Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Key Terms Used in Book
Introduction
Chapter 1 Why Should You Become a Mental Health Professional?
Chapter 2 Is this Career a Good Fit for You?
Chapter 3 Steps To Becoming a Mental Health Professional
Chapter 4 Choosing a Discipline and Degree to Pursue
Chapter 5 Expanding the Possibilities: Populations, Settings, and Types of Work
Chapter 6 The Business of Mental Health Care
Chapter 7 The Laws and Ethics of Mental Health Care
Chapter 8 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Mental Health
Chapter 9 Preparing for Success in Graduate School
Chapter 10 Occupational Hazards and How to Manage Them
Chapter 11 Inspiring Hope and Change
Chapter 12 Embracing the Science of Mental Health Care
Chapter 13 The Future of Mental Health Care
Chapter 14 Shared Wisdom and Suggested Inspiration
Index .

About the Author

Ann F. Garland is Professor and former Chair of the Department of Counseling & Marital and Family Therapy at University of San Diego, as well as Professor Emerita in the Department of Psychiatry at U.C. San Diego. Her research is designed to improve mental health care for children and families by translating science into community practice. Over the past two decades, her projects have addressed: access to mental health care among at-risk
populations, racial and ethnic disparities in care, methods to measure the delivery and outcomes of care, and identifying common elements of evidence-based practice. She has developed strong collaborative partnerships with
community stakeholders and she is very active in training researchers and clinicians from multiple disciplines.

Reviews

This book will shed light onto the right pathways you have to follow to become who you aspire to be. It is the most helpful resource to become a psychotherapist and/or a clinical researcher, not only because of the detailed, smart, and relevant information that it contains but because of who is providing you with such information. This book by Dr. Garland is the equivalent of what Ruth Ginsburg would have written to guide someone in getting into law school, Picasso about how to paint, and Beyonce about how to sing.
*Louis G. Castonguay, Ph.D. Liberal Arts Professor of Psychology, Penn State University; Former President of the Society for Psychotherapy Research*

We are experiencing a crisis in mental health! The number of youth impacted is increasing, the severity of conditions is escalating, and we are suffering a workforce shortage. Dr. Garland's timely book will not only inform but will also inspire students to join the field at a time when providing help and instilling hope is greatly needed.
*Moisés Barón, Ph.D.; President and CEO, San Diego Center for Children; President, California Alliance for Child and Family Services (2021) *

Selecting a discipline or a degree path can be confusing. Dr. Garland's important insights clarify the similarities and differences across disciplines, helping aspiring students determine a best fit for their career paths. Dr. Garland explicates a wide array of job opportunities to expand the reader's imagination regarding the exciting possibilities. In addition to lots of practical advice about how to succeed in graduate school admissions processes, how to choose a graduate program, and how to maximize one's job prospects, Dr. Garland provides thought-provoking wisdom about the challenges and rewards in a mental health career. It is a must have/must read!
*Michael A. Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH; Executive Director, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research; Constance and Martin Silver Professor of Poverty Studies, NYU Silver School of Social Work; Aspen Health Innovators Fellow, The Aspen Institute*

Dr. Garland's book is an invaluable resource for all who want a meaningful, fulfilling, and successful career in the mental health field. This essential how-to guide offers comprehensive and timely information that will help the reader understand the unique rewards and challenges of this career path no matter what stage or age they're at in their professional development. It will empower readers to make informed decisions regarding all aspects of the field.. Dr. Garland provides numerous examples of her own career decisions along with those of other mental health professionals so that the reader can benefit from valuable diverse perspectives to inform their own choices. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to translate their passion into viable and long-lasting opportunities in the mental health profession.
*Dr. Judy Ho, Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Tenured Professor, Author of Stop Self-sabotage *

Starting the journey of becoming a mental health professional can be exciting, but daunting, for many applicants. Every year, dozens of students reach out to me with questions about how to initiate a path into mental health work, and I am enthusiastic to now have a single resource as a starting point! Dr. Garland makes the critical information needed to enter the field accessible and achievable for a wide range of learners including First Gen students, historically underrepresented communities, and non-traditional professionals looking to change their career paths. This will be a game-changer for professionals like me who want to encourage entry into the field but have to rely on the navigation of multiple guides, websites, and other (intimidating) resources in order to offer the full and fair experience for future professional helpers.
*Dr. Drea Letamendi, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the UCLA Resilience Center (RISE)*

Unsure about your career? Do you think you want to work in mental health or human services but do not know which profession is best for you? If you answered yes to either question, then this book is for you. Written by the multi-talented practitioner, researcher, and professor Ann Garland, this book provides evidence-based guidance on choosing the right career path.
*Len Bickman, PhD, Research Professor, Florida International University; Professor Emeritus, Vanderbilt University; Editor-in-Chief, Administration and Policy and Mental Health Services Research *

Dr. Garland provides an insiders' perspective on the realities and the rewards of a career in mental health with engaging, often humorous personal anecdotes, thought-provoking clinical vignettes, and fascinating glimpses into scientific innovations for the future. We need more well-trained mental health professionals from all disciplines and this is a great resource to find the path that is the best fit for your specific interests and strengths."
*Marjorie Morrison, LMFT, LPCC, CEO at Psych Hub *

This is a book that aspiring therapists should have on hand to gain a realistic career understanding. It will be a significant addition to a collection needing resources for these individuals.
*Choice*