Careers in mental health: intriguing, challenging and rewarding

Interested in a career of mental health? Do you aspire to make a difference to the quality of life for people with a mental illness?

Public mental health services are part of a broad network of health services with strong links to general hospitals and community health services.

For mental health worker, Nicolette Knighton, a graduate occupational therapist with the Broadmeadows Adult Inpatient Unit, being part of her patients' journey to recovery is the most satisfying part of her job.

Here is her personal account of working as a mental health professional.

What is it about your job that you find rewarding?

It is heart warming to see someone smile after months or get excited when they go out for a walk by themselves or to see a depressed person confidently going back into the community, getting their driving license, returning to study or moving into their apartment. It is rewarding to see someone recover.

Occupational therapists can work across a wide range of fields from rural health to sport or general private practice. Why did you choose to work in mental health?

I have always been fascinated with the facets of mind and how it works so mental health was a natural fit for my first job.

Mental health extends to all areas and is important for recovery from any kind of condition. The skills I have developed by working in mental health are useful in any area of specialisation.

Could you list the skills required to be a successful occupational therapist in mental health?

You need to be a good listener and have a good sense of observation. [You need to] encourage people to tell their stories, be creative and receptive to patients coming up with their own solutions to their problems. Good interaction and communication skills are helpful.

Did you have pre-conceived ideas about the mental health sector before you started working?

I thought it was risky to work in mental health partly because of how mental health is portrayed in the media. The headlines focus on adverse events and not the pleasant ones where someone has had positive impact or made a miraculous recovery.

Of course, patients can present a risk to themselves and others but often this is because they are scared and vulnerable. They aren't bad people.

One of the lessons I have learnt is that as a Mental Health practitioner, my job is to work with my team to foster an environment that enables the consumer and staff to feel safe and to reduce risk factors wherever I can.

Was it difficult to break into the sector?

I was lucky. At the start of university, I was told it was impossible to get into mental health. But by the time I completed my Masters in Occupational Therapy Practice from La Trobe University, a lot of positions opened up and the industry had addressed the need for graduate opportunities.

I applied directly to this position and got my placement while I was still at university.

What message would you give to someone contemplating a career in mental health?

It would be the same for both graduates and those looking for a career change. Try and spend a day at a mental health service. It will help determine if it's the right fit for you and may lead to placement opportunities. I would also suggest talking to people in similar positions to get an idea of what mental health work is really like.

For more information

To find out more about careers in mental health or to apply for jobs in Victoria, visit the Careers in mental health website.