1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved March 31, 2025.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean and the social work executive director of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on May 6, 2025.
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05/13/2025
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Choosing a career is more than just finding a way to earn a living; it's also about making a difference. Mental health counseling, social work and psychology are vital for individual and societal well-being. If you're passionate about helping others, this resource will guide you through various options and the role of education in careers that help people.
A helping profession focuses on improving the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Psychology, counseling and social work professionals support those facing emotional or social challenges. Dr. Emily Shier, a PhD holder, LPC-S, NCC, and Associate Professor and Faculty Chair at Grand Canyon University, describes a helping profession as an extension of our desire to help others, explaining, "It's serving in a Christ-like way. To mirror the service that Christ showed and the compassion that Christ showed."
Effectiveness in helping professions like psychology, counseling and social work requires strong interpersonal and analytical skills. Professionals in these fields work closely with individuals facing mental, emotional and social challenges, so they must develop competencies that foster trust, understanding and effective problem-solving. At the heart of caring professions are fundamental values such as empathy, advocacy and service.
At the core of any career where you help people is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy and compassion allow professionals to connect with distressed individuals, providing reassurance and support. These qualities help build strong therapeutic relationships, ensuring clients feel heard, valued and respected.
Effective communication is vital in helping professionals. Clear expression, insightful questioning and active listening are key to understanding clients' needs. Active listening creates a safe space for individuals to share openly.
LPC, NCC, author and GCU Lead Behavioral Health Instructor Catherine Hallam says, "We are not trained in society how to listen appropriately, and that's a skill that you learn in my department — how to listen and understand what somebody is saying." Dr. Shier says, "When we listen to understand rather than to refute, we're able not only to be empathetic and allow people to be heard but also to examine other points of view."
Helping professions like psychologists, counselors and social workers require quick thinking and sound judgment. These professionals assess complex situations, identify challenges and develop strategies to support individuals. Strong problem-solving skills enable professionals to find practical solutions and locate helpful resources. Hallam states, "We teach you to look at the world and find what people need when others do not," highlighting the importance of resource-seeking when helping others.
Professionals must be prepared to work with individuals from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds. Cultural humility involves understanding and respecting different perspectives and traditions while providing comprehensive individualized care. Adhering to ethical guidelines helps maintain confidentiality, uphold standards and prioritize the best interests of those served.
To be effective as a helping professional, a solid educational foundation is essential. Social work, psychology or counseling degrees provide knowledge, skills and ethical principles. Through specialized coursework and practical experience, students learn to assess needs, create treatment plans and deliver compassionate care. Graduates can work in private practice, hospitals, schools or community organizations. Some roles may require licensure.
Psychologists assess and treat mental health issues, while counselors address personal and emotional challenges. Social workers connect clients to resources and advocate for vulnerable populations.
Many careers support mental, emotional and social well-being, benefitting individuals and communities. Key caring professions in the psychology and counseling fields include:
Psychologists often work one-on-one with clients to better understand the conscious and unconscious processes behind their thoughts and actions. By studying the interworkings of the mind and its influence on human behavior, psychologists can offer support to those who are struggling with mental health or life troubles.
Common roles in psychology include:
Counseling professionals provide therapy to individuals, couples and families who are facing emotional and psychological challenges. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2023 to 2033.1
Hallam is a licensed play therapist, assisting children on the autism spectrum through sensory integration with affirming counseling rooms. "I go into their world; they don't come into mine," she explains. “By seeing the world through their eyes, we can better understand their behavior and think, "That's why that's happening. That makes total sense."
Key counseling careers include:
Social workers advocate for and assist individuals facing challenging times. They support those facing economic hardship, mental health issues and social injustices by providing services and resources to improve lives. Operating in schools, hospitals, government agencies and nonprofits, social workers address diverse challenges, including homelessness, substance abuse, child welfare and domestic violence.
