12 Great Career Paths in Mental Health and the Degree You’ll Need

If you want to earn a degree to prepare for a mental health-related career, you’ll find lots of choices—and plenty of job opportunities in many fields.

That’s according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects faster-than-average job growth through 2032 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors; marriage and family therapists; community health workers; and social and human service assistants.¹

But what type of college degree do you need to work as a marriage and family therapist? Or to pursue jobs in community health? Here’s our list of 12 careers and examples of online degrees you may want to earn to acquire knowledge and skills you can use to prepare for your ideal job. Keep in mind that these mental health-related jobs also may require additional experience, training, certification, and licensure.

1. Licensed Professional Counselor

What they do: Counsel and support people who need help navigating personal challenges.
Degree option: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

2. Forensic Psychologist

What they do: Work within the legal and criminal justice system to advocate for children and other vulnerable people, consult with attorneys on jury selection, serve as expert witnesses, and more.
Degree option: PhD in Forensic Psychology

3. School Counselor

What they do: Work with children to help improve their academic ability and social adjustment.
Degree option: Master’s in School Counseling, MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, MS in Developmental Psychology, Master of Social Work (MSW)

4. Marriage and Family Therapist

What they do: Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders for couples and families. 
Degree option: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling specialization

5. I/O Psychologist

What they do: Work with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to enhance productivity, safety, and employee satisfaction.
Degree option: PhD in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology

6. Substance Abuse Counselor

What they do: Offer counseling, support, and tools to help people experiencing substance abuse disorders.
Degree option: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addiction Counseling specialization

7. Community Social Worker

What they do: Create community programs and provide tools to help residents improve their emotional and physical health.
Degree option: Master of Social Work (MSW)

8. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

What they do: Assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages experiencing psychiatric disorders, organic brain disorders, and substance abuse issues.
Degree option: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization

9. Trauma Social Worker

What they do: Provide support and counseling to people who have experienced trauma through abuse, loss, violence, or other traumatic circumstances.
Degree option: Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Trauma focus area or embedded certificate

10. Social and Human Service Assistant

What they do: Assist social workers in a wide variety of fields by connecting people with resources and support.
Degree option: BS in Psychology with an optional concentration, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), BS in Human Services

11. Nonprofit Manager

What they do: Lead a nonprofit organization that offers programs for people experiencing challenges affecting their mental and physical health and daily living.
Degree option: MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership

12. Behavioral Health Leader

What they do: Manage and improve the operation of behavioral health programs and facilities.
Degree option: Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership

Find Your Online College Degree

If you want to advance your education and enhance your skills to meet your professional goals in the mental health field, you might want to consider earning a degree online. Walden University, a leader in distance education for more than 50 years, offers a range of social work, counseling, and psychology degree programs.

The accredited university’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program can academically prepare you to seek licensure or certification as a licensed professional mental health counselor. There’s a General Program or you can tailor your studies to your career interests by choosing an optional specialization: Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision; Military Families and Culture; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; Addiction Counseling; Forensic Counseling; Play Therapy; Rehabilitation Counseling; or Trauma and Crisis Counseling.

Walden’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program offers five relevant focus areas: Addictions, Child and Family, Healthcare, Military, and Trauma. You can take your social work education to the highest level by earning a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree or a PhD in Social Work. Or get started with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

In psychology, Walden offers an online BS in Psychology degree program with a General Program or optional concentrations: Addiction, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Accelerate Into Master’s, Child and Adolescent Development, and Forensic Psychology. A bachelor’s in psychology also can lay the groundwork for earning an MS in Psychology or a PhD in Psychology.

Enjoy the flexibility of online learning as you follow the path to your academic goals—and to the future you envision making a positive impact in the mental health field.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/strong-growth-projected-in-mental-health-related-employment.htm