Discover Options

Clinical Psychologists devote themselves to the treatment of mental illnesses through applying therapeutic techniques, conducting research, and serving as consultants. They function in a wide variety of settings including medical and psychiatric settings, juvenile correction centers, rehabilitation centers, university counseling departments, treatment centers, clinics, private practices, and schools.

These professionals obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology in addition to supervised field work experience, and state licensure to practice therapy. Many programs offer opportunities  to focus on specific populations that you may want to work with during your career (such as women, children, military, or ethnic minorities). 

Counseling Psychologists often work in private practices, educational institutions, or community counseling centers with individuals who have situational or developmental problems. By incorporating an interpersonal, humanistic, “mental health” perspective, they focus on diagnosis and assessment in addition to career development, family systems, and community mental health.

These professionals obtain a doctoral degree in counseling psychology in addition to supervised field work experience, and state licensure to practice. Similar to clinical psychologists, many programs will allow you to focus on specific demographics. 

Industrial/Organizational (I-O) Psychologists study human behavior in organizations and apply research in order to improve the well-being and performance of employees and organizations. I-O psychologists often focus on empowering motivation, leadership or management skills, reviewing organizational structure, implementing work teams, and facilitating organizational change.

These professionals work for the government (i.e., local, state, or federal), human resources sectors of businesses, employee assistance, training and development departments, and management consulting firms. I-O psychologists obtain a doctoral degree in industrial/organizational psychology.

School Psychologists provide a range of psychological diagnoses, assessments, interventions and preventions with a special focus on the developmental processes of children and youth within the context of schools, families, and other systems. They work with teachers, parents, and administrators in accommodating for specific children’s needs as well as program development and evaluation.

Compared to a school counselor, school psychologists perform additional testing and assessments, and help children with chronic or severe emotional and developmental difficulties. School psychologists obtain a specialist-level degree or doctoral degree in school psychology. 

Counselors work in private practice or mental health agencies to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. These services focus on individual needs and mental health improvements. Exact titles and licensing requirements for counselors vary by state, but some common titles include: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Certified Professional Counselor.

The educational preparation and counseling approach varies for each specialization, thus it is in your best interest to select a career path that closely fits your desired approach as a mental health professional. Counselors need to obtain a master’s degree from a counseling, clinical, rehabilitation, or related psychology program, in addition to supervised clinical experience and state licensing. 

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) most often work as therapists either in private practice, community agencies, hospitals, schools, or social services agencies. They provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families and also perform advocacy, outreach and mental health education in their communities.

Social workers typically focus their practice on working with vulnerable populations. Their training includes a Master of Social Work degree and extended training in counseling along with obtaining a state license as a social worker. To learn more about social work, explore the National Association of Social Workers (NASW): California Chapter.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) help couples, families, and individuals overcome and manage mental and emotional disorders within the context of relationships. Many MFTs work in private practice.

To become an MFT, you will need to obtain a master’s degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy, or counseling, and obtain state licensing. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) provides California State Resources for information. 

Rehabilitation Counselors provide psychological and vocational counseling for individuals with disabilities. They most often work with clients who have had recent injuries to help them adjust to their new condition and find suitable vocational alternatives.

To work in this occupation, most states require a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience, or a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. 

School Counselors work with students in elementary school, middle (junior high) school, and high school. The nature of this occupation varies depending on the school level at which the counselor works. Elementary school counselors provide testing and assessments and may travel often to several different elementary schools, while middle and high school counselors conduct academic advising and assist students with college preparation and vocational development.

All school counselors work with students as well as teachers, school administrators, parents, and families. School counselors obtain a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field in addition to required counseling experience, and a certificate or license to practice, depending on the state. If you want to practice in California, you must attend a counseling program with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential.

Substance Abuse Counselors provide counseling to individuals with drug and alcohol problems, eating disorders, and other behavioral issues. They teach individuals how to modify their behavior with the intention of full recovery.

Most substance abuse counselors hold a master’s degree in counseling or social work with specific training in substance abuse; however, not every state requires a higher level of education. Check the Department of Health Care Services for requirements within the state in which you plan to practice, or learn about the Substance Abuse Counselor Degree requirements for California.

Vocational or Career Counselors provide career assessment, vocational testing, and job search training. They work in employment services, prisons, mental hospitals, and schools (such as Career Services at UCSB).

A master’s degree in counseling, higher education, or a related field is typically required for employment at schools, colleges, and universities. Some graduate programs offer a specialization in career counseling. 

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapists (e.g., Behavior Technicians, Behavior Interventionists) use behavior analysis to work with clients with autism spectrum disorder. There are many organizations (e.g., Easter Seals, Trumpet Behavioral Health, and EdTheory) that provide entry-level opportunities and training for those interested in this field.

To pursue this occupation, you can learn about becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.

Psychiatric Technicians and Aids work with patients in in-patient facilities. They may also provide forms of counseling for certain circumstances.

In addition to their bachelor’s degree, psychiatric techs generally need a certificate from a one-year psych tech training program.

Residential Counselors or Supervisors oversee the operations of resident-based units and ensure that residents are receiving the help they need, in order to comply with the site’s policies and procedures. Various establishments (e.g., residential treatment centers, mental hospitals, group homes, halfway houses, and women’s shelters) often hire these counselors; some organizations may also hire Home Health Aides to provide care in clients’ homes. 

To pursue this type of occupation, utilize your bachelor's degree and seek out additional trainings as needed.

Social and Human Services Assistants coordinate the activities involved in social service programs and community organizations. In general, they provide assistance in client services such as community resources, identifying benefits, or making referrals. Common places of employment include family services, rehabilitation services, or case management in nursing, mental health, or geriatric care facilities.

Depending on the employer, sample job titles to seek with a bachelor's degree could be “community services specialist”, “outreach coordinator”, “family services advocate”, “community liaison”, “crisis intervention specialist”, “social work associate” or “case worker”. These positions can eventually lead to management roles such as Social and Community Services Managers.