M ENTAL H EALTH AND S OCIAL S ERVICES

B ASIC J OB D UTIES Mental Service workers deal with mental or emotional disorders or the intellectually challenged (mental retardation). Social Workers help people deal with illness, employment, or community problems. Both try to help individuals function to their MAXIMUM capacity

E MPLOYMENT Hospitals Psychiatric hospital / clinic Home Health care agencies Public Health Departments Government Departments Crisis / Counseling Centers Drug/ Alcohol treatment Facilities Prisons LTC’s Educational Facilities

P SYCHIATRISTS Doctorates degree with 2-7 years post graduate specialized training; minimum $100,000/ year. Licensure Required. A physician who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental illness Specialties include child/ adolescent, geriatric, drug / chemical, and other areas.

A Career in Psychiatry - YouTube

P SYCHOLOGISTS (P SY D) May start with a Bachelors or Masters degree, but doctorate required for many positions. Licensure required. NC salary average wages $68,000/yr. with average growth expected. (CA= $76,000/yr.) May specialize in child, adolescent, geriatric, drug /chemical abuse, behavior modification, and/ or physical / sexual abuse Study human behavior

They use knowledge to help individuals deal with problems of everyday living. Can counsel individuals, groups, and /or families to help them solve problems May perform test to determine presence of mental illness or cause of mental illness

Careers in Psychology : What Is It Like to Be a Psychologist? - YouTube

P SYCHIATRIC / M ENTAL H EALTH T ECHNICIANS Need Associate’s Degree, licensure required. Some states require a nursing degree. Average salary $35,000. Work under supervision of psychiatrist or psychologist Work with patients and families to help them follow plan of care, assist with care. Observe and report behavior. Provide understanding and encouragement. Help teach constructive social behavior.

S OCIAL W ORKERS Need a Bachelor’s Degree. Some will have a Master’s or Doctorate Degree. Credentials available from Assoc. of Social Workers; depending on state will need a license, certificate, or registration. In NC starting salary is $40,000/ year. (CA = $50,000/year) May specialize in child welfare, geriatrics, family corrections (jail), or occupational social work.

Aid people who have difficulty coping with any problem Help individuals make adjustments to change in their lives Refer individuals to community resources for assistance Provide emotional support to patients and families Evaluate charges of abuse and make recommendations for the legal system

A Day in the Life- Social Worker - YouTube