The aim of mental health care is to assist patients to reach a state of mental and social wellbeing, this is often achieved through giving people the ability to manage and change rather than simply focusing on diagnosis and cure.
Professionals in this sector include counsellors, psychologists, physicians, psychiatrists, nurses of all levels, and social workers among others.
Those working in mental health care can expect to interact with other health professionals, GPs, support workers and service agencies on a regular basis to meet the needs of clients seeking and undergoing treatment.
Mental health issues affect children and adults of all backgrounds. Depending on your type of employment your caseload could include a homeless person, a newly arrived immigrant, a successful businessperson, and a child in foster care.
Patients may be dealing with a developmental disability, substance abuse, or addictive behaviours among others. Such patients benefit from structured, experienced and ongoing support and could be part of a residential or non-residential program.
A clinical psychologist, for example, might see an individual, a couple, a family, or engage in group therapy. This could be in private rooms or a community centre depending on their specialist area and the type of therapy.
Psychiatrists may work with people who are experiencing an acute mental illness such as depression or a lifelong disorder such as schizophrenia. Medically qualified doctors and mental health nurses may find themselves working in inpatient units of a hospital, as part of a community based team providing outreach services, hospital emergency departments, patients own homes, and prisons or juvenile detention centres.
Allied health professionals such as occupational therapists often work in community-based positions and specialise in early intervention or rehabilitation to facilitate lifestyle challenges, which may be impacting on or exacerbating a person’s mental illness.
Professionals already working in mental health care describe their work as fulfilling, particularly the ability to see firsthand the positive effect their work has on their client during what is often one of the most challenging periods of a person’s life.
They also enjoy helping people become their best self, and reducing stress among families who are caring for someone with a mental illness.
As you can see, the mental health system is a diverse field and relies on dedicated and skilled professionals. If you enjoy variety, are compassionate and able to effectively manage your emotions, working in mental health care could be a good option for you.
Flexibility and patience are also recommended characteristics because change can take time, especially when dealing with long-term mental illness.
A growing population, an ageing population, and reduced stigma around seeking assistance for mental health problems has resulted in an increased demand on mental health services and consequently there are many career opportunities available. There is also specifically an increasing demand for mental health nurses so your skills are widely needed.
Be sure to browse our selection of medical jobs in Australia for your next career opportunity.