Michael Said:

Mental Health Counselor?

We Answered:

True professionals don't have time to answer that many questions in the depth you require. Certainly not without needing paying for their time.

Eileen Said:

addiction counselor vs. mental health and substance abuse social workers?

We Answered:

It depends on how far in school you want to go and where you live. I live in Missouri, and I have my Masters Degree in Counseling and undergrad in Social Work. I started out as a caseworker with the critically mentally ill. I later went into substance abuse counseling for 16 yrs. and then went into co occurring disorders. For the past 8 yrs almost I have been a parole officer with a specialized case of women that are co occurring disorder. If you would like to email me for more info feel free Also salary depends on private sector or state. That also has a lot to do with job security. God Bless Reggie

Betty Said:

Can I be a mental health counselor/graduate from a rehabilitation program if I have a mental disorder?

We Answered:

While your condition may affect your studies and mental stability during your studies, there would be absolutely no affect of you getting into these programs as long as you meet the requirements (eg. Grades, character etc.) that the school likes. If you took time of school, the admissions may questions this, but since you have a medical reason for taking it off, I don't think it is a huge issue. At the most, be prepared to answer why you took the time off, how that affected you, does it still affect you and was anything gained from that experience.

Also there is nothing hypocritical for you to be in a position to help. In fact, it could be beneficial because you can directly relate to the patients that you may help. It's like a doctor that has a smoking problem. Just because a doctor smokes, doesn't mean that the doctor can't be in a position to help his/her patients quit. He/She could maybe tell the patient about his/her struggles, or things that did help. Yes maybe hypocritical, but patients might take comfort in that. Plus, why does the patient have to know in the first place? If the ultimate goal is to bring about the best circumstance in the patient without hurting them (because your own past bipolar treatment or you smoking yourself doesn't hurt them), isn't that good enough?

Unfortunately, I can't make a decision for you for what career is the best area. You have to decide. They are all great and rewarding careers. If you not sure still, try job shadowing. Find about specialized areas. My sister for example is a Pharmacy Doctorate and works as a cardiology specialist. That is something that most people don't think of as a pharmacist, but that is definitely an area that can be pursued.

Anyway, I wish the best for you. You sound like a really smart person and yeah you might have a few stumbles, but looks like you still kept your goals and ambitions. Take the time to have fun too.