If you’re passionate about helping others and making a difference in people’s lives, a career in mental health might be one of the most rewarding paths you can take.
Mental health professionals play an important role in improving lives, supporting communities, and shaping a healthier society.
With increasing awareness and demand for mental health services, there's never been a better time to enter this field. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about a career change, UQ offers multiple pathways to help you get started.
The growing need for mental health professionals
Mental health is essential to overall wellbeing, yet Australia currently faces a 32% shortage of mental health professionals. This shortage is expected to grow to 42% by 2030. Due to this, job opportunities in this field are expected to grow significantly.
Working in mental health offers the chance to make a meaningful and lasting impact. Dr Timothy Leow, a psychiatry registrar specialising in child, youth and young adult mental health, describes the deep fulfilment that comes with this work:
Those who suffer from mental illness have stories of their own to share, struggles, dreams, and goals. Working in mental health has given me the privilege to help these people, learn their stories, and hopefully give them a voice back that they may share their own stories or find a way in life.
What career paths are available in mental health?
Mental health care is often provided by multi-disciplinary teams, with each professional offering their own expertise and perspective. This means there are many different career options in the field.
Some of the roles available include:
- psychologist
- mental health social worker
- mental health nurse
- art therapist or expressive therapist
- registered music therapist
- counsellor
- mental health occupational therapist
- mental health speech pathologist
- community mental health worker
- youth mental health worker
- lived experience (peer) worker
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health worker.
One of the most gratifying experiences is witnessing individuals make progress in their overall health journey, whether it’s overcoming challenges, developing coping skills, or experiencing moments of clarity and growth. Being able to play a part in someone’s healing process and witnessing their resilience and strength is incredibly fulfilling.
What can I earn working in mental health?
Salaries in the mental health sector vary depending on the role and work setting. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in Queensland:
- Mental health occupational therapist: $95,000
- Art therapist: $88,000
- Mental health nurse: $95,000
- Mental health social worker: from $83,000 to $116,000, depending on the work setting
For salary insights, career options and inspiring stories from professionals in the field, check out the Mental Health Workforce Hub.
Mental health study pathways
UQ offers a range of programs to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need for a successful career in mental health.
Some study programs offer mental health as a major or include subjects focused on mental health, so you can tailor your education to your interests. Here are some options:
Undergraduate degrees related to mental health
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology major)
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology major)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Bachelor of Arts (Psychology major)
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
Postgraduate degrees related to mental health
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
- Master of Mental Health
- Master of Counselling
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Public Health
Creating a safe space for a child to feel understood and valued, delighted in and celebrated, an environment that accepts them and holds unconditional positive regard, is where the magic is. This is the definition of my heart work.
Where do mental health professionals work?
A career in mental health can be as dynamic as it is rewarding, with opportunities to work in a variety of settings depending on your interests and expertise. Whether you see yourself counselling patients in a private clinic, shaping community programs or influencing policy, there are many paths you can take to make a meaningful impact.
Mental health professionals work in settings such as:
- hospitals
- private practice
- community health organisations
- schools
- government agencies
- mental health clinics
- welfare agencies
- research institutions
- prisons
- courts and legal services
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.
Many professionals work within multidisciplinary teams, allowing them to collaborate with others and take a holistic approach to mental health care. This support network helps professionals continue learning and growing in their careers.
Ready to explore your options? Learn more about UQ’s mental health study programs and get started on your journey.
Author: Kate Strang
Kate is the senior principal (communications and engagement) at Health Translation Queensland (HTQ), which sits within UQ's Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. She is passionate about supporting the mental health workforce and promoting careers in this field, which is a core objective of HTQ's Mental Health Workforce Hub.
