The mental health industry offers steady career opportunities with competitive salaries in many roles. Many entry-level and support positions in mental health do not require a four-year degree, which makes this a viable option for career changers and new job seekers.
As of 2025, the demand for mental health workers is rising nationwide, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting faster-than-average growth in many entry-level support roles such as psychiatric aides, social services assistants, and home health aides.1-3 This growing demand means that people without a college degree will still have multiple pathways into the mental health field.
What Is Mental Health?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health is defined as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.4 Careers in this field typically focus on supporting people that are experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and developmental challenges. Mental health professionals help individuals to build coping skills, manage daily stress, and access resources that improve their quality of life.
Some careers in mental health will require advanced education and clinical training, while others only require a high school diploma or a short-term certification. Entry-level roles in this industry can provide a solid pay and clear pathways for career advancement.
Median Salaries & Job Growth for Mental Health Support Roles
Here are current median salaries and job growth projections for mental health support roles that do not require a four‑year degree:
- Psychiatric Technicians & Aides – Median salary: $42,200; projected job growth: 13%1
- Home Health & Personal Care Aides – Median salary: $34,900; projected growth: 21%3
- Community & Social Service Roles (e.g., Social Services Assistants) – Expect about 48,000 openings per year) due to job growth and turnover, which is faster-than-average growth.2
Even with just a high school diploma, GED, or short-term certification, you can enter roles like psychiatric aide or home health aide. These roles offer median salaries from $34,900 to $42,000 with projected growth of 13–21% over the next decade which makes them accessible and in-demand career pathways.1-3
Essential Skills for Mental Health Jobs Without a Degree
Mental health professionals need a mix of interpersonal and practical skills to succeed, even in roles that don’t require a college degree.
- Communication Skills – Strong listening and speaking abilities will help workers build trust, explain treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare teams.
- Critical Thinking and Decision-Making – Many roles involve responding to crises, assessing patient needs, and de-escalating situations. Training programs often include crisis-intervention techniques to prepare workers for these moments.
- Social and Cultural Awareness – Social perceptiveness and cultural competence are also key to understanding these patients’ experiences. It’s important to recognize verbal and nonverbal cues while also respecting the cultural factors that influence mental health.
- Digital and Record-Keeping Skills – As telehealth and electronic health records (EHR) become standard practice, basic computer literacy and comfort with healthcare software are increasingly important in these roles.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles like psychiatric aides and home health aides often require only a high school diploma or short-term training, but employers consistently rank soft skills, such as empathy, communication, and cultural awareness, among the most valuable qualities when hiring.
Education Requirements for Mental Health Jobs Without a Degree
Educational requirements will vary role to role. Entry-level mental health jobs, such as psychiatric aides, peer support specialists, or home health aides, typically require a high school diploma or GED. Some positions may also call for short-term certifications or supervised on-the-job training.
By contrast, careers in research, therapy, or counseling generally require advanced education, often at the master’s degree level or higher, to meet state licensing requirements. Training and continuing education are also essential for these roles, as employers expect workers to demonstrate their skills in crisis intervention, patient care, and professional ethics.
As of 2025, the BLS notes that most home health and personal care aides enter the field with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.3 This means that candidates can start working in mental health without a degree, but they should be prepared for continuous learning and skills development throughout their career.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
College is not for everyone, in part because of the rising costs and heavy burden of student loans. This makes non-degree pathways, such as certifications, apprenticeships, or vocational training, an accessible option for many people pursuing mental health careers.
Although many mental health careers require you to receive a higher education degree, there are still multiple entry-level mental health jobs that you can get without a degree. These roles are made accessible through certifications, short training programs, and apprenticeships.
Steps to Get a Mental Health Job with a GED in 2025
If you already have your GED, you can still build a career in the mental health field by focusing on your skills, training, and experience.
Step 1: Consider Your Skills and Career Goals
Identify the skills you already have and the ones that are needed for your target role. For example, jobs like a psychiatric aide or peer support specialist emphasize communication, empathy, and crisis-management skills.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
Internships, volunteer work, or an entry-level healthcare support role can all provide you with valuable experience. Employers often value demonstrated skills, such as empathy, teamwork, and basic record-keeping, just as much as formal education.
Step 3: Curate Your Resume
We recommend that you highlight your GED credential along with your relevant work, training, or certifications in areas like CPR, first aid, or peer support. This experience shows employers that you’re committed to professional development.
Step 4: Research Employers
When applying for entry-level roles, try to research your potential employers to understand their values, benefits, and growth opportunities. This can help you be intentional and choose an environment where you’ll thrive.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Practice common interview questions, develop clear examples of how you’ve solved problems, and rehearse with a mentor or peer to build confidence in your interview prep.
As of 2025, job postings on Indeed and Glassdoor show that many employers hiring for roles like psychiatric aide, home health aide, or peer support specialist list a GED plus basic healthcare certifications as the preferred qualifications. Completing short training programs alongside your diploma can also make you a more competitive candidate.
