People often make their first call or visit to a human-services agency when they are upset. This first contact with the agency generates a file or case number that's reviewed by an agency director. The folder includes contact information plus a summary of the caller's problems. After reviewing the client's file, the director hands it over to one of the case managers, who then schedules an interview with the potential client to assess him further. Afterward, the case manager creates a plan of action to help the patient alleviate the unwanted behavior, feelings or mood. Case managers work closely with the client in a supportive role to help him achieve goals. The patient's treatment plan may include counseling, psychiatric care, medication and an exercise program. The case manager continues to monitor and assess the patient and review his progress, which is recorded and placed in the client's file The manager also makes in-home visits to evaluate the client in his own surroundings. This position requires a bachelor's degree in psychology.
As a crisis counselor, you will assist people in severe and sometimes life-threatening situations, such as when their spouse, domestic partner, or a teen child has threatened or physically injured them. At-risk individuals often make first contact with a crisis center after a particularly frightening experience by calling in. They may even come directly to the center or be brought in by the police after a domestic-violence incident. During the first contact, the client may simple want relief. Later she might want someone to fix the situation or make it go away. The crisis worker is trained to handle these situations calmly and to help the distressed person regain control of her emotions. To work as a crisis counselor you will need at least a BA degree in psychology.
Mental health workers (MHWs) obtain a BA in psychology and work as counselors helping clients through active listening, reflecting, attending and supporting. When the client talks about his problems, the MHW looks into his eyes, nodding appropriately to show interest. MHWs work with individuals, groups, and families. In order to track progress and determine if patients are achieving goals, MHWs keep records, make progress notes and talk with the client and ask if he feels that he is making progress. The counselor compares what the patient has said with her own notes and observations. In-home visits to check on the patient and evaluate his progress are part of the job for many of these counselors. In addition, mental health workers perform double duty as clerical workers on their unit--answering the phones, taking memos, writing letters, filing and running departmental errands. Get a BA in psychology to enter this field.