Discovering Higher and Degree Apprenticeships with UWE Bristol, get free advice >>

Training for a profession in Mental Health

My desire to help people (particularly young people) with mental health problems, whether this be supporting role or something counselling.

I don't know where to start. I'm 28, finished college and university many many years ago for a completed unrelated course. I have been learning everything I can about Mental Health conditions through independent research and short free courses.

All research I have done on different careers in this state I must have excellent A* levels in relevant courses and universities, but this isn't an option for me anymore as I've already 'done my studies'.

Any advice on courses I can do to help one day work in this sector? I feel like I've already missed my chance by not committing to this when I was 16/studying relevant A levels and feel deflated that it's just too late for me now

Reply 1

Nerol

Original post by lldowning

Firstly, it's definitely not too late!

You could consider training as a counsellor. This could involve either doing a degree in counselling and psychotherapy, or training via a diploma route, which would involve doing level 2/3 counselling skills certificate, then a level 4/5 diploma in counselling. Have a look at local colleges and whether they offer counselling courses - this is what I did. Most of my fees I paid with an Advanced Learner Loan, too, so it didn't cost me too much. Some courses will require you to pay for supervision and/or personal counselling, though, so look out for that (for level 4 and up). You can do further training to specialise in counselling children and young people, too, or move into other roles and train in other therapies.

There are likely many other options out there, I'm just suggesting this as it's what I did, and I really enjoyed it. I work with adults as a CBT therapist now after further training.