Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Online Program

The field of Mental and Social Health and Allied Professions online degree program encompasses the areas of social work, counseling and substance abuse. Social work is an area that is committed to helping others by promoting social and economic justice among other things. Those students interested in pursuing this field will discover many different career options within the social work field including schools, mental health facilities, medical clinics, and many more.

Within all the possible settings where social workers are needed you can see the necessity for them drawing on the strength of the individuals, families and communities to assist with problem solving needs. They counsel people and families, put them in touch with therapists and educational groups, provide them with resources they need and any other needs within their expertise. Social workers are often the first point of contact for those seeking substance abuse treatment or other mental health needs.

Skills You Will Gain in a Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Online Program

Students pursuing a Mental Health Services and Allied Professions online degree will be exposed to a rigorous training program that prepares graduates to become practitioners of excellence in their fields. Students in this curriculum take courses in liberal arts, social sciences and natural sciences while courses in social work focus on helping and research skills, human behavior and an analysis of social policies. Many students also choose minors that will allow them to pursue their options in their careers or prepare to attend graduate school. They might choose minors such as psychology, sociology, political science, women's studies, criminal justice or gerontology.

Future Employment Outlook for Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Online Program Graduates

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for social workers will increase faster than the average of all other occupations during the decade 2008-2018. Job opportunities should be favorable for those interested in the field of social work with many new job openings occurring as employers replace those who have chosen to leave the occupation. Opportunities should be extremely plentiful in rural areas where it is often difficult to find qualified social workers.
BLS breaks down the median wages as of May 2008 by specialty as follows:
• Family and school social workers               $39,530
• Medical and public health social workers    $46,650
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers $37,210
• All other social workers    $46,220