Community & Behavioral Health

Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist

Career Progression

Entry Level

Mental Health Technician

Mid Level

Mental Health Counselor

Senior Level

Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist

Pathway Category

Senior Level: These positions are typically high-level management or specialized positions and require significant education, such as a master’s degree or advanced doctorate degree, in addition to applicable licenses, leadership training, and extensive experience in the industry. Learning a specific organization’s history, culture, and values is also often important to lead at this level.

What does a person in this career do?

You remove barriers! People come to you with problems or concerns and you help put together a plan to help directly or connect them with the right people, services, and other community resources to get things done. Your patience, empathy, and passion for helping others makes your community a better place to live.

Occupations in the Community & Behavioral Health family specialize in mental health care, rehabilitation services, and overall social or public wellness. They strive to improve not only physical health, but also the hearts, spirits, and minds of those in their communities through a wide range of social and human services, often focusing on strategies for counseling, treatment, and preventative care maintenance.

While much of the work in these occupations is conducted directly with patients within a community, a large portion of time is often also spent organizing events or sessions, collaborating with other public and private support agencies, advocating for patient rights and access, and educating members of the community about available goods, services, and assistance programs.   These occupations are good for someone who enjoys helping others, is comfortable around a wide range of people, and wants to make a positive impact on their community. Patience, empathy, and communication skills are very important in these occupations, some of which may also involve travel and working outside.

Description of duties

Diagnose or evaluate the mental and emotional health of the members of a community through direct and indirect observation, short and long term communication practices, and in-depth or advanced psychological tests. Consult with other health care professionals to develop personalized plans or programs of treatment that will improve mental health and well-being. May also diagnose, prescribe, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders through a wide range of counseling, pharmaceutical, and psychotherapeutic procedures or treatments. Analyze and evaluate patient data using advanced medical or scientific software. Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, and other health professionals. Professional license required.

Quick Facts

Wage/Salary Range

Education & Training

Typical Work Environments

Personality Traits

Discover your strengths by taking the assessment.

Teresa Young, Health Psychologist, Unity Point Health

Partners who hire for this position

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Advanced Psychology and Medicine
  • Advanced Therapy and Counseling
  • Active Listening and Communication
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Treatments
  • Observing and Documenting Information
  • Customer and Personal Service

Other Job Titles

  • Clinical Therapist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Licensed Psychologist
  • Licensed Therapist
  • Staff Psychologist
  • Consulting Psychiatrist
  • Medical Psychiatrist
  • Staff Psychiatrist
  • Director of Mental Health
  • Rehabilitative Psychiatrist