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What does a Mental Health Specialist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A Mental Health Specialist is a professional who helps people with mental health problems. They can provide therapy, medication, and other support to help people manage their mental health.

Mental Health Specialist job duties include:

  • Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • Conduct initial assessments to determine the nature and level of care needed.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and other members of the treatment team.
  • Provide individual, group, and family therapy.
  • Facilitate referrals to appropriate community resources and support services.
  • Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
  • Maintain accurate clinical documentation.
  • Consult with other professionals as needed to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
  • Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain clinical competence.

Mental Health Specialist Job Requirements

Mental health specialists typically have a master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. They also must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Many mental health specialists have several years of experience working in the field before becoming a specialist.

Mental Health Specialist Skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Good communication
  • Listening skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Flexibility/adaptability
  • Knowledge of mental health disorders
  • Ability to build rapport
  • Ability to de-escalate situations
  • Self-awareness
  • Stress management skills
  • Conflict resolution skills

Related: Top Mental Health Specialist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Mental Health Specialist

Mental health specialists are in high demand due to the current state of the world. The first step to becoming a mental health specialist is to have a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Once you have your degree, you will need to complete an accredited internship program. After your internship, you will need to pass a state-specific exam in order to become licensed. Once you are licensed, you can begin working as a mental health specialist.

Related: Mental Health Specialist Resume Example

Related: Mental Health Specialist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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