Specializations and Professional Associations
Why I chose the specialization I did
My specialization is a psychologist specialized in mental health. There are a number of reasons why I chose this specialization. These reasons are both personal and social in nature. Firstly, I had an aspiration since my childhood to work in the health department thus in my time of specializing, I had to choose this particular one. I also loved to deal in the mental health of individuals so as to improve on their quality of life. Importantly, this particular program covers most key areas of psychology for instance social, biological, developmental, and individual differences (Bayne & Horton, 2003) and since it was my desire to explore psychology in details, I had to opt for this specialization. This specialization shows me a direct positive impact I have on an individual.
How this specialization fits my personal and professional goals
My goal in the profession of psychology right from the beginning was to be able to provide expert treatment and support those with mental problems such as anxiety, depression, disorders, etc. I desired to be one of the consultants and specialists responsible in evaluating patients using various tests and assessments. I also desired to be in position to address various mental problems that are affecting people today and through this specialization, I will be able to achieve my personal and professional goals. I have a goal to have a good and a favorable dealing with those having mental problems and provide a suitable solution to their problems. I would also like to have many discoveries as far as mental health is concerned. And I believe, through this specialization, I will be able to achieve all these goals.
The opportunities for professional association available in my specialization
Mental health is a broad field with a wide range o career choices and opportunities (Melcher, 2011). Professionals who are allowed to provide psychological assessments and therapy include clinical psychologists and school psychologists. Clinical psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree from mental health program while with school psychologists; an advanced degree is required (Bayne & Horton, 2003). There are professionals who are specifically trained to provide counseling but cannot prescribe medication and they include licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors at a masters degree. There is also an opportunity of a nurse psychotherapist trained in diagnosis and counseling. Marital and family therapist is a counselor with special training and education in family matters (Bayne & Horton, 2003). He or she is trained to diagnose and provide group counseling and must have a masters degree. There is also a peer specialist who is required to have lived experience with mental health. There also health professional recommended to prescribe medication but should not provide therapy and they include psychiatrists who have special training in diagnosis and treatment mental and emotional illnesses (Melcher, 2011). Psychiatrists are also alienated into child or adolescent psychiatrists and psychiatric practitioner.
How to involve myself in the profession with my intended specialization
As per my specialization, I will ensure to spend a lot of my time in the field, work with various specialists in the field for example doctors so as to acquire meaningful experience that will help me in the practical time. I will train myself to schedule the work hours in order to accommodate the needs of the patients. I also need to involve myself in thorough and continuous research as far as the field of mental health is concerned and this will help me achieve my intended goals in the profession.
References
Bayne, R., & Horton, I. (2003). Applied psychology: Current issues and new directions. London: SAGE Publications.
Melcher, T. P. (2011). Foundations of professional psychology: The end of theoretical orientations and the emergence of the biopsychosocial approach. Amsterdam: Elsevier
