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Behavioral Health Career Awareness

Explore careers in behavioral health and discover the education, training and experiences that can help you build your path.

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.