心理健康研究员

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Related roles: Psychiatric Researcher, Clinical Psychologist (with a research focus), Behavioral Health Scientist, Psychiatric Epidemiologist, Cognitive Psychologist (with a research focus), Neuropsychologist (with a research focus), Mental Health Policy Analyst, Mental Health Program Evaluator, Mental Health Data Analyst, Psychosocial Researcher, Health Psychologist (with a research focus), Community Mental Health Researcher

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类似标题

Psychiatric Researcher, Clinical Psychologist (with a research focus), Behavioral Health Scientist, Psychiatric Epidemiologist, Cognitive Psychologist (with a research focus), Neuropsychologist (with a research focus), Mental Health Policy Analyst, Mental Health Program Evaluator, Mental Health Data Analyst, Psychosocial Researcher, Health Psychologist (with a research focus), Community Mental Health Researcher

职位描述

Mental health is simultaneously one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of human health. Why doesn’t it get the attention it needs? One reason is because it’s so complicated!

Medical science has a good understanding of the health issues related to our physical bodies. But the problems our minds can experience are harder to identify and address.

That’s why Mental Health Researchers have such important jobs. They contribute to the understanding of the human mind, help identify mental health issues, determine possible root causes, and develop effective treatments. Their work involves a great deal of designing and executing advanced research studies, analyzing data, and publishing findings.

Mental Health Researchers may specialize in areas such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or PTSD. Their job requires a deep working knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, and statistical methods.

职业生涯的回报
  • Contributing to the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders
  • Making an impact on individual and public health
  • Opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field
  • Shaping future mental health policies
2024 就业
25,000
2034 年预计就业人数
35,000
内部消息
工作职责

工作时间表

  • Mental Health Researchers typically work full-time, often in academic or clinical settings. Their schedules can be demanding, requiring flexibility to accommodate deadlines.

典型职责

  • Identify mental health conditions that require a deeper understanding
  • Design studies, trials, and protocols to learn about chosen topics and test theories related to causes, prevention, and treatments
  • Carry out studies and collect information through observation, interviews, and other sources
  • Analyze and interpret study data. Record sessions or take notes, as appropriate
  • Ensure study participant information is kept confidential
  • Collaborate with fellow researchers, clinicians, and institutions. Share findings and devise ways to work together, if applicable     
  • Publish findings in scientific journals and blogs, while ensuring participant privacy
  • Present findings at conferences and professional gatherings
  • Apply for grants and funding to support research projects

其他职责

  • Maintain accurate records of research activities
  • Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations
  • Mentor and supervise students and junior researchers
  • Participate in community outreach and education initiatives
  • Keep up with research and developments, including software programs 
工作所需技能

软技能

  • Active listening
  • 适应性
  • 分析性思维
  • 注重细节
  • 沟通技巧
  • 批判性思维
  • 同理心
  • Ethical judgment
  • 独立
  • 诚信
  • Observation
  • Organization
  • 耐心
  • Persistence
  • 解决问题
  • 团队合作
  • 时间管理

技术技能

不同类型的组织
  • Academic institutions
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • 政府机构
  • Nonprofits
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Private research firms
期望与牺牲

Mental Health Researchers face high expectations to produce tangible results. There’s always pressure to contribute to the field, which requires designing rigorous studies, analyzing complex data, and publishing results.

The research can be emotionally draining when dealing with vulnerable populations who have experienced trauma. However, such direct interaction with participants is sometimes needed, which demands a degree of professional detachment.

Researchers often work long hours to meet deadlines. They also have to secure funding, requiring skills in grant writing and networking. Despite the challenges, the rewards of advancing mental health and improving patient outcomes make the sacrifices worthwhile!

当前趋势

Technology such as AI and machine learning is playing a crucial role in analyzing complex data, finding patterns, and predicting outcomes. This, in turn, is enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Meanwhile, advances in genetics and neuroimaging allow researchers to tailor treatments to individual needs, boosting efficacy and reducing side effects.

There’s growing interest in the impacts of social, demographic, and environmental factors on mental health. This is prompting researchers to take a more holistic approach as they explore how such variables influence mental well-being and how that information can be used to potentially prevent problems. 

从事这一职业的人年轻时喜欢做哪些事情?

Mental Health Researchers are very observant. They’re also curious about the human mind and human behavior. They likely enjoyed psychology and sociology growing up, and some of them may have had firsthand experience dealing with mental health issues within their families. 

