Overview

The mental health specialist is primarily responsible for assisting with the management and treatment of inpatient and outpatient mental health activities.

Job Duties

• Collect and record psychosocial and physical data
  
• Assist with care and treatment of psychiatric, drug and alcohol patients
  
• Counsel clients/patients with personal, behavioral or psychological problems

Training

Job training for a mental health specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in-patient care. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Patient-care techniques
  
• Emergency medical techniques

Helpful Skills

• Enjoy helping and caring for others
  
• Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions
  
• Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra
  
• High attention to detail

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. With a mental health specialist background, you may consider a career as a psychiatrist’s assistant, a medical assistant or a physician’s aide.