Mental Health Students
At ACCFS, we're dedicated to providing prospective mental health students with a comprehensive resource to guide you through the rewarding journey of becoming a mental health professional. Whether you are a prospective student curious about the educational path, a current student learning the challenges and rewards, or desiring advice from experienced counselors, this page is designed to give you valuable insights. Explore our counselor videos, learn about the significance of a career in mental health, discover the educational requirements, and gain a deeper understanding of the skills and qualities that make successful mental health professionals.
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Our Counselors' Backgrounds
Get to know our counseling team at ACCFS! In this video, we open the door to their personal stories, experiences, and the motivations that drive their passion for helping others. Get a glimpse into the various backgrounds and journeys that have led them into the mental health field. These testimonies offer a deeper understanding of how the counselors at ACCFS became committed to helping the hurting, nurturing hope, and encouraging growth.
Meet our Counselors
Get to know the dedicated individuals who form our counseling team. In this video, our counselors introduce themselves and share their backgrounds. Watch VideoDiversity Among ACCFS Staff
In this video, our counselors share how their diverse training backgrounds and perspectives add to the quality of care at ACCFS. Watch Video
Educational Pathways into the Mental Health Field
Embarking on a career in mental health requires a clear understanding of the educational pathways available. In this informative video, hear from our counselors as they share about various academic routes, from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral programs, that can lead to a fulfilling career as a mental health professional. Discover the qualifications, licensing, and certification requirements necessary for success in the field.
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Typical Day as a Counselor
Step into the world of mental health professionals as they provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of their roles. In this video, the counselors open up about their daily routines at ACCFS. These accounts offer a window into the multifaceted work happening at ACCFS. Each one offers a perspective on topics ranging from client interactions, teaching opportunities, webinars, and administrative tasks.
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The Best Part of Working in Mental Health
Discover the transformative stories that highlight the most satisfying aspects of a career in mental health. In these videos, our counselors share the moments that reaffirm their passion. From witnessing breakthroughs to fostering resilience and hope in others, these stories encapsulate the profound rewards of helping individuals on their mental health journeys. Our counselors also tell about their enjoyment of the unique collaborative environment at ACCFS and its clinical benefits.
Favorite Aspects of the Job
Hear about our counselors' favorite aspects of their work at ACCFS. Watch VideoCollaboration at ACCFS
In this video, our counselors discuss the blessing of support they receive from working together in a collaborative environment. Watch Video
The Hardest Part of Working in Mental Health
In this video, our dedicated counselors shed light on the often-unspoken challenges they face in their profession. They openly discuss the emotional intensity and demanding nature of their work. By sharing their personal experiences, they provide invaluable insight into the complexities of mental health careers.
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Advice on How to Avoid Burnout
Burnout in the mental health field is a reality, but it doesn’t have to be your journey. In this video, our counselors share on maintaining well-being in their demanding profession. They offer practical strategies, tips, and insights gleaned from years of experience. Discover how to ensure long-lasting effectiveness and fulfillment in the mental health field.
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Guidance for Potential Mental Health Students
In this video, our seasoned counselors share invaluable guidance for those considering embarking on the journey towards a career in mental health. From their wealth of experience and expertise, the counselors offer tips, wisdom, and practical advice to help you navigate this fulfilling yet challenging field. Whether you’re just starting to consider this path or are already on your way, this video is for you.
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Counseling with a Biblical Foundation
Considering the importance of a counseling practice upon a foundation of Biblical truth is vital. In this video, our dedicated counselors share how a biblical perspective informs and enriches their work in the mental health field as they engage in helping the hurting, nurturing hope, and encouraging growth.
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Professional Pathways
Clinical Social Worker
Hold a Master’s degree in social work. Their main goal is often to understand the client’s home, work and social environment and then to help the person to function better within that environment. Social workers often focus less on diagnosis and/or testing than psychiatrists and psychologists do.
Learn MoreClinical Professional Counselor
Hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, human development, or a related field. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental and emotional disorders, as well as help clients navigate personal challenges, relationship issues, and life transitions. Most often they will work in a group practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Learn MoreMarriage & Family Therapist
Hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy and two years of supervised clinical experience. Their aim is to treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of interactions and relationships in the family system. Marriage and Family Therapists treat individuals, couples and families but always from the perspective that “relationships matter.”
Learn MoreClinical Psychologist
Hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. They specialize in treating mental disorders through counseling techniques and often do psychological testing. Psychologists most often work on a biopsychosocial model of mental disorders. That is, they look at how a person’ s emotional functioning and relationships have created problems and then seek to correct the problems. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
Learn MorePsychiatrist
Have been through medical school and thus hold a MD or DO degree and completed a 4-year residency after medical school focusing in psychiatry. Psychiatrists approach mental illness primarily through a medical and biological model and therefore tend to utilize various types of medications (such as antidepressants, etc.) as a treatment strategy. Most of the appointments with psychiatrists will focus on medication management. While psychiatric training includes different types of therapy, psychiatrists do not generally provide therapy. However, they do have a basic understanding of the principles of therapy used by different mental health care providers.
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R Mack Brown Scholarship
FAQ
Discover the privilege of helping people in their most vulnerable moments:
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in helping individuals lead fulfilling lives. By choosing a career in mental health, you’ll be contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. The demand for mental health services is growing, and your expertise can make a significant difference in reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being.
Embark on your educational journey:
Depending on your desired role in the mental health field, you’ll need a relevant degree. Most people stop their schooling after a master’s degree, but a doctoral degree is also an option. Additionally, research the licensing and certification requirements in your region, as they vary based on your specialization and location.
Succeed in the mental health field:
Successful mental health professionals possess a range of skills and qualities. Empathy, active listening, and effective communication are essential for building meaningful connections with clients. Patience, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning are also key to thriving in this rewarding field.
Experience the rewards:
Working in mental health offers numerous benefits. From the satisfaction of making a positive impact on individuals’ lives to personal growth and ongoing learning, a career in this field provides opportunities for helping the hurting, nurturing hope, and encouraging growth.
Interested in taking the first steps towards a career in mental health? Perhaps you’ve already begun the journey? Become a part of our aspiring mental health professionals’ network, where you can link up with industry experts and like-minded individuals. Take a moment to share your contact information HERE , and we’ll reach out to you!
For questions regarding open positions or future open positions, call the ACCFS office at 309-263-5536 or email at [email protected].