Personal and professional fields of mental health advocacy exist, and training can be extensive or minimal. When working on a small scale to get appropriate treatment and equity, any individual with mental health challenges or a relative of that person can become a mental health advocate in a way. People with backgrounds in fields such as psychology, law, and social work, as well as those with a different educational focus, may pursue a career in this field. There is some overlap because private or nonprofit organizations frequently educate people with mental illnesses about their rights in order to help them become better advocates.
A personal mental illness diagnosis is an opportunity to become a mental health advocate. This opportunity is available to all mentally ill people and many of their family members. They enter a field where they must learn how to ask for appropriate care, negotiate with insurance or government agencies, and maintain their dignity. Individuals in recovery may re-enter the workforce, where they may face discrimination.
Many people who suffer from mental illness are poor self-advocates. With severe cognitive or mood impairments, it can be difficult to demand rights. At this point, the union of professional and individual advocacy takes place. Professional organizations may fight for changes in laws that demand fair treatment and access to care on behalf of individuals who are unable to fight for themselves. They can also educate people about their legal rights, arming them with information that will aid in successful self-advocacy.
These professionals have a wide range of educational backgrounds. People who work as social workers, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists could become mental health advocates at this level. Lobbyists and lawyers are also allowed to work in this field. People with mental illnesses can have a wide range of educational experiences, but because of their firsthand knowledge, they can also be effective professional advocates.
As a result, there are many different ways to become a mental health advocate. Many people begin their careers in this field earning a bachelor’s degree. Advice for those interested in working in this field is dependent on their educational background.
If a person is majoring in social work, for example, taking macro practice, mental health, and policy analysis classes will help them prepare better. A lawyer interested in pursuing a career as a mental health advocate should take electives in mediation or laws relating to physical and mental health and disability. If this type of coursework is not available, it is recommended that you take classes outside of your major or volunteer at an advocacy organization.
It’s unlikely that we’ll be able to list all of the major roads or highways that could be used for this project. Understanding the competencies required for various jobs with this title may be more useful. The following skill sets may help people better understand what it takes to become a mental health advocate with one of the following specialties:
Family and self-advocacy — Knowledge of current mental health and health-care rights, understanding of disability laws, and interpersonal skills are all important.
Educator — Knowledge of mental illness, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as mental illness-related laws and rights, counseling or therapy skills, and the ability to use psychoeducation in both individual and group settings.
Lobbyist — In-depth knowledge of mental health-related public policy and laws, ability to conduct policy analysis, strong writing and speaking skills, and, ideally, professional training in law or social work
Advocate — Credentials in law or social work, counseling and mediation skills, and knowledge of policies affecting the mentally ill are all required.
Administrator — Business skills, community organizing or macro practice training, and knowledge of the issues that the organization deals with are all required.