3 answers
Stephen
Student
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What could I expect in the average day as a mental health therapist?
I'm interested in a career, and I will be attending college for a degree in psychology. Currently, I am interested in becoming a therapist but I'm not sure what to expect.
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3 answers
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
326
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Psychology application cover counselling and therapy areas.
Physiology is a pure social science, but it's applications in the medical and biological sciences is extensive.
Behavioural studies guide all.
Psychotherapists are more into clinical psychology for treatment of the sick or mental disorders.
Neuroscientists who also focus in the study of nervous systems also use scientific methods in administering their job roles.
Cognitive scientists focus on counselling sessions for corrections.
You can choose whether to focus more in theoretical aspects or clinical aspects.
Physiology is a pure social science, but it's applications in the medical and biological sciences is extensive.
Behavioural studies guide all.
Psychotherapists are more into clinical psychology for treatment of the sick or mental disorders.
Neuroscientists who also focus in the study of nervous systems also use scientific methods in administering their job roles.
Cognitive scientists focus on counselling sessions for corrections.
You can choose whether to focus more in theoretical aspects or clinical aspects.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
161
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Stephen, good stuff to be thinking about. Depending on your exact job and work environment it will differ. Also depending upon whether you are billing insurance, you will be expected to diagnose (for insurance purposes). Your work will also be dictated by your license, theoretical leanings, and personality. Working with young children as a play therapist is much different from working with adults in an integrative hospital clinic. Crisis work can be fast paced, exciting yet also stressful. Forensic work may require a lot of documentation, in my experience- for the county and/or federal government; you may be meeting clients in jail or advocating for them at court. In working with children in public schools and shelters, I led social-relational art therapy groups. At a crisis center I worked with first responders and had three days to work with each patient to get them stabilized and connected to external resources and support. I have worked with our county drug court to assess participants for mental health counseling as part of their recovery plan. When performing outreach work, I met with people at their supportive housing sites and in a medical clinic. Integrative care means working closely with a primary care team that may also include medical social workers. There is ongoing communication to rule out medical vs mental health symptoms. This is just a sampling for you based on my own post-graduate experience! Private practice may dictate the number of hours you meet with clients if you are in a group practice; sometimes there is a minimum. In your own practice you get to determine your capacity. I have met with people from 15-60 minutes, depending on the setting. In graduate school you will have two quarters (or semesters) of psychodiagnostics to understand the DSM and how to make an informed initial diagnosis. It is definitely an artform that takes practice. You will learn about theory- consider this the compass that will guide you. Additionally, you will learn techniques which are tools or protocols that may efficiently teach clients new coping skills. Some therapists choose to practice from a single modality or theory; others are more eclectic and pull from many. You will learn a handful as a student but continue to learn on your own after graduation- this is what continuing education is for. I have pursued multiple post-graduate certifications and will continue to do so. Most psychology students have a love of learning, and the research is always changing. An average day may look like this- reviewing your schedule (if you work by appointment), attending staff meetings and clinical meetings/consultations, contacting patients to reschedule or check-in, charting your visits, and of course doing the job of a therapist. However, your particular job may also expect you to act as a case manager, lead groups, offer telehealth, complete specific trainings, train or mentor interns, etc. You may grow your career as you see fit- whether entering into supervision, a director position, add coaching to your therapy practice, start a group practice, lead retreats, teach, or contribute to a mental health app or periodical. The options are endless!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
962
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Stephen,
That's a fantastic path to go! Although working as a mental health therapist can be very fulfilling, it's important to understand what a normal day might entail so you can choose whether it's the right career choice for you.
A therapist typically sees multiple clients in a single day, sometimes in back-to-back sessions that range between forty-five and sixty minutes each. These clients, who may be individuals, couples, or families, may be coping with relationship problems, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Asking insightful questions, carefully listening, and assisting clients in exploring their feelings and behavioral patterns take up a significant portion of the day. After every session, you'll also need to spend time taking notes, which is crucial for monitoring development and keeping moral documentation.
Therapists frequently meet with colleagues or supervisors outside of sessions to discuss situations or get assistance, particularly if they are still under licensure supervision. Reading recent studies, doing continuing education, or practicing self-care, all of which are essential in this line of work, may also take up your time. Your timetable and workload could vary slightly depending on whether you work in a community clinic, hospital, school, or private practice. While some therapists maintain more conventional hours, others work weekends or evenings to accommodate their clients' requirements.
Given that you're pursuing a career in psychology, now is an excellent moment to begin honing your empathy and communication skills as well as determining which demographic you want to work with: adults, youth, children, or certain groups like trauma survivors or veterans. It's a profession that calls for patience and emotional presence, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you enjoy helping others overcome obstacles and celebrate their development.
Best wishes!
That's a fantastic path to go! Although working as a mental health therapist can be very fulfilling, it's important to understand what a normal day might entail so you can choose whether it's the right career choice for you.
A therapist typically sees multiple clients in a single day, sometimes in back-to-back sessions that range between forty-five and sixty minutes each. These clients, who may be individuals, couples, or families, may be coping with relationship problems, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Asking insightful questions, carefully listening, and assisting clients in exploring their feelings and behavioral patterns take up a significant portion of the day. After every session, you'll also need to spend time taking notes, which is crucial for monitoring development and keeping moral documentation.
Therapists frequently meet with colleagues or supervisors outside of sessions to discuss situations or get assistance, particularly if they are still under licensure supervision. Reading recent studies, doing continuing education, or practicing self-care, all of which are essential in this line of work, may also take up your time. Your timetable and workload could vary slightly depending on whether you work in a community clinic, hospital, school, or private practice. While some therapists maintain more conventional hours, others work weekends or evenings to accommodate their clients' requirements.
Given that you're pursuing a career in psychology, now is an excellent moment to begin honing your empathy and communication skills as well as determining which demographic you want to work with: adults, youth, children, or certain groups like trauma survivors or veterans. It's a profession that calls for patience and emotional presence, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you enjoy helping others overcome obstacles and celebrate their development.
Best wishes!