Psychologist/Mental Health Counselor

1. Psychologist/Mental Health Counselor Lori Balcom GHEC ASL 2

2. Mental health counselors use their knowledge and skills to assess and diagnose behavior problems, psychological problems, and social problems. A mental health counselor help people prevent or reenacting problems or conflicts. These problems vary depending on the area you are specializing in. What do Psychologist/Mental Health Counselors do?

3. Education Required • Graduation from high school. • Completion of a four-year college program in human services, nursing, psychology, education, or social work. • A 60-credit master's degree in mental health counseling, community counseling, or psychology is the minimal entry level.

4. What type of duties are preformed? • Mental Health Counselors are trained to do a variety of therapeutic techniques to address wide ranges of issues. These issues vary depending on the person being counseled.

5. What is the expected annual income? • In 1998, the median annual salary for mental health counselors was $38,650. • At a bachelor level starting salaries are between 25 to 30 K range. • Graduates with a license can expect between 35 to 40 K.

6. Sign Language • Sign language plays a major role in this career if you are training to work with deaf clients. • For most non-signers, it is important to get into the deaf community to develop some natural connections to improve sign language skills following the completion of 4-6 courses in ASL. • Several therapists take a 2 year interpreter training course and become fluent in the language.

7. Where did you attend college? I started my undergrad work at Bemidji State U in Psyche and then later added an additional major in social work, thinking that both would give me a more rounded education. What are some classes that you needed or that helped for this job? Completion of 4-6 courses in ASL. Several therapists I know took the 2 year interpreter training course and are fluent in the language. Sign language is a must and one will not be able to work effectively in thefield without its mastery. What is the work setting in which you work like? The work environment has been varied for me. It has included inpatient hospital settings, clinic settings, community outreach and drop in centersand residential treatment facilities in the community run by privatevendors. What is something you have learned throughout your career? The one thing I have learned is that it has been essential to my career success that I always maintained a servant mentality to my clients. Meaning that the service to them and their well being comes before anything else. If you fail in that department, a person doesn't belong in the field. What is the major concern facing your career? The major concern I am facing is the fear that all the work that has gone into my work will fade away in an instant as the state changes the way it does business and does not replace the services in the private sector. This will effect a lot of deaf people. I am also feeling anxious because I am not ready to retire and there may not be another similar situation to slide into that pays as well. That is terrifying at times. I am not alone as many of the State hospital employees are in the same boat Interview with Thomas Fatticci