No experience necessary
All the job openings for mental health counseling require 3 or more years of related experience an entry level job with a starting salary of 30k average per year. I have a bachelor’s degree and internship experience but obviously that’s not enough to get an interview. So, what else can I do to land a mental health service job without going into more school debt?
Perhaps you can go to the school where you obtained your degree and ask them what you should do next. Make certain you follow-up on what they tell you to do. Also you may have to take another kind of job until you land the job you want. They also have Mental Health Facilities that pay you to watch over their patients. I mean it would get you by until you could get your dream job. Best of luck to you
You probably didn't get the interview because you are overqualified actually must Mental Health Healthcare facilities does not require any certification other than that they send you through about a week of computer training of learning how to handle them and care for them I think their title is DSP direct support professional. And it is very very Under Paid and usually full of workers that don't really have true care for the consumers
I would suggest , when applying for the position explain in great detail about having no experience, though you have the education, knowledge is power! You might have better luck with a private sector first.
counselors require a masters degree in ever state i know of. i've been in the field for 25 years with a BA and i would never be hired as a counselor. i work in psycho social rehab and case management services. and even then you need certification in many states for that.
Try social services in a nursing home or assisted living. Great way to get experience.
Try social services ina nursing home or assisted living. Good eat way to get experience.
If you go back and get your master's in mental health counseling, there is a program sponsored by the federal government that will help you pay off most, if not all, of your student loans. My wife has a PhD in psychology and was able to pay off $100k in student loan debts. It may require you moving to work in an underserved area of the country, but it may well be worth it. If you don't want to pursue your master's you can try getting your foot in the door with a non-profit or government agency.
I got a job in this field with no problem. They usually hire people and then train them. I don't think your experience or education is the problem. How many jobs have you had and how long have you stayed at each job? See if it is possible to become a volunteer at the facility where you want to work. Whether its arts and crafts, painting some toenails, etc...Prove yourself and your dedication and that will lead to a permanent position.
Are you licensed in your State?
Be mentally ill at one time going through the process