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Mental health therapy (8)
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Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in mental health professions is projected to grow from 11 to 18% over the next decade. Much faster than average!
This includes professionals specialized in:
- Substance abuse
- Behavioral disorders
- Mental health counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- Community health work
- Clinical and counseling psychology
With those numbers, you can expand and advance your career with determination. Keep reading to learn a few resume-writing tips and tricks.
3 Tips for Writing Mental Health Resumes
Learn how to choose the right resume format for your experience level
When picking your resume format, remember your goals and experience level; these will determine which layout is ideal for you. Review the three main resume formats:
- A functional resume works best for professionals with less than two years of experience. In this case, your best feature is your skills; this layout places them at the top of your resume, making them stand out.
- On the contrary, a chronological resume emphasizes the work experience section. We recommend this format for professionals with over five years of experience who want to highlight their career progression.
- If you have between two and five years of experience, the hybrid/combination resume is best. This format provides a balanced view of both your work experience and skills.
Use mental health-friendly skills
Many skills are needed for a career in mental health, so choose the ones that will make you stand out. Here are a few of the top hard and soft skills in mental health:
- Empathy
- Knowledge of DSM-5 mental health diagnostics
- Expertise in therapy models (CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness and others)
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Written and verbal communication
- Working well under pressure
Use a professional template
Using a professional template will ensure your resume follows industry standards and impresses employers. Browse our library of free resume templates to find the best one for you.
Mental Health Resume FAQ
How much does a job in mental health get paid?
The mental health industry is vast, with many different career options. Your income will depend on your education level, license status and specialization. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a psychiatric technician and social service assistant can earn between $37,000 and $38,000 annually. However, a licensed clinical psychologist can earn over $90,000 yearly, and a licensed psychiatrist can earn over $220,000.
What should I put on my resume for mental health?
When writing your resume, describe your expertise and highlight your top skills. Check out this example of a resume summary for a counseling psychologist:
“Licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience providing mental health assistance to people with substance abuse and eating disorders. Expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM).”
Should I include a cover letter with my mental health resume?
Yes. A cover letter is a great way to elaborate on your expert knowledge and your specialized skills. Use our Cover Letter Builder to create yours in no time!