Just like our physical health, everyone has a responsibility to look after their mental health. According to 2022 data from Mental Health America, around 50 million Americans have experienced some form of mental illness. That is about 20% percent of the United States population. However, you do not need to be diagnosed with a mental illness to care about your mental health.
Caring for your mental health is foundational for self-care and our overall well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being and it affects how we think, feel and act. The reality is that mental health is unique to each person but taking care of your mental health is important for everyone.
Although it is important to create an atmosphere of awareness, it is even more important to create positive outlets and resources to support mental health. Herzing University wants to put these resources into the hands of not only those who need them but also those who want to help.
You may not feel equipped to fully understand mental health, but it is easy to educate yourself. Continuing your education can be a way you can start making a difference!
Start a Career in Mental Health
If you are interested in making mental health not only your passion but also your career, Herzing University offers several opportunities to help you get started.
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is designed for non-social work bachelor’s degree holders seeking a new, rewarding career path. Our mental health specialization focuses on how to apply knowledge of human behavior, trauma and diversity to public and private mental health facilities. The degree program is offered online and can be completed in as few as 24 months when attending full-time.
If you are more interested in playing a hands-on role, you may consider earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Our instruction is integrated with clinical experience to provide students with a broad, holistic and reality-based understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional nurse. There isn’t a waitlist and students can complete the program in as few as three years.
Nurses who wish to expand their role can continue their education with a Master of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN- PMHNP). As a PMHNP you are psychiatric/mental health specialist and enjoy giving a voice to patients who are too often misunderstood. An excellent pathway for nurses who have gained practical experience in behavioral health or worked in a community mental health facility and want to continue in the psychiatric field. Nurses could complete the program in as few as 20 months.
Herzing University is a nonprofit university that provides career-focused, convenient and caring educational pathways for students across 11 campuses as well as online programs. Our Kenosha campus is conveniently located just off I-94, with easy access on either side of the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Our state-of-the-industry facility offers the small classes and experienced instructors you need to thrive. Many of our programs feature work-friendly class schedules, including evening and daytime nursing classes. Plus, we can connect our nursing students to clinical training experiences thanks to our partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare employers. We have a variety of academic programs to meet your needs wherever you are in life. Herzing is focused on providing you with a caring learning environment that fosters long-term career success.
*Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
