Behavioral Health Career Awareness

Explore Careers in Behavioral Health

Behavioral health professionals make a difference every day by supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. With careers spanning counseling, social work, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, substance use treatment and more, there are many ways to build a career in behavioral health.

The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center’s Behavioral Health Career Awareness Program is designed to help high school students and anyone interested in the field discover the possibilities. Explore different career options, learn where behavioral health professionals work, understand the education and training needed for different roles, and hear from professionals about the paths they took to get where they are today.

What Will You Discover?

Explore Career Options
Learn about careers in psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, counseling, social work, substance use treatment and more.
Discover Where You Could Work
Explore the many settings where behavioral health professionals support people and communities.
Learn What It Takes
Understand the education and training needed for different behavioral health careers.
Hear Real Career Stories
Learn from professionals working in the field and the paths they took to get there.

Start Exploring Behavioral Health Careers

Ready to learn more? Our free Behavioral Health Career Awareness Training introduce you to the behavioral health field and the professionals who make up Illinois’ behavioral health workforce.

To get started, create a free Reach360 account through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. For the best experience, we recommend completing the training on a laptop or desktop computer using Google Chrome.

Need help getting started? Download our step-by-step guide for instructions on creating your account and accessing the training.

Download Instructions to Create an Account in Reach360

9th Grade: Explore

Explore

Research behavioral health career paths that interest you.
Meet with your school counselor to discuss classes and career goals.
Plan to take advanced psychology, sociology or other related courses, including AP/IB courses, if available.
Join clubs, volunteer or help your community.

Discover Your Pathway

Identify behavioral health careers that interest you.
Understand how your classes, attendance and grades can help you reach your college and career goals.

10th Grade: Learn

Learn

Visit a workplace related to a behavioral health career that interests you.
Complete the Behavioral Health Career Awareness online course.
Choose a behavioral health career pathway to explore.
Prepare for advanced psychology, sociology or related courses.
Identify trusted adults to support your college and career journey.

Understand Your Pathway

Understand the education, training, entry-level opportunities and average salary for careers in your chosen behavioral health pathway.
Understand how early college credits in psychology, sociology, health sciences or human services can help prepare you for a behavioral health career.

11th Grade: Experience

Experience

Find a behavioral health internship related to your interests.
Enroll in an early college credit or AP course, such as psychology or sociology, if available.
Explore at least three colleges, universities or training programs that offer behavioral health degrees or certificates, in person or virtually.
Volunteer in human services or helping professions.

Chart Your Pathway

Identify your strengths, interests and personal qualities that align with your desired behavioral health career.
Compare three to five colleges or training programs that match your career goals, including admission requirements, application deadlines and costs.
Identify the education and training you’ll need to reach your career goals.
Explore financial aid options and important application deadlines.

12th Grade: Launch

Launch

Apply to three or more colleges, universities or training programs that align with your goals.
Complete the FAFSA.
Complete an internship or job shadow with a behavioral health professional.
Finalize your education or training plan for after graduation and understand your next steps.

Prepare for What’s Next

Understand how your coursework and experiences prepare you for college or career training.
Understand the expected salary and education costs for your chosen career.
Understand the terms and responsibilities of any scholarships, grants or student loans you receive.
Know the next steps you need to take before graduation.