This guest post includes sponsored content by Edith Cowan University.
According to the World Health Organization, one billion people are living with a mental health condition. As more people continue to be diagnosed with at least one mental health problem, the need for mental health professionals is also increasing.
If you have an interest in working in the field of mental health and you’ve already earned an undergraduate degree, you might consider working towards a master’s degree in mental health. With a handful of options available depending on the specialization you choose and whether you choose to study in-person or online, a master’s degree in mental health can help you step into a number of fulfilling careers.
Check out this comprehensive guide on the different course options under the program, including possible career choices, admission requirements, and the application process.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is a master’s degree in mental health?
A master’s degree in mental health is a postgraduate qualification that's commonly offered as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). You’ll find more specific courses under this program, focusing on different aspects or approaches to mental health management, such as diagnosing and treating disorders, counseling students, or doing social work.
Program details
Some courses under the program will have a broader area of focus, while others concentrate on specific niches. These courses typically last one to two years on a full-time schedule. But you can also enroll in part-time courses and mental health degrees online that allow you to study at your own pace with more flexibility. You can complete these anywhere between three and five years.
Specializations
Mental health is a huge area of study, so you must first pick a specific specialization you’d like to focus on. This can be either in counseling, psychology, or a niche specialty.
Counseling specializations
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Trauma and crisis counseling
- School counseling
- Couple/marriage or group counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- Clinical mental health counseling
Psychology specializations
- Clinical psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Counseling psychology
- Sports psychology
- Industrial psychology
Niche specializations
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Play therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Ecotherapy
These are just some examples as specific courses may vary depending on the institution. With a wide range of options available, it’s best to consult academic advisors, mental health professionals, and career coaches or specialists to get proper guidance specific to your needs and preference.
Prerequisites and admission requirements
Prerequisites and admission requirements vary depending on the specialization you choose, but generally, you’ll need to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. You may also have to submit coursework and take an entrance exam.
Why take a master’s degree in mental health?
It’s your stepping stone to a promising career in mental health and counseling services. A master’s degree in mental health is the minimum requirement for specialized professional jobs, particularly those that require a license, such as a therapist or counselor in mental health. For jobs that involve clinical practice in psychology, you may need to progress to a PhD, and to do that, you need a master’s degree first.
Career paths and opportunities
Earning a master’s degree in mental health can help you access or work towards a number of career options. Each job will have prerequisites in terms of relevant experience, as well as additional educational qualifications, which you might need to finish first. Potential jobs include:
- Clinical psychologist
- Social worker
- Mental health trainer
- Addiction counselor
- Adolescent support coach
- Psychiatric nurse
- Crisis intervention specialist
- Mental health educator
How to choose a program or specialization
With so many mental health courses available, choosing the right master’s degree program can be overwhelming in the beginning. Start by thinking about what you’re interested in, causes you’re passionate about, areas you’d like to explore, and your preferred career paths.
This should help you narrow down your choices, so you can be more specific when you start searching for a course that could meet your career goals. For example, if you enjoy working with children, a course in child and adolescent mental health could be a good option. However, if you want to keep your options open, it’s better to go for something more general.
Aside from the specialization, you need to consider the course delivery option or format that will suit your typical schedule and lifestyle, especially if you have a job. Depending on your preferred method of learning, availability time-wise, and budget, you can choose between part-time or full-time, and online versus in-person options. Look for accredited courses, which you can verify by checking the directory of the accrediting body.
Application process
To apply for a master’s degree program in mental health, you’ll first need to fill out and submit an application form within the given deadline. These vary depending on your location, school, and whether you’re applying for a campus course or an online degree. Generally, you’ll need to be familiar with these steps:
Preparing for the application
To apply for a master's degree in mental health, you’ll first need to meet all of the eligibility criteria. As mentioned above, this is usually a bachelor’s degree, and possibly some additional relevant experience. If you need more experience to fulfill the requirements, plan on acquiring sufficient in-field exposure first. You can apply for an internship or summer placement, or a volunteer role in a mental health charity, hospital, or local mental health provision.
It’s a good idea to make sure you have your qualification certificates ready, such as your degree transcript, and an up-to-date résumé, in case you’re asked for one. You’ll also need to prepare a personal statement as part of your application. This is a professional document outlining why you’re interested in the course and what makes you a good candidate.
Taking the entrance exam
Some courses will require you to pass an entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), depending on where you’re studying. Before taking the exam, do your research on past questions, take notes, and use previous exams and available online resources as study aids to practice with.
Acing the interview
Once you’ve submitted the requirements, your next job is to prepare for the interview. Get yourself into a positive mindset and stay relaxed. If you get anxious, practice calming techniques, like deep breathing exercises or short meditations, before you enter the venue. But remember, everyone gets nervous, and that’s okay as long as you don’t let it get the best of you.
Make sure you’re dressed smartly. Behave like a professional: make eye contact, be firm with your handshake, and use appropriate language during the course of the interview. Aim for formal, but approachable. Answer the interview questions thoughtfully and thoroughly by providing examples from your actual experiences while showing your passion. Don’t forget to prepare your own questions that you’d like to ask at the end of the interview to get all the details you need about the program.
Post application tips
Waiting for results can be nerve-wracking. Try not to worry when waiting for an answer. If you don’t get updates after the specified waiting time, it’s understandable to follow up with the admissions office.
Key takeaways
A master’s degree in mental health is a great choice if you’re looking to work in counseling, social care, or mental health management in general. A master’s degree gives you a qualification higher than a bachelor’s degree, and it’s often the minimum required for a licensed profession.
If you’re planning on taking a master’s degree in mental health, we recommend checking out the Master of Mental Health programs at Edith Cowan University. They offer accelerated online courses you can complete on a part-time schedule. Completion of this course will arm you with the skills and knowledge you need to approach real-world mental health challenges as a professional, with a path to a doctor’s degree should you wish to pursue it.