Byron Said:

How does one get RN pediatric/mental health experience if you need it to be hired in the 1st place?

We Answered:

It depends on what hospital you are interested in going to. When you go through nursing school you will get a mental health rotation. Some hospitals (especially teaching hospitals) will hire a new grad out of school into various units, you just need to shop around a little. :-)

Donna Said:

What education and work experience is required for Mental Health Assistants? (special ed, teacher assistant)?

We Answered:

Mental Health Assistants and Special Education Teacher Assistants are two different things.

MHA's work at mental hospitals, clinics, etc.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos059.htm

If you want to be a Sped TA working in the E/BD classrooms...

You will need either 2 years of college (60 credits), an Associates' Degree, OR pass a competency test (that pretty much covers the content of those first two years of college's basic courses like grammar, math, history, science, etc.).

While you will be assigned to ANY classroom the disctrict needs you for, if you want E/BD classrooms there are some things you can do to help ensure you are placed there:

-- Don't take the competency test.... get your 60 credits (or Associates' Degree). Focus you elective choices on psychology, sociology, and especially behavior modification techniques. Take an introductory special education class (if it isn't limited to education majors), human development, etc.

--Get your CPR/First Aid certifications. If a behavioral restraint system like Mandt is available, take that too (NON-damaging restraints... NOT martial arts).

--Volunteer in the schools, focusing on the special education population whenever possible, but at least doing something there.

--If there is a non-profit troubled-youth program in your area that takes volunteers, go there too. If not, do any volunteer work with kids, somewhere (museum, scouts, etc.). Build your resume!

--On your application, mention your educational and volunteer background, that you would PREFER E/BD classrooms, but are willing to be initially placed wherever needed (you can always in-district transfer to your preferred job later).

--Once hired, your knowledge is for you to help the teacher, not second-guess his/her decisions... so try to avoid "sophomoritis" (suddenly, you know everything). Remember that the teacher has had twice to three times the amount of schooling as you, plus additional trainings, plus is the one held totally responsible for implementing the students' IEPs... and so on. If you are intelligent, responsive, positive, and follow his/her policies/lead in dealing both with instruction and with behavioral programming, you will have eternal job security and a happy boss.

Irene Said:

Does anyone work in mental heath who also suffers mental ill health?

We Answered:

i am ex mental health professional for over thirty years, and retired 5 years ago. some people that have had some emotional or mental health problems some times do a better job, then people who have not had these problems. they know what is like to suffer, can relate better to the person suffering, and can be very competent and compassionate workers. i have worked with a few people with these problems, and i never questioned their ability to help in a treatment setting. just because a person has mental health issues , does not mean they cannot do the same job, as a person who has not. you should not be treated any different than other co workers. i think it is great that you are willing to do this, helping other people can help your self esteem and confidence, and give you a more fulfilling life for yourself. i have one word of caution, however. helping other people can be a taxing job, and take its toll on you. you have to continue to look after yourself, and do not get lost in other peoples problems. do not forget about yourself , you are also very important. staying mentally, and physically stable, is very important for your well being, and your patients well being. everyone should take you seriously, because you are there for the same reason as anyone else. your personal life if no body's business, unless it affects your job. if they do not, respect you , then they are not a very good support worker. some people think that having mental health issues makes a person stupid. it does not. just because you have had mental health problems does not mean you cannot be just as intelligent, caring, and supportive in your job as anyone else. good luck to you hope things work out well for you. i read how you answered a couple of questions. i think you will do just fine, i would work with you anytime

Salvador Said:

i live in san diego california and have experience working in mental health. who is hiring as a counselor?

We Answered:

I would suggest checking for possible jobs at http://www.jobing.com or http://www.craigslist.com.

Best wishes to you!

Jacob Said:

If I did work experience at a Mental Health Unit...?

We Answered:

I went to a psych hospital for a few weeks to get off benzos and to make sure the bipolar was ok while I did it .. there were a couple of trainee nurses there .. your right they dont sit in on your counselling sessions and neither do the nurses that is between you and your psychiatrist .. the nurses hand out meds at med times the trainees dont do that .. what I did see the trainees do was observe while I was patted down and they helped search my bags (looking for any benzos I might have had hidden) when I first arrived, the hospital I was in after a few days depending on your case and your Dr you were allowed a few hours leave each day so trainees would get you your car keys when you needed them and then put them back when you returned, they observed while obs were taken (blood pressure etc etc) they would come into your room each day (or find you and take you to your room or a quiet place) and have a chat about how your going etc ... because your not locked in your room in a psych hospital if they want you they often have to go looking for you - other than that Im not sure what they do - you wouldnt have to do beds or anything like that - at least where I was it was our responsibility to change our bedding daily and shower and then take our sheets, blankets and towels to the laundry and get fresh ones and remake your bed etc. There might be paperwork they get you to do ... yeah sorry thats about all I saw so I cant help you much further than that

Tyrone Said:

Where's best to study BA Social Work (Mental Health)?

We Answered:

http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/spsw/undergr…

I go to york and the social work dept is amazing, topping league tables not only in performance but experience too!

and you do all types of mental health but can specialise in the 3rd year - including in mental health, and can choose two interest based placements (which you could also choose to be in mental health)

their website has all the information on it about the degree and how to apply.

good luck!