Also known as mental health case managers, psychology case managers specialize in assisting individuals with the care they need to deal with mental health issues. They may work in hospitals, mental health facilities and residential substance abuse treatment centers. Launching a career as a psychology case manager may start with enrolling in an undergraduate-level online applied psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Psychology Case Manager Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors — an occupational category that would include many psychology and mental health case managers — will increase 19% between 2023 and 2033. This job growth rate is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations in coming years.
Job growth will occur due to an expanding population and increased demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Job seekers with advanced education or specialized training should enjoy the best career opportunities.
What Does a Mental Health Case Manager Do?
Typically, psychology and mental health case managers visit with children, adults or families, interviewing them and taking notes to use in assessments. They evaluate treatment options and create a plan to help clients overcome issues and modify behavior. Providing intervention services to help clients avoid future problems is also a key function for psychology case manager jobs.
Psychology case managers may work with a team of professionals to bring a full range of health services to individuals. Evaluation and follow-up are also important aspects of this position. Some psychology case managers specialize in a particular area, such as working with children or the elderly. They must document their work and file mandated forms. Thus, record-keeping and report writing are common job duties.
Psychology case managers typically spend much of their careers in offices, hospitals, clinics, government agencies or private practices. While these professionals often work a 40-hour week, their schedules may require evening or weekend hours, and travel is sometimes necessary.
Psychology and Mental Health Case Management Salary
BLS reports that case managers and other substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $53,710 in 2023. The highest-paid 10% of these professionals earned an annual salary of more than $89,920.
Recent associate or bachelor’s degree graduates generally start out toward the lower end of the salary range. Professionals can increase their earnings with experience and further graduate education. For instance, individuals with sufficient advanced education can work as full-fledged psychologists. BLS reports these professionals made a median salary of $92,740 per year in 2023, with top earners making more than $151,880.
Education and Training for Psychology Case Manager Jobs
Entry-level psychology case manager jobs generally require a bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer candidates with previous experience. Online programs such as those offered by Florida Tech allow professionals to gain needed experience and education at the same time.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology is generally the first step toward a career in psychology case management, though an aspiring professional may begin with an Associate of Art (AA) in psychology and advance their education further as they choose. Beyond an AA in Applied Psychology, Florida Tech offers several specialized, 100% online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology programs, including:
- BA in Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy
- BA in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology
- BA in Applied Psychology – Forensic Psychology
- BA in Applied Psychology – Organizational Psychology
Coursework in these programs vary according to the specialized focus, but the programs share several core applied psychology courses. These courses cover topics such as applied psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, professional and ethical issues, multicultural issues, psychology of learning and motivation, and personal and professional development. Employers can be confident that graduates of an applied psychology program focused on these subjects are able to:
- Recognize the basics of investigative techniques and relevant research
- Develop practical solutions to problems faced by individuals in the mental health care system
- Comprehend the biology behind emotion, motivation and learning
- Analyze human nature, behavior and criminality
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to achieve professional success as a psychology case manager
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It may be possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use a tuition assistance program to pay for a master’s degree.
What Makes a Psychology Case Manager Job a Good Career Choice?
Becoming a case manager in psychology and mental health requires education, skill development and experience. Important traits for psychology case managers include the ability to assess client needs and advocate for them, as well as strong communication, writing and interpersonal skills. Empathy and sensitivity are also essential attributes.
Individuals who have these qualities may be good candidates for a psychology case manager career. With online degree programs like Florida Tech’s, aspiring professionals can pursue this career while advancing their education and expanding their job opportunities.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Applied Psychology programs.
