Are you interested in pursuing a career in the mental health field? There are many rewarding paths you can take, from counseling and case management to psychiatric nursing. On this page, we'll provide an overview of the different career paths available in the mental health field, including the education and certification requirements, average salaries in Kentucky, and colleges in the state that offer programs to help you achieve your career goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in your career, this page will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your future in the mental health field.

Clinical Counselor

 

LPCA/LPCC: If you're interested in becoming a licensed counselor who provides therapy to individuals, families, and groups, you'll need to complete a master's degree in counseling or a related field. After graduation, you'll need to complete a certain amount of supervised clinical hours before applying for licensure. In Kentucky, licensed counselors can earn an average salary of $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Some colleges in Kentucky that offer counseling programs include the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University.

LPCA/LPCC Timeline:

  1. Complete a Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field (4 years)

  2. Complete a Master's degree in counseling or a related field (2-3 years)

  3. Gain supervised clinical hours (1-2 years)

  4. Apply for licensure

  5. Pursue professional development and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry best practices

Clinical Social Worker

CSW/LCSW: If you're interested in becoming a licensed social worker who provides therapy to individuals, groups, and families, you'll need to complete a master's degree in social work. After graduation, you'll need to complete a certain amount of supervised clinical hours before applying for licensure. In Kentucky, licensed social workers can earn an average salary of $50,000 to $60,000 per year. Some colleges in Kentucky that offer social work programs include the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

CSW/LCSW Timeline:

  1. Complete a Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field (4 years)

  2. Complete a Master's degree in social work (2-3 years)

  3. Gain supervised clinical hours (1-2 years)

  4. Apply for licensure

  5. Pursue professional development and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry best practices

Targeted Case Manager

Targeted Case Manager: If you're interested in becoming a targeted case manager who provides case management services to individuals with mental health needs, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. After graduation, you can begin working as a case manager, but additional training may be required to advance in your career. In Kentucky, targeted case managers can earn an average salary of $35,000 to $45,000 per year. Some colleges in Kentucky that offer social work or psychology programs include Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University.

Targeted Case Manager Timeline:

  1. Complete a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field (4 years)

  2. Gain work experience in a related field (1-2 years)

  3. Obtain relevant certifications (1-2 months)

  4. Pursue professional development and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry best practices

Community Support Associate

Community Support Associate: If you're interested in becoming a community support associate who helps clients with daily activities, medication management, and crisis intervention, you'll need to complete a certificate program or associate degree in a related field, such as behavioral health or human services. After graduation, you can begin working as a community support associate, but additional training and certifications may be required to advance in your career. In Kentucky, community support associates can earn an average salary of $25,000 to $35,000 per year. Some colleges in Kentucky that offer behavioral health or human services programs include Jefferson Community and Technical College and Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

Community Support Associate Timeline:

  1. Complete a certificate program or Associate's degree in a related field, such as behavioral health or human services (1-2 years)

  2. Gain work experience in community support, mental health, or a related field (1-2 years)

  3. Obtain relevant certifications, such as the Community Support Specialist (CSS) or Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP) certification (1-2 months; optional)

  4. Pursue professional development and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry best practices

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric NP: If you're interested in becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, and may prescribe medications, you'll need to complete a master's degree in nursing with a specialization in psychiatry. After graduation, you'll need to pass a certification exam and obtain licensure to practice as a nurse practitioner. In Kentucky, psychiatric nurse practitioners can earn an average salary of $100,000 to $120,000 per year. Some colleges in Kentucky that offer nursing programs with a specialization in psychiatry include the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

Psychiatric NP Timeline:

  1. Complete a Bachelor's degree in nursing (4 years)

  2. Complete a Master's degree in nursing with a specialization in psychiatry (2-3 years)

  3. Obtain certification and licensure to practice as a nurse practitioner

  4. Pursue professional development and continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.