Online Bachelors Degree in Mental Health

High levels of enthusiasm and self-confidence, rapidly changing thoughts, a strong sense of well-being, a decreased need for sleep, feelings of elation and excitement: What could be the cause? The answer is bipolar disorder -- or the creation of poetry, music or art. In a March 2012 Psychology Today article, Neel Burton, M.D., offers a discussion of creativity and bipolar disorder. Burton cautions us to avoid stereotyping individuals, but suggests that we use this information to better understand extreme mental states of being.

If varying mental states fascinate you, consider a career in counseling, therapy or psychology. This journey could begin with bachelor's degrees in mental health.

Exploring bachelor's degrees in mental health

Mental health degree programs should cover the following topics of study:

1. Human development
2. Individual and group counseling
3. Observation and testing techniques
4. Patient screening and referral
5. Personality theory
6. Psychopathy

General education courses may include math, English composition and human anatomy. Some programs offer specialty courses such as chemical dependency counseling or addiction counseling.

Mental health career possibilities

Bachelor's degrees in mental health give you the foundation for professional training as a counselor or therapist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics specifies that to practice as a licensed counselor or therapist, a master's degree is usually required.

Undergraduate degrees can be used for entry into graduate degree programs in counseling, psychology or social work. The BLS identifies job options for those with four-year degrees, including community outreach programs, early childhood development, personnel administration, substance abuse counseling and psychiatric assisting.

Job outlook in mental health careers

Psychiatric technicians and aides are expected to see an average increase in employment between 2010 and 2020, but the BLS predicts faster than average growth for some mental health professionals. Here are 2010 median salaries and projected 2010-2020 growth rates for related occupations:

1. Clinical, counseling and school psychologists: $67,880; 22 percent
2. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists: $39,710; 37 percent
3. Psychiatric technicians and aides: $26,880; 15 percent
4. Psychologists: $68,640; 22 percent
5. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: $38,120; 27 percent

Would you like to get paid to analyze the complexities of the human mind? Bachelor's degrees in mental health can help you get started. The availability of online programs means you can study around your own schedule, making it easier than ever to return to school.

High levels of enthusiasm and self-confidence, rapidly changing thoughts, a strong sense of well-being, a decreased need for sleep, feelings of elation and excitement: What could be the cause? The answer is bipolar disorder -- or the creation of poetry, music or art. In a March 2012 Psychology Today article, Neel Burton, M.D., offers a discussion of creativity and bipolar disorder. Burton cautions us to avoid stereotyping individuals, but suggests that we use this information to better understand extreme mental states of being.

If varying mental states fascinate you, consider a career in counseling, therapy or psychology. This journey could begin with bachelor's degrees in mental health.

Exploring bachelor's degrees in mental health

Mental health degree programs should cover the following topics of study:

1. Human development
2. Individual and group counseling
3. Observation …