Psychologists assess and treat mental health issues, while counselors address personal and emotional challenges. Social workers connect clients to resources and advocate for vulnerable populations.
Many careers support mental, emotional and social well-being, benefitting individuals and communities. Key caring professions in the psychology and counseling fields include:
Psychology Careers
Psychologists often work one-on-one with clients to better understand the conscious and unconscious processes behind their thoughts and actions. By studying the interworkings of the mind and its influence on human behavior, psychologists can offer support to those who are struggling with mental health or life troubles.
Common roles in psychology include:
- Clinical psychologist: This professional works with individuals experiencing mental health disorders, providing therapy and treatment plans.
- School psychologist: This professional supports students' emotional and academic development, addressing learning difficulties and behavioral challenges.
- Forensic psychologist: This professional applies psychological principles in legal and criminal justice settings, evaluating individuals involved in legal cases.
Counseling Careers
Counseling professionals provide therapy to individuals, couples and families who are facing emotional and psychological challenges. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2023 to 2033.1
Hallam is a licensed play therapist, assisting children on the autism spectrum through sensory integration with affirming counseling rooms. "I go into their world; they don't come into mine," she explains. “By seeing the world through their eyes, we can better understand their behavior and think, "That's why that's happening. That makes total sense."
Key counseling careers include:
- Licensed professional and mental health counselor: This professional assists individuals in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health diagnoses through counseling and therapeutic services.
- Marriage and family therapist: This professional works with couples and families to navigate relationships and other systemic issues.
- Substance use counselor: This professional empowers and supports individuals in their addiction recovery and relapse prevention.
Social Work Careers
Social workers advocate for and assist individuals facing challenging times. They support those facing economic hardship, mental health issues and social injustices by providing services and resources to improve lives. Operating in schools, hospitals, government agencies and nonprofits, social workers address diverse challenges, including homelessness, substance abuse, child welfare and domestic violence.
Some prominent roles in social work include:
- Child welfare specialist: This professional works with children and families to ensure safety, stability and access to resources.
- Medical social worker: This professional supports patients and families in healthcare settings, helping them navigate medical and emotional challenges.
- Community outreach coordinator: This professional develops programs and services to support underserved populations in areas like housing, education and mental health.
Research Careers
While some may not view research as a helping career, instructors Hallam and Dr. Shier emphasize its crucial role in developing solutions and therapies. Hallam states, "Social science research contributes to improving lives and shaping mental health policies." Her dissertation focuses on training K-12 teachers to work with autistic students, providing practical applications for professionals.
Dr. Shier highlights the significance of research in developing evidence-based treatments, particularly for autism and trauma, citing ABA therapy's extensive literature. She explains that without research, efforts are ineffective, stating, "We're just throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping it sticks." She stresses the need for counseling grounded in "theory, the ethics of the profession and literature" as best practice.
