To choose the ideal program or path for your goals, consider factors like:

• The population you want to serve (i.e., children, teens, adults, couples, etc.)
• The setting you want to work in (i.e., private practice, hospital, mental health counseling center)
• Whether your goals include licensure
• The type of work you want to do (i.e., therapy, assessments, etc.)
• The time and cost you want to invest in your education and training
• The professional roles and responsibilities that you would like to assume

The number one reason people choose a practice-oriented mental health career is to help other people. They pursue this work to make a direct difference in others’ lives, support healthier communities, and do meaningful work that aligns with personal values. Others appreciate the diverse opportunities that are available, such as the many work environments you can work in, including counseling, supervision, consultation, research, vocational assessment, and psychological testing and assessment Others enjoy the flexible work schedules and career security that come with increasing demand.

Depending on your role, you may contribute to prevention efforts, community education, crisis support, workplace well-being, or broader systems change. Other options include group counseling, supervision, diagnostic interviewing, outreach, vocational assessments, and interdisciplinary interventions. We train students according to American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation standards, which put a primacy on well-rounded skills, so our students are prepared for a wide variety of roles.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota maintains supervised field placements and practicums across the U.S. Students work one-on-one with field education coordinators to select a placement that meets their needs and career goals.