Do you or someone you know see a therapist or counselor? For many people today, the answer is yes.
Life presents many challenges, and navigating them alone isn’t always easy. As more people recognize the value of therapeutic support, mental health professionals are in higher demand than ever.
What Do Mental Health Professionals Do?
The term mental health professional encompasses a wide range of licensed practitioners, including counselors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists. Through various forms of therapy, assessment, and guidance, these professionals help individuals improve their emotional well-being, manage mental health conditions, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Education and Training Requirements
Education and training requirements vary by career path, but most mental health professionals follow a similar progression:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field
- Complete a master’s program and supervised clinical hours
- Apply for state licensure
Some specializations, such as clinical psychology, also require a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD).
How BYU Independent Study Can Help
BYU Independent Study (IS) offers flexible, self-paced courses that help you build a strong foundation for a bachelor’s degree in psychology and prepare for graduate education. With BYU IS’s flexible, self-paced format, you can work on the prerequisites you need while balancing school, work, or other responsibilities. Some of the psychology courses offered through BYU IS include:
- PSYCH 111 – Introduction to Psychological Science
- PSYCH 210 – History of Psychology
- PSYCH 220 – Human Development: Life Span
- PSYCH 307 – Writing Within Psychology
- PSYCH 308 – Psychological Statistics
- PSYCH 310 - Psychological Research Design and Analysis
- PSYCH 320 – Child Development
- PSYCH 338 – Sport Psychology
- PSYCH 341 – Personality
- PSYCH 342 – Psychopathology
- PSYCH 350 – Introduction to Social Psychology
- PSYCH 358 – Leadership Development
- PSYCH 381 – Behavioral Neurobiology
Completing foundational psychology coursework is an important first step toward a career in mental health.
Next Steps
After completing courses through BYU IS, your next steps typically include finishing your bachelor’s degree, gaining meaningful experience through volunteer or clinical work, and preparing to apply to graduate programs for your master’s degree. Taking these steps can move you closer to a meaningful career where you support others, strengthen communities, and make a lasting impact.