Psychologists are medical professionals who specialize in understanding how human behavior is affected by the brain and thought processes. They can assist people who are struggling with mental and emotional issues because they have a thorough understanding of how the brain functions. To assist patients in overcoming psychological problems and implementing lifestyle changes that will enhance their quality of life, they employ a variety of therapeutic techniques.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a psychologist since becoming one actually requires a lot of time and effort? Being a psychologist can be very fulfilling in many ways, but it also has drawbacks, just like being any other type of caregiver. Knowing both perspectives as you consider your career options will therefore enable you to determine whether becoming a psychologist is the right choice for you. You may enjoy psychology if you like taking on new challenges, working with others, and being open to learning new things.
It’s important to keep in mind that certain essential abilities are required for the position as you consider pursuing a degree in psychology. For starters, you need to have good communication skills. Speaking, writing, listening, maintaining eye contact, observing your voice tone, and, most importantly, observing non-verbal cues are all necessary for effective communication. Other qualities of a good psychologist include perseverance, problem-solving abilities, discretion, empathy, appropriate boundaries, and reliability, among others.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You will meet different people | Setting up your own practice is challenging |
| It can be a high-income profession | It can be emotionally demanding |
| You can determine your own hours | Some patients can be difficult |
| You will never stop learning | Exposure to trauma |
What does a mental health therapist do?
A mental health therapist provides counseling and advice to clients on how to deal with and prevent a variety of mental health issues in the field of mental health. They focus on ways to resolve and prevent problems and to improve their clients general mental and emotional well-being Family issues, marital issues, stress management, grieving, substance abuse or addiction, parenting, and coping with anxiety and depression are some of the topics that mental health therapists offer advice to their clients on.
Here are a few examples of a mental health therapist’s job responsibilities:
11 pros and cons of being a mental health therapist
Working as a mental health therapist has both benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to be aware of both in order to decide if this is the right career for you. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Many people benefit from mental health therapists, and most of them enjoy what they do. Some benefits of working in this field include the following:
The fact that many people choose to work as mental health therapists is probably one of the main factors. Mental health professionals enjoy what they do because they get to help people solve their problems and feel better about themselves and their lives. In fact, many professionals in the field of mental health view it less as a job and more as a calling. Therapists for mental health contribute to patients’ recovery and development. This is a very fulfilling career choice for those who enjoy helping others.
Being a mental health therapist is a highly respected job. Most people look up to and respect these therapists because they do important work and assist people. People who work in the industry are therefore proud to say that they do so. They view performing this work as an honor, and others respect them for it.
Being a mental health therapist also frequently offers a lot of flexibility, which is another benefit. Many mental health therapists can work on their own schedule and set their own hours. Some people prefer working nights or weekends, and many only work part-time jobs to free up more time for their families or personal interests.
Many therapists decide to open their own practice, which gives them the freedom to make their own decisions. Many people adore the concept of launching their own business, and this industry provides a good platform for doing so. You have the freedom to choose your own working hours, clientele, frequency of work, and rate for each client.
Working as a mental health therapist may be a good career choice for those who value variety and adaptability. In this line of work, you get to interact with a variety of people from various cultures, backgrounds, and places. You could work in a group or one-on-one with a single person, occasionally with older adults and occasionally with young children. Additionally, you might hear about a variety of issues and worries from clients, including everything from relationship troubles to worries about aging or self-esteem. For many people, the variety of the audience and subject matter is positive.
There are numerous jobs that mental health therapists can perform, indicating that there are numerous employment opportunities for them. They are able to work in private practices run by other therapists as well as in clinics, hospitals, schools, inpatient care facilities, and clinics of their own. Additionally, they can work almost anywhere in the world because everyone needs mental health therapists. They might specialize in helping single people, couples, families, or entire communities, or they might work with veterans, teenagers, or private citizens.
Cons
Although a career in mental health therapy can be very rewarding, there are obstacles to overcome. The following are some possible drawbacks of working in this industry:
Flexible scheduling and nontraditional hours can be advantages for some people, but disadvantages for others. Since a lot of their clients prefer to have therapy sessions outside of their regular working hours, many mental health therapists must be available to work nights and weekends, for instance. Additionally, therapists are essentially available round-the-clock. A mental health crisis like this can happen at any time, even in the middle of the night, and their clients depend on them to support them during times of extreme stress or emotional trauma.
Working as a mental health therapist can be difficult in a variety of ways. For some people, the work environment may feel stressful. Many mental health therapists might struggle with the workload of coping with paperwork, insurance companies, and other administrative tasks in addition to the fluctuating hours that might deprive them of time for friends, family, and hobbies and activities. When therapists open their own practices, they might worry about bringing in new patients, handling billing issues, obtaining malpractice insurance, and keeping up with the upkeep and expense of their office space.
Many mental health therapists also feel emotional stress. Because therapists spend their days listening to the problems of other people and providing them with empathy and compassion, these issues may start to affect the therapists. They might start worrying too much about their clients and worrying about their problems as if they were their own. However, keeping a professional distance, taking time for themselves, and consulting their own therapists as needed can help mental health therapists reduce their stress.
It takes a great deal of time and effort to become a mental health therapist. The majority of therapists pursue master’s degrees, requiring them to complete at least five to six years of college. Before looking for paid employment, many complete an extended internship that can last up to a year. They may also need to obtain specific certifications and licenses. It can take up to 12 years of study, a medical residency, and board certification to become a psychotherapist, a psychiatrist who provides mental health therapy. Additionally, mental health therapists require certain qualities, including tolerance, adaptability, and a desire to assist others.
Though they are constantly working with clients and meeting new people, mental health therapists often work alone. Therapists are there for their clients, listening to their problems, and attempting to help even when working with groups of people. Since the clients don’t pay attention to their therapists’ struggles in return, the relationship is one-sided. It’s crucial for mental health therapists to have a secondary means of stress relief, such as talking to family members, friends, or a different therapist they choose to see in person.
Pros and Cons of Being a Therapist | Mental Health Therapist
FAQ
Is being a mental health therapist worth it?
For many students, a master’s degree in mental health counseling is worthwhile. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social service occupations over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations
What are the benefits of being a mental health counselor?
ability to change self-defeating behaviors/habits. better expression and management of emotions, including anger. relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. increased confidence and decision-making skills.
What are the challenges of being a mental health counselor?
For a variety of reasons, working as a therapist can be depressing. After some time, you may start to feel a little pessimistic due to the ongoing struggle you have to build rapport, cultivate trust, and set goals for your patients, only to watch them struggle even after months or years of therapy.
