Hello, I am a 20 year old boy (man?) who is trying to turn his life around. At age 16 I started using marijuana and alcohol, and from there started working my way up to harder drugs (MDMA, LSD, cocaine). But recently I had the epiphany that I need to change in order to get what I want out of life, and also in order to do the right thing. I confessed everything to my father who is deeply concerned about me.
But that’s not the point of this question. I just thought you could better answer it with that background information on me.
I want to help other people. Sit people down, and talk to them. I am a good listener and good at understanding other peoples problems and telling them what they need to hear; I’ve been good at this all my life. So I want to go professional on this. The problem is I’m not sure of the specific college degree or field I am trying to go for. Some things that do come to mind, though, are: Psychology, Psychiatry, Therapy, Counseling. I know some of these things require graduate school, which is okay, but I’d also like to know what can be accomplished with just a bachelors.
Ideally, I see myself having a steady job in which I see patients and talk to them about issues they are having and provide treatment for them. Mental disorders interest me – severe ones and mild ones. Even people who don’t have a diagnosed disorder but are just seeking help.
I am just seeking information and suggestions. If you have a job in a like field, YOUR help would be much appreciated. Thank you everyone.
ps: I also enjoy reading and writing, and am a musician, if that makes a difference.
#1 by The CPA Guy on July 10, 2010 - 4:07 pm
Psychology would be a good major. Another avenue you might want to explore is majoring in Social Work. Social work is a tough job, and it doesn’t pay that well, but it seems to fit in well with your strengths.
Note that Psychiatry is a field of study that requires an M.D.. If that’s the avenue you want to pursue, be prepared to attend school for a very long time.
Congratulations on cleaning up your act! Best of luck to you in your sobriety.
#2 by thisisonlyatest on July 10, 2010 - 4:47 pm
you can be a Counseler with just a bachelors, (i think.)
Here’s a good way to pay for school. There are gov. ‘grants’ availble for careers like that if you’re willing to spend a few years in place they send you. (it’ll be somewhere in the USA, don’t worry.)
They also do this with MDs and teachers too. It focuses on very rural areas or very inner city places where no one will go. After you do the required amount of time, (usally about 3-5 years) you are free to go where ever you want.
You don’t seem like a person who would mind going to place that the government sent you.
You could do the most good there since they have no one else. this is how you ‘pay back the loan’. the Government does this becuase they feel they get a good return on their investment. (you)
#3 by Ann on July 10, 2010 - 5:31 pm
I suggest that you take an aptitude test. An aptitude test assesses your skills and your interests and matches you to the careers that are right for you. A high school or college adviser can recommend a good one. Failing that, go to the workforce development agency (unemployment) and request one.
#4 by Bell on July 10, 2010 - 6:19 pm
I would try to find a community college near you and start taking some core classes like English and psychology. That way you can get back into the school thing and develop your interests and there will be a lot of people available to help you. Go talk to the counselor who is assigned to you and they can definitely give you some pointers. Try to get some financial aid by filling out a FAFSA. Once you’re in school, it will be easier to navigate your way into what career you would fit best into- it sounds like counseling or psychiatry would be good choices. You’re only 20 you have plenty of time to get your life on track.