5 Careers Making a Difference in Mental Health

 

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Among adolescents, the prevalence of mental disorders is even higher. Along with a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and the need for treatment, the demand for workers who can help is increasing.

If you’re interested in a career supporting mental health, you may want to consider these five occupations that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects will grow much faster than average over the 2021–31 decade.

Together, they employed about 761,000 workers in 2021 — and they are expected to have more than 91,000 openings on average each year through 2031. The education typically required to enter these occupations ranges from a high school diploma to a master’s degree, and they all pay around or more than the $46,310 median for all occupations in 2022.

 

Community health workers

What they do: Promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 15.9% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 67,000

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 8,800

Median annual wage, 2022: $46,190

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent

 

Healthcare social workers

What they do: Provide individuals, families, and groups with the support they need to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 11.1% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 179,500

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 19,700

Median annual wage, 2022: $60,280

Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

 

Marriage and family therapists

What they do: Help people manage and overcome problems with their family or other relationships.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 13.9% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 65,300

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 6,400

Median annual wage, 2022: $56,570

Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

 

Mental health and substance abuse social workers

What they do: Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional or substance abuse problems.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 11.1% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 119,800

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 12,700

Median annual wage, 2022: $51,240

Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree

 

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

What they do: Advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions or depression.

Projected employment growth, 2021–31: 22.1% (much faster than average)

Number of jobs, 2021: 351,000

Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 43,600

Median annual wage, 2022: $49,710

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

 

Learn more about these and hundreds of other occupations in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

 

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