If you want to study mental health in college, you have a few different options, and the specific programs and names of degrees may vary depending on the institution. However, the most common fields of study that focus on mental health are psychology and psychiatry.
Psychology: Pursuing a degree in psychology would allow you to study the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Within psychology, there are various subfields, and one of them is clinical psychology, which focuses on understanding and treating mental health disorders. You would learn about psychological theories, research methods, assessment, and therapeutic interventions for mental health issues.
Psychiatry: Psychiatry, on the other hand, is a medical specialty. If you are interested in becoming a psychiatrist, you would need to attend medical school after completing a bachelor's degree in a related field. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication and offer various forms of therapy.
Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Some colleges and universities offer programs specifically tailored to counseling or clinical mental health counseling. These programs focus on providing counseling services to individuals dealing with mental health challenges, and they typically include training in therapeutic techniques, assessment, and counseling theories.
Social Work: Social work programs also offer opportunities to focus on mental health. Social workers play a crucial role in providing support and resources to individuals and communities, including those dealing with mental health issues. Social work programs often include coursework on mental health, counseling, and community support services.
Psychiatric Nursing: If you are interested in mental health and also have a passion for nursing, you might consider psychiatric nursing programs. Psychiatric nurses work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, and their training includes a combination of nursing skills and mental health knowledge.
When choosing a specific program, consider your long-term goals and what aspect of mental health you are most passionate about. If you are interested in research and understanding the psychological aspects of mental health, a psychology program may be more suitable. If you are interested in diagnosing and providing medical treatments, you may want to consider psychiatry. If you prefer counseling and providing therapeutic support, counseling or clinical mental health counseling programs could be a good fit.
Remember to research the specific requirements and curriculum of each program and seek guidance from academic advisors to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and career goals.