所需的教育和培训
  • Mental Health Researchers are usually doctors of psychology. They may start their educational journey with a bachelor’s in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field, followed by a master’s degree then PhD in psychology, psychiatry, or a related discipline
  • Common course subjects include:
  1. Abnormal psychology
  2. Clinical psychology
  3. Cognitive neuroscience
  4. Developmental psychology
  5. Ethics in research
  6. Psychopharmacology
  7. Research methods
  8. Statistical Analysis
  • Vital research experience is gained via internships, assistantships, or independent projects. Some researchers engage in clinical practice to inform their work
  1. Researchers don’t usually need to be certified or licensed – unless they are involved in clinical practice or if their research includes direct patient interaction

         > Under such circumstances, they may need state licensure, which requires a set number of supervised hours of experience plus a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

  • Researchers often complete training in research ethics, specific techniques like neuroimaging or psychometrics, and certification in human subjects research
  • Grant writing is another commonly needed skill, which can be learned through self-study, practice, or short online courses!
  • Continuing education is necessary to keep up with advancements such as new technologies and methods
大学应具备的条件
  • Look for well-ranked programs in psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and related fields.
  • Programs should ideally be accredited by the American Psychological Association and feature active research labs plus experienced faculty. There should also be ample opportunities for internships or other practical learning experiences.
  • Screen each program’s website to learn about enrollment data, admissions requirements, and graduation statistics.
  • Look for on-campus student organizations that could help you grow professionally!
  • Compare tuition and fees costs, noting in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
  • Review scholarship and financial aid options, including federal aid Pell Grants.
高中和大学要做的事
  • Take courses in psychology, sociology, biology, chemistry, English composition, and mathematics
  • Participate in relevant science fair projects and psychology-related clubs
  • Check out videos related to mental health research and read peer-reviewed journals
  • Work with high school advisors to ensure you are ready for college-level coursework
  • Decide what area of mental health research you’d like to focus on. Map out your long-term education plans
  • Decide if you will attend college full-time or part-time due to work or other commitments
  • Consider whether or not online or hybrid degrees are better for you
  • Join professional and student organizations. Work on getting published in academic journals
  • Study grant writing and strategies for applying for funding 
典型路线图
Mental Health Researcher Roadmap
如何找到第一份工作
  • Complete applicable certification or licensure requirements (if needed in your state or for your area of specialization)
  • Review job postings on portals such as Indeed.com or Mental Health America’s career center page
  • Search online for tips to make your Mental Health Researcher resume more impactful
  • Read sample interview questions and practice your job interview skills via mock interviews
  • Take advantage of the resources offered by your school’s career center
  • Ask professors and supervisors if you can list them as references or get letters of recommendation from them
  • Before going into an interview, brush up on the latest news about the field. Be ready to discuss your insights about relevant trends and changes 
如何爬梯子
  • Talk with your supervisor about advancement opportunities
  • Take on leadership roles in organizations like the American Psychological Association to network and access professional development resources
  • Pursue advanced certifications or specialized training
  • Continue to get published in peer-reviewed journals. Volunteer to be a peer reviewer yourself! Also, time permitting, think about writing a book!
  • Attend workshops and conferences to stay updated on practices and technologies
  • Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. Join or create consortia for large-scale projects
  • Seek ambitious grant funding to support and expand your research
    Develop strong public speaking skills
  • Train and mentor new researchers and assistants thoroughly
  • Teach academic courses at universities. Apply for postgraduate fellowships
  • Participate in international research communities
  • Maintain high ethical standards and a reputation for diligence and integrity
  • Consider relocating if necessary to move up!
推荐工具/资源

网站

书籍

  • Research Methods in Psychology, by John Shaughnessy, Eugene Zechmeister, and Jeanne Zechmeister
  • Statistical Methods for Psychology, by David C. Howell
  • The Anatomy of Hope, by Jerome Groopman
B 计划

Mental Health Researchers are critical behind-the-scenes subject matter experts. But such research-intense roles aren’t everybody’s cup of tea! That’s why we’ve put together a list of related occupations below for you to check out!

  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
  • Behavioral Therapist
  • Clinical Neuropsychologist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Healthcare Social Worker
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Neuroscientist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Public Health Researcher
  • School Psychologists
  • Substance Abuse Social Worker

新闻提要

在线课程和工具

薪酬和就业前景
选择一个次区域:

年薪预期

$76K
$100K
$133K

New workers start around $76K. Median pay is $100K per year. Highly experienced workers can earn around $133K.

资料来源资料来源:加利福尼亚州就业发展部