Some prominent roles in social work include:
While some may not view research as a helping career, instructors Hallam and Dr. Shier emphasize its crucial role in developing solutions and therapies. Hallam states, "Social science research contributes to improving lives and shaping mental health policies." Her dissertation focuses on training K-12 teachers to work with autistic students, providing practical applications for professionals.
Dr. Shier highlights the significance of research in developing evidence-based treatments, particularly for autism and trauma, citing ABA therapy's extensive literature. She explains that without research, efforts are ineffective, stating, "We're just throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping it sticks." She stresses the need for counseling grounded in "theory, the ethics of the profession and literature" as best practice.
GCU offers degree programs in social work, psychology and counseling, providing students with essential skills for mental health careers. Hallam says that our counseling and behavioral health programs "give you practical experience, so you learn how to contact intakes, do treatment planning and listen actively."
Students gain practical skills through internships and experiential learning. Dr. Shier shares that the programs have didactic and experiential courses. She is proud to say that "GCU provides significant support to students. We all have jobs, families and responsibilities. Flexibility and support are paramount for students' success, particularly as adult learners."
A unique aspect of GCU's programs is the integration of a Christian worldview, promoting values like compassion and integrity. This holistic approach encourages students to consider the psychological and spiritual well-being of those they assist. "Many of the tenets of GCU's Christian worldview mirror that of counseling, with empathy and genuineness," says Dr. Shier.
GCU's psychology, counseling and social work programs feature experienced professionals who provide valuable industry insights. Dr. Shier emphasizes active listening and understanding in her approach, enabling her to identify and address student struggles quickly. As with clients, "I'm going to always listen and try to understand. If a student is struggling, I can quickly figure out where the issue is and pivot to intervene. One of the skills we have as counselors is distilling information and projecting it in a way that is digestible." She applies therapeutic group dynamics to enhance classroom engagement and foster critical thinking.
Hallam stresses the importance of translating textbook theories into practical scenarios, stating "It brings the book alive because the book is the best-case scenario that has never been translated to the real world." She encourages students to think about actual interactions and how they would help them while adhering to accepted standards. "In our field, we're held to an ethical standard."
Careful planning is essential to a career in helping others. Whether you’re interested in psychology, counseling or social work, taking the right early steps can equip you with the knowledge needed to pursue your interests. Here are some key actions to help establish a strong foundation for careers that help people.
The first step in preparing for a caring profession is selecting the right academic path. Researching the various degrees that help people and career outcomes can help you find the best fit for your passion.
Hallam emphasizes the importance of passion, "You have to love it. It's a very hard field because you hear the depths of people's souls. But if you're called to it, it's the best job.” As a parent of two children on the spectrum, she authored “Autistic Parenting Handbook: A Guide Designed to Help Support Your Journey” because she wanted to write about the reality of the situation to help parents.
Experience is important and there are many ways to develop practical skills early on. Volunteering at crisis hotlines, mental health clinics or community centers offers valuable insights into the realities of the field. Internships and practicums through academic programs enable students to apply their knowledge in hands-on settings, while mentorship from seasoned professionals provides guidance.
Dr. Shier emphasizes the importance of pursuing internships, stating, “Fight for any internship, any experience you can. Because if I had not done that, I would not be where I am today." Initially focused on research, she discovered her passion for human connection during her experiences while interning and shifted her goal to counseling children and then to working with adults.
She advises, "Try things you think you may not like; you'll learn one of two things. Either you were wrong, and you really did like it, or you just confirmed that you didn't like it, and you can try something different. But either way, you're going to learn something valuable."
A successful career in mental health support requires continuous education and skill development. Psychology, counseling and social work professionals should stay current with research, therapeutic techniques and ethical standards. Pursuing certifications, attending workshops or obtaining advanced degrees can enhance expertise and career prospects. Ongoing learning ensures effectiveness and adaptability in the field.
With programs in psychology, social work and counseling, GCU prepares graduates with the practical skills and knowledge needed to support individual well-being. Through knowledgeable instruction and hands-on learning, our faith-integrated courses equip students for careers in mental health and social work. If you're eager to help others, consider GCU as your pathway to making a difference.
