Welcome to the educational resource page for mental health careers. As you plan for a career it is important to do more than an internet search for information. Every person that elects to become a healthcare provider needs to have hands on experiences prior to entering the educational track and especially before becoming a professional.

To gain career exposure get involved in service learning and volunteer opportunities that require that you work directly with people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. Another rewarding option is to become an entry level healthcare worker, human services or administrative support worker. All of these positions give you an excellent opportunity to develop your interpersonal communication skills, empathy and dedication to serving others. While in high school visit your career center and arrange for job shadows in fields that have peeked your interest and while in college be sure to complete multiple internships. All of the suggestions above also provide you with an opportunity to network and build professional relationships with healthcare professionals that will be valuable as you move forward with your education.

Each of the links below will take you to the professional association or other excellent source each profession. For information on Oregon colleges that offer healthcare careers visit www.OPAHEC.org​ select Educational Resources and then Career Exploration.

Art Therapist:

• American Art Therapy Association ⇒ ​https://arttherapy.org/

Drug and Alcohol Specialist:

• National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors ⇒ https://www.naadac.org/about
• American Mental health Counselor Association ⇒ http://www.amhca.org/home
• The Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon ⇒ ​http://accbo.com/
• Online Counseling Programs ⇒ https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/

Mental Health Nursing:

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Association ⇒ ​https://www.apna.org

Mental Health Therapist:

• Oregon State Board of Nursing ⇒ https://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/pages/cnacertification.aspx

Mental Health Therapist:
Oregon State Board of Nursing ⇒ https://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/pages/cnacertification.aspx

Music Therapist:

• American Association of Art Therapist ⇒ ​https://www.musictherapy.org

Occupational Therapist:

• Occupational Therapy Association ⇒ https://www.aota.org

Peer Recovery Specialist:

• Traditional Health Worker ⇒https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/HCC/PSW-HCW/Pages/Tradition al-Health-Worker.aspx
• The Addiction Counselor Certification Board of Oregon ⇒ http://accbo.com

Psychiatrist:

• American Psychiatric Association ⇒ ​https://www.psychiatry.org

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner:

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners ​⇒ https://www.aanp.org/
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Association ⇒ https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

Psychologist:

• American Psychological Association ⇒ www.apa.org

Recreational Therapist:

• American Therapeutic Recreation Association ⇒ https://www.atra-online.com/page/AboutRecTherapy

Social Worker CSV:

• National Association of Social Workers ⇒ https://www.socialworkers.org/
• Guide to Social Work Licensure in Oregon – https://socialworklicensure.org/state/social-work-licensure-oregon/
• Guide to Becoming a Social Worker – https://socialworklicensure.org/articles/become-a-social-worker/