then you are looking at years of university. Good luck, and live the dream. We need counsellors, always.

Ethel Said:

Any good suggestions for careers with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling?

We Answered:

Hi,
Depending on your state and state laws you could be an instructor and teach in a technical school, college, and possibly university. Education is a good field and masters prepared staff is highly desirable.

Check with the state job listing for your county and region as well. The Public Health department and the department of family and children's services have a need for masters educated persons as well. They may use your qualifications for anything from working with those in mental health to geriatrics and there are correction facility jobs as well as those in the Public Health offices in your city and state.

Social work is another area and I am sure if you are willing to relocate then there would be even more opportunities out there. Counseling opportunities through the health department, the state, or even private practice can use help. Good luck and I hope these ideas were beneficial.