From What can you do with a degree in psychology?

Youth Mental Health Worker (Julia Sormaz)

General Overview

A youth mental health worker can work in various environments such as schools, hospitals, and youth homes. They will provide the young individuals and their family with counseling and support services either through one on one contact or refer them to other appropriate interventions. They will be involved with educating and treating high-risk youth and providing them with resources within the community to provide them help. A youth mental health worker is able to provide a secure and confidential place where youth can go to receive treatment and support. They are able to teach problem-solving and coping skills and positive outlets to release emotion. Youth mental health workers are also involved in awareness and prevention within schools and youth groups, and often organize youth mental health workshops and events.^[1]

Job Duties and Responsibilities

A youth mental health worker is responsible to report to the senior administrative officer and is responsible for providing pre assessments to youth to determine what they need help with. They are also responsible for treating the youth through counseling and therapy techniques. They provide confidentiality and trust to all of their patients. They are also responsible for accepting referrals and assessing the mental status and the overall health status of the patient before beginning treatment. They are also responsible for implementing awareness events and talks throughout schools and youth groups, they are to provide youth with contacts and resources if ever in need. They are responsible for keeping confidential records and notes of patients and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment. They keep up with new research and new treatment methods and new studies in the area of mental health and children and youth.^[2]