Mental Health and Social Services

• Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
• About 80 percent of jobs were in healthcare and social assistance industries, and 15 percent in federal, state, and local governments.
• While a bachelor's degree is necessary for entry-level positions, a master's degree in social work or a related field is necessary for some positions.
• Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who specialize in the aging population or work in rural areas.

• Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
• About 80 percent of jobs were in healthcare and social assistance industries, and 15 percent in federal, state, and local governments.
• While a bachelor's degree is necessary for entry-level positions, a master's degree in social work or a related field is necessary for some positions.
• Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who specialize in the aging population or work in rural areas.

• Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• About 42 percent of jobs were in federal, state, and local governments; 38 percent in healthcare and social assistance industries; and 16 percent in educational services industries.
• While a bachelor's degree is necessary for entry-level positions, a master's degree in social work or a related field is necessary for some positions.
• Job prospects are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who work in rural areas.

• People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
• Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor.
• Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.

• People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
• Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor.
• Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.

• People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
• Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor.
• Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.

• People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
• Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor.
• Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.

• People interested in counseling should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and confidence.
• Education and training requirements vary by State and specialty, but a master’s degree is required to become a licensed counselor.
• Job opportunities should be favorable as job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs.

• Applicants for recreational therapist jobs will experience competition.
• A bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation is the usual educational requirement.
• Some States regulate recreational therapists through licensure, registration, or regulation of titles, but requirements vary.
• Recreational therapists should be comfortable working with persons who are ill or who have disabilities.

Key Points

• A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, but employers often seek individuals with relevant work experience or education beyond high school.
• Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate postsecondary education; but wages remain low.