Mental health is increasingly becoming an important focus in today's society. With the rise in awareness of mental health issues, more and more people are looking for jobs that allow them to help people who are struggling with mental illness. If you are a mental health professional looking to make a career move, here are five top mental health careers you should consider.

1. Mental Health Therapist

A mental health therapist is a licensed professional who works with clients on their mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. This work can involve counseling sessions, support groups, psychological assessments, and other types of intervention. The goal is to help clients manage their problems better so they can lead healthier lives. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree in psychology or counseling and experience working in the field.

2. Social Worker

Social workers play an important role in helping individuals cope with various life challenges, such as poverty and addiction. They often work directly with clients on issues such as finding housing or employment assistance. To become a professional social worker, you must earn an undergraduate degree with a major in social work.

The most common option to pursue is the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), although there are other titles available such as Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) or PhD in Social Work. To earn these important credentials, you must attend an accredited college or university program that offers these degrees. 

3. Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry, the branch of medicine that focuses on treating mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Psychiatrists use medications as well as psychotherapy to treat patients. They also diagnose psychiatric illnesses and provide treatment plans for their patients.

Becoming a psychiatrist requires four years of college, four years of medical school, and four years in a Psychiatry residency program. Additionally, with many reputable schools offering post master's psych NP online certificate programs, psychiatric nurses can further advance their education and skill set to identify care plans for patients in need of mental health services.

4. Psychologist

As a psychologist, you have the unique opportunity to develop expertise in many different types of psychology. Whether cognitive, behavioral, clinical, developmental, or abnormal psychology, by specializing in one area, you can become knowledgeable in the particular characteristics and treatment options within those psychological domains.

Although you cannot provide medical treatment, psychologists practice non-medical intervention strategies to help those with mental health issues. They use evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and other strategies. Additionally, they are often called upon to perform psychological assessments to develop treatment plans that meet individual needs.

5. Substance Abuse Counselor 

Substance abuse counselors work closely with individuals who struggle with substance abuse issues like alcohol or drug addiction by providing therapeutic services such as individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. Substance abuse counselors must be knowledgeable about the various misused drugs and the effects of each drug on the individual's mental and physical health. 

Working in the mental health field offers professionals many opportunities to make meaningful changes in people's lives while utilizing their expertise and knowledge base. Whether you are interested in helping individuals cope with depression or assisting those struggling with addiction issues, there are numerous roles available within this field, allowing you to pursue your passion while making an impact on others' lives at the same time. If one of these five careers may be right for you or sparks your interest, start researching further about what it takes to embark on that path today.