fresh out of grad school, looking for a job in the mental health field (employee, degree)

[bormeunchini]

I just graduated with a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling. I'm looking to work in a mental health facility, a dual-diagnosis clinic or in an Employee Assistance Program (behavioral health). I'm looking to attain my LPC in two years, after the required supervision hours. At this point, I can either stay in Tennessee or move elsewhere, preferably Denver, Albuquerque, Birmingham (where I'm originally from) or some other locale where there exists many opportunities in the mental health field. I eventually want to be a program director. Any advice/input/etc.?

[1phwalls]

I think the most important thing you need to keep in mind is that mental health counselors need experience in order to get the good higher paying jobs. Your degree only means you meet the minimum qualification. Expect to start out at the bottom of the totem pole. A lot of places will only hire new people as PRN or part time. Don't be afraid to accept these jobs. They get your foot in the door, and you get great experience.

I know a lot of people who got full time day jobs doing what Im going to call babysitting because the title is escaping me. But its at residential facilities where its your job to monitor/track behaviors of kids or mental health patients, or even doing one on one life skills training types of things. Then they took PRN or part time evening counseling positions. This way they have a steady income, but they get their foot in the door at the job they really want - or at least very similar.

Another thing, mental health work is very stressful. Everyone thinks you should be able to fix their problems for them. Most come to you not understanding that only they can fix it, you are just there to assist them. Make sure you have stress reducing activities for yourself.

Welcome to the mental health field.