Mental Health Worker

Program Overview

Mental Health Worker at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

This program will train students to help a mentally ill individual with tasks such as gaining employment, finding housing, using community resources, becoming financial competent, and other activities that promote an independent life-style for the mentally ill. The training offered for the Certificate and AA degree is comprehensive and intensive. Students will learn the basics of Psychology, the foundations of Mental Illness (Abnormal Psychology), the concept of rehabilitation and recovery, how to help the mentally ill, and how to create a cooperative relationship with mentally ill individuals. Finally, students will be given the opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom through a field experience.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $36,000 to $169,000 with an average salary of $79,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Therapists, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +12.2%
  • Average Salary: $89,000
  • Salary Range: $59,000 - $93,000
• Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +5.3%
  • Average Salary: $69,000
  • Salary Range: $49,000 - $83,000
• Community Health Workers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +14.1%
  • Average Salary: $57,000
  • Salary Range: $44,000 - $68,000
• Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +6.5%
  • Average Salary: $56,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $64,000
• Counselors, All Other
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +17.2%
  • Average Salary: $50,000
  • Salary Range: $38,000 - $52,000
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +5.4%
  • Average Salary: $85,000
  • Salary Range: $60,000 - $103,000
• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +19.1%
  • Average Salary: $130,000
  • Salary Range: $72,000 - $169,000
• Healthcare Social Workers
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +9.6%
  • Average Salary: $93,000
  • Salary Range: $65,000 - $110,000
• Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +14.9%
  • Average Salary: $69,000
  • Salary Range: $44,000 - $77,000
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +10.6%
  • Average Salary: $81,000
  • Salary Range: $51,000 - $107,000
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +2.5%
  • Average Salary: $102,000
  • Salary Range: $82,000 - $121,000
• Rehabilitation Counselors
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +1.9%
  • Average Salary: $47,000
  • Salary Range: $36,000 - $50,000
• Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +4%
  • Average Salary: $141,000
  • Salary Range: $91,000 - $161,000
• Social Workers, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +6.6%
  • Average Salary: $72,000
  • Salary Range: $48,000 - $91,000
• Social and Community Service Managers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +9.1%
  • Average Salary: $89,000
  • Salary Range: $64,000 - $104,000
• Social and Human Service Assistants
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +8.6%
  • Average Salary: $51,000
  • Salary Range: $40,000 - $59,000
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +18.4%
  • Average Salary: $66,000
  • Salary Range: $45,000 - $81,000

Program Map

Mental Health Worker - Certificate of Achievement

18.0 Units

• Fall 2024, 1st Term
  • PSYC 101: General Introductory Psychology (3.0 Units)
  • INST 151: Principles Of Recovery and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (3.0 Units)
  • INST 272: Special Populations (3.0 Units)
• Spring 2025, 2nd Term
  • PSYC 271: Abnormal Psychology (3.0 Units)
  • INST 152: Helping Relationships (3.0 Units)
• Fall 2025, 3rd Term
  • PSYC 273: Mental Health Worker Field Experience (3.0 Units)

Education Levels

Education levels are meant to represent what is typical for entry into the career, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program Content:

The Mental Health Worker program at Cerritos College aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to assist individuals with mental illness. The program focuses on various aspects of mental health, including gaining employment, finding housing, utilizing community resources, practicing financial literacy, and promoting independent living.

Structure:

The program consists of a 18-unit Certificate of Achievement, encompassing courses in psychology, mental illness, rehabilitation and recovery, and practical skills for assisting individuals with mental illness.

Course Schedule:

The program offers courses across different terms. In Fall 2023, students can take introductory psychology and principles of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation. During Spring 2024, courses on abnormal psychology and helping relationships are offered. Finally, in Fall 2024, students complete a mental health worker field experience.

Individual Modules:

• PSYC 101: General Introductory Psychology: This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of psychology, covering topics like human development, personality, learning, motivation, and abnormal behavior.
• INST 151: Principles of Recovery and Psychosocial Rehabilitation: This course explores the principles of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with mental illness, focusing on concepts such as empowerment, self-determination, and community integration.
• INST 272: Special Populations: This course examines the unique needs and challenges faced by different populations with mental illness, such as children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
• PSYC 271: Abnormal Psychology: This course delves into the nature, causes, and treatment of various mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
• INST 152: Helping Relationships: This course equips students with the skills and techniques for building effective helping relationships with individuals experiencing mental illness, focusing on communication, empathy, and active listening.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the Mental Health Worker program are prepared for various careers assisting individuals with mental illness, including:

• Mental Health Counselor
• Case Manager
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Social Worker
• Peer Support Specialist

Job Outlook:

This sector is expected to grow by 13.1% nationwide from 2019 to 2029, with strong job growth across various related occupations.

• Comprehensive and intensive training on mental illness and recovery.
• Opportunities to gain hands-on experience through the field experience component.
• Strong job outlook and diverse career opportunities.
• Affordable education with the potential for financial aid.
• Flexible paths for students seeking an AA or Certificate of Achievement.