Behavioral Health Workforce

The term “behavioral health” in this context means the promotion of mental health, resilience and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities (SAMHSA)

Careers in Behavioral Health

Clinical Psychology

            As a clinical psychologist, you will diagnose and treat mental health disorders across a range of settings, from private practice to inpatient settings to integrated care facilities, where you will work on a team with other health providers. Clinical psychologists work with individuals, couples, families, and groups, and may treat disorders ranging from adjustment problems to substance use to severe mental illness. Clinical psychologists also perform assessment procedures to diagnosis and create treatment plans for individuals with concerns relating to the symptoms they experience. Clinical psychologists may also serve as consultants in a variety of fields and may also be involved in research.

More information: apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical

Counseling

As a counselor, you will provide support for individuals facing various problems such as those encountered in school, at the workplace, in relationships, and many other issues. Counselors often provide counseling and therapy to individuals, families, and groups, as well as assist with crisis intervention, consultation, and training. You will work with a variety of presenting problems including substance use, adjustment problems, depression, and more.

More information: apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/counseling also include link to counseling page

School Psychology

As a school psychologist, you will work with children, families, and other professionals in the education system. You may provide diagnosis, assessment, and interventional services for children and families and psychoeducational programs for schools and faculty. School psychologists often work with children across a variety of socioeconomic and health related backgrounds and may provide intervention relating to interpersonal problems as well as problems at home and in learning environments.

More information: apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/school; also include link to school psych page

Social Work

            As a social worker, you will work in the field of Human Services and may work with individuals facing intimate partner violence, child abuse, poverty, and many other situations. Social workers can become licensed counselors as well as work for child and elderly services designed to protect them from abuse and lack of resources. Social workers may work in state government but may also work in private practice and other clinical settings to provide diagnosis and treatment to individuals, couples, and families.

More information: humanservicesedu.org/what-do-social-workers-do.html; also include link to social work page

As you can see, work in the behavioral health workforce has a lot of similarities no matter which field you choose. Whether you are working for the government, the education system, private practice, or anywhere, those you help will sure be able to hear you say I am here for you.

Behavioral Health Graduate Programs – West Virginia

Marshall University: Huntington Campus

  • A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • D. in Clinical Psychology

Marshall University: South Charleston Campus

  • A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • A. in School Counseling

West Virginia University: Morgantown

  • D. in Psychology – Various Specialties
  • MSW – Social Work
  • A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • A. in School Counseling
  • S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

West Liberty University

  • A. in Clinical Psychology

Concord University

  • MSW – Social Work

 

What can you do with a B.A. or B.S. in a Behavioral Health Field?

  • Addictions Counseling
  • Teach
  • Work in research collecting data and advancing the literature
  • Family and Child Support Services, Foster Care
  • Community Mental Health
  • Residential Services
  • Social Services Agencies
  • Case Management
  • Service Coordination
  • Crisis Management

….. and so much more!