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.