What Can You Do With a Clinical Mental Health M.S. Degree?

The mental health field offers various opportunities for those who would like to provide treatment, support and resources to people in need. One way to work toward a career in this field is by getting a Master of Science in clinical mental health. Understanding the career options for professionals who earn this degree can help you plan a position that matches your skills, preferences and background. In this article, we define this degree and explain what to do with a clinical mental health M.S. degree by listing nine careers you can pursue with the degree.

Related: 6 Mental Health Career Fields and Jobs To Consider

What is an M.S. in clinical mental health?

A Master of Science in clinical mental health is a graduate degree that provides a foundation for students to offer mental health counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups. Professionals often earn a master's degree before pursuing a career in the field of mental health care, meaning this degree can prepare students to provide patients with accurate diagnoses, analyses and treatment plans. After earning a degree, you may work in clinical settings like private practices or hospitals. You can also use this degree to work with people in need through education, consulting or other community leadership positions.

In a clinical mental health degree program, students learn how to successfully diagnose and treat a variety of psychological conditions, including depression, anxiety and addiction. They may also learn about topics like community engagement, mental health advocacy or human development. If you're interested in learning more about mental health treatment and would like to help people overcome psychological challenges, then a master's in clinical mental health may provide you with the education you necessary to further your career.

Related: How To Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

What can you do with a clinical mental health M.S. degree?

Here are nine careers that you can pursue with a clinical mental health M.S. degree. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:

1. Health educator

National average salary: $28,701 per year

Primary duties: A health educator is responsible for helping people incorporate healthy habits into their exercise routines, diets and lifestyles. Health educators may do this by leading workshops, meeting with community members or distributing educational resources. To better understand the populations they serve, health educators often research health risks and other issues that communities face. This allows them to develop targeted prevention and education plans.

2. Community health worker

National average salary: $32,459 per year

Primary duties: A community health worker is a health care professional who completes various tasks to help people access high-quality health care. Some services community health workers perform include translating health information, providing health counseling, advocating for the needs of individuals or groups and offering medical screenings. They may also provide first aid care.

3. Behavioral therapist

National average salary: $35,546 per year

Primary duties: A behavioral therapist diagnoses and treats patients with mental health conditions, including anxiety, phobias or addictions. By analyzing patients' patterns of behavior, a behavioral therapist can create treatment plans that incorporate healthy thoughts and actions. They can also help patients develop positive habits.

Related: Learn About Being a Behavioral Therapist

4. Career counselor

National average salary: $39,189 per year

Primary duties: A career counselor is responsible for offering guidance and support to those who have questions or concerns about their educational or professional paths. Career counselors often work in middle or high schools, helping students make decisions about how they plan to pursue their professional goals. They may also offer guidance on developing essential skills like resume writing to help students apply for jobs successfully.

5. Rehabilitation specialist

National average salary: $41,595 per year

Primary duties: A rehabilitation specialist is a health care professional who helps those with physical or emotional disabilities develop the skills and habits necessary for independence after treatment. They may provide resources, counseling or advocacy to help patients reach their goals for transition back to their daily lives. These goals can include getting a job, finding stable housing or securing continual health care.

6. Substance abuse counselor

National average salary: $47,025 per year

Primary duties: A substance abuse counselor is a mental health professional who supports people who have experienced addiction or dependency on substances like drugs or alcohol. They can help patients overcome dependency and develop healthier habits through personalized treatment plans involving behavioral, psychological and lifestyle changes. They may also work with any family members affected by the patient's condition.

7. Wellness consultant

National average salary: $47,202 per year

Primary duties: A wellness consultant is responsible for offering resources and training to people seeking a healthier lifestyle. Companies and other organizations may hire this type of professional to provide wellness instruction, including exercise, diet or stress management techniques, to employees. Wellness consultants may also work with individuals or groups interested in improving their overall well-being.

8. Social worker

National average salary: $56,713 per year

Primary duties: A social worker is responsible for a wide range of tasks and procedures that provide resources and support to those in need. Social workers typically complete work like facilitating the adoption of a child or supporting a patient diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers often work with people of all ages, including those with disabilities or illnesses or those experiencing poverty. They may also coordinate with doctors, therapists and other health professionals to meet a patient's needs.

Related: Learn About Being a Social Worker

9. Family therapist

National average salary: $60,415 per year

Primary duties: A family therapist is a mental health professional who provides counseling to individuals, couples and families. When working with individuals, a family therapist may analyze the role of the family in the patient's life, offering strategies for problem resolution and communication. They may diagnose and provide treatment plans for psychological, behavioral and emotional issues and concerns.