How To Work With Children And Adolescents

A child’s early years are among the most important in their psychological and overall development. Young children who experience trauma and other life-altering events are more likely to grow up struggling with mental health issues, which is why they often need a child and adolescent mental health expert to guide them through what they’re feeling. 

For many, helping the next generation develop and grow up to be successful adults is extremely rewarding, and it could be so for you, too! Here are eight reasons why working with children and adolescents with mental health issues is rewarding:

1. Each case is unique

Working with today’s youth can be exciting and different, with each child being vastly different from the next. Every case you work on will be unique. Sure, you may apply similar methods to help the children with their mental health problems, but in the end, you’ll be meeting a large number of different kids with their own personalities and passions. This keeps the job interesting and rewarding as you help adolescents work through their struggles and overcome them. 

1. There are multiple career pathways

When people think of child and adolescent mental health studies, they immediately think counsellor or therapist, but this qualification doesn’t limit you to these careers only. Whether you want to become a writer, a researcher, a clinical leader, or work in occupational therapy, having a qualification in children and adolescents’ mental health can be the key that unlocks these opportunities. 

1. You can work as an individual or alongside a team

One of the positives about doing a course in mental health is that when you’re qualified you can either work alongaside a team of professionals equally given to helping children and adolescents, or you can venture off on your own and create you own business or practice to provide for the needs of young and struggling kids. 

1. You can help children reach positive outcomes

Whether you’re a school counsellor or someone who deals with kids outside of a school context, there’s that moment when all your work pays off and the kids that you’re working with have a major breakthrough in their lives. Those moments are among the most precious for those who work in this capacity. With a qualification in child and adolescent mental health, you can be apart of walking alongside those with mental issues until they get the breakthrough that they’re looking for. You’re essential in helping kids change their lives for the better. 

1. It will make a lasting impact on your life

Following our last point, as you actively assist children as they learn to manage or overcome their mental problems, seeing them grow and develop will have a positive and lasting impact on your life. You’ll remember spending time with certain kids and what they came through to where they are today. These memories will stir a sense of achievement and warmth in your heart, making your job rewarding. 

1. You can travel

Mental health issues in children and adolescents aren’t specific to Australia; it’s a worldwide problem. Because of this, you could have opportunities to help children in countries all around the world, whether it be in Africa, America, or Europe, you have the option to travel if you wish to take it. 

1. You’re always learning

Mental health is a constantly evolving field, with more research coming to light on the causes of mental health problems in adolescents and methods to help kids who struggle with them. Throw in the fact that every child is unique and needs a unique approach, and you’ll find that you’ve committed to a lifelong period of learning. 

1. There are always opportunities to connect with people

Finally, if you’re someone who thrives by connecting with other people, then working in child and adolescent mental health will give you the opportunity to constantly connect with people in a positive, meaningful way that produces beneficial results for them. 

Where to study child and adolescent mental health?

Does reading about the struggles of adolescents and children stir compassion in you? Well, that may mean that you’ve found your calling! If you’re looking to get your graduate certificate in child and adolescent mental health, then here is a helpful page from Victoria University. This page will give you all the information you need about completing your course online. It may be the best career move you make! 

Final thoughts

Did you know that almost one in seven kids experiences a mental health disorder, proving that there is a need for mental health professionals experienced in dealing with adolescents and children. Aside from the need, consider the reasons to study child and adolescent mental health. If not to pursue a career in mental health, then at least to give you more understanding of how to manage kids with mental health issues.