.:Resource Guides:Mental Health and Disability-Where Can I Do This Work?
Mental Health & Disability
Where can I do this work?
The work settings in this field are highly diverse, and fall into three basic categories.
Those providing direct treatment or service to clients.
Those that raise money to support the field and/or provide advocacy.
Those that conduct research related to mental health and disabilities.
Those that provide direct treatment or service can be found at the local, regional or national level, while those that raise money or conduct research are usually found at the regional or national level. The majority of opportunities will be found in settings that
provide some type of direct treatment or service to those with mental health or disability challenges. A partial listing follows:
Community mental health organizations
Treatment centers for substance abusers
Hospitals
Residential treatment centers
Nursing homes
Outpatient clinics
Organizations that provide in home services
Group homes for developmentally disabled
Sheltered workshops
Adult day care programs
Shelters for homeless, runaway children, or victims of domestic violence
Rehabilitation facilities
Halfway houses
Schools for special needs populations such as: Landmark College, and Perkins School for the Blind.
Public and private schools that provide services and programs for special needs populations
These facilities may be government run, or may receive some funding from government sources. Others may be funded by private or religious organizations. Here are some selected Web sites:
Perkins School for the Blind - provides diagnostic and educational services to persons who are blind and/or possess multiple disabilities.
Landmark College - a college for high potential students with learning disabilities and AD/HD.
KidsPeace - provides residential and outpatient treatment and education for children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health issues.
Center for Independent Living of Central PA - a nonresidential organization that offers services to people with disabilities to empower them to participate fully in society. There are many CIL organizations across the U.S.
Work settings that do not provide direct service include advocacy groups, professional organizations, scientific and research organizations, and foundations. Here are some selected Web sites:
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law - legal advocacy organization dedicated to the civil rights and human dignity of people with mental health disabilities.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - a grassroots organization which provides education, supports research, and advocates for individuals with brain disorders.
American Psychiatric Association - a professional organization of physicians dedicated to the humane and effective treatment of persons with mental disorders.
American Counseling Association - a professional and educational organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.
