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This question is about mental health specialist and mental health specialist salaries.
What degree do you need to be a mental health specialist?
The degree needed to be a mental health specialist is usually a bachelor's degree in social work or psychology. They also need to gain any licensure required by the state they live and work in.
Mental health social workers play a critical role in improving overall wellbeing and mental health in our society. They spend their time assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. Some mental illnesses they address include depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
In addition to working with clients directly, they also provide therapy in individual, group, and family settings, depending on the circumstances.
Typically during a degree program, a person who wants to become a mental health specialist will complete a social work internship or practicum. During this internship or practicum, they will work with clients experiencing mental health issues.
While not all states require this step for licensure as a mental health social worker, it is required to obtain licensure as a clinical social worker. Graduates of BSW programs must complete, on average, two years of post-BSW clinical experience hours. Mental health specialists should also consider pursuing master's degrees in social work.
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