Best Mental Health Jobs Without a Degree: Salaries and Outlook in 2025
There are several mental health jobs without a four-year degree that offer competitive salaries. While most require at least training or a short-term certification, these jobs provide stable income and growth opportunities without the need for traditional college education.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Job Outlook (2023–2033) |
| Community Health Worker | $51,0305 | 13% growth |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselor* | $59,1906 | 19% growth |
| Medical Records & Health Information Specialist | $50,2507 | 9% growth |
| Psychiatric Aide | $42,2001 | 13% growth |
| Home Health & Personal Care Aide (includes Caregivers) | $34,9003 | 21% growth |
*Counselor roles often require advanced degrees, but they reflect strong overall demand in mental health.
As of 2025, the fastest-growing roles for candidates without a degree are home health and personal care aides (21% growth, $34,900 median salary) and psychiatric aides (13% growth, $42,200).1,3 These jobs require only a high school diploma or equivalent plus short-term training, making them among the most accessible entry points into mental health careers.
Detailed Look at the Best Mental Health Jobs Without a Degree (2025)
Healthcare support jobs can be a fulfilling career path that pays well without requiring a four-year degree. Below is a closer look at some popular options:
Community Health Worker
Community health workers connect patients with services, deliver health education, and advocate for underserved populations. They often work in clinics, non-profits, or local government entities. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $51,030 and projected growth of 13% over the next decade.5
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselor
These counselors provide therapy and treatment planning for individuals dealing with substance misuse or behavioral issues. They can work in rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, and community health programs. The median annual wage is $59,190, with projected job growth of 19% in the next decade.6 Note: Many counseling roles require a master’s degree, but growth trends reflect strong demand in the field overall.
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Medical Records & Health Information Specialist
These specialists manage patient files, billing codes, and healthcare data for organizations. Increasing the use of electronic health records (EHR) makes this role essential for hospitals, clinics, and non-profits. The median salary is $50,250, and these professionals have an expected growth rate of 8% in the next decade.7
Psychiatric Aide
Psychiatric aides support patients in mental health hospitals and residential facilities. They monitor behaviors, assist with daily living, and work alongside nurses and technicians in a coordinated care team. The median salary is $42,200, with projected growth of 13% in the next decade.1
Home Health & Personal Care Aide
These aides, which are often called caregivers, provide assistance with daily living, including bathing, meals, and basic health monitoring. They may also work with clients to help manage mental health conditions. The median salary is $34,900 with a very strong projected growth rate of 21% in the next decade.3
As of 2025, the roles with the strongest growth for non-degree candidates are home health and personal care aides (+21% growth) and psychiatric aides (+13% growth). Together, these occupations account for hundreds of thousands of projected job openings each year, which underscores the scale of opportunities for these job seekers that are entering the mental health field without a college degree.1,3
Top Employers Hiring for Entry-Level Mental Health Jobs in 2025
Several major organizations regularly hire for entry-level roles in the mental health field, including positions open to candidates with a high school diploma or GED.
- US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – The VA operates many healthcare facilities across the country, offering services to veterans. Entry-level opportunities include peer support specialists, medical support assistants, and health technicians.
- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – As a nationally recognized nonprofit for addiction treatment and mental health services, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation employs residential assistants, administrative staff, and clinical support workers.
- Universal Health Services (UHS) – One of the largest behavioral health providers in the country, UHS runs a ton of health facilities that frequently hire psychiatric aides, intake specialists, and behavioral health technicians.
- RI International – A nonprofit that focuses on crisis stabilization, peer support, and community-based services. RI International offers accessible roles for candidates that do not have a college degree.
- Lifeline Connections – Based in the Pacific Northwest, Lifeline Connections provides mental health and addiction recovery programs and hires peer support staff and residential aides (that you don’t need a college degree for).
As of 2025, large hospital systems and national nonprofits remain among the most consistent sources of entry-level hiring in the mental health field. Universal Health Services (UHS), for example, regularly lists hundreds of job postings for psychiatric aides and behavioral health technicians nationwide.
Best Job Boards for Mental Health Jobs Without a Degree (2025)
If you’re starting a career in mental health without a college degree, online job boards are one of the best ways to find opportunities.
- Indeed – As the largest US job board, Indeed lists thousands of openings for psychiatric aides, home health aides, and peer support specialists. Applicants can filter by “no degree” or “high school diploma” requirements.
- Glassdoor – In addition to job postings, Glassdoor also provides company reviews and salary estimates, which helps job seekers compare employers before applying.
- LinkedIn – LinkedIn highlights healthcare and nonprofit roles and allows applicants to showcase certifications and volunteer experience.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing Career Center – A specialized board with postings from behavioral health organizations nationwide, including entry-level positions.
- Niche Boards – Smaller job boards that focus on behavioral health and counseling and often feature job listings that do not require advanced degrees.
Why Earning a Mental Health Degree Later Can Advance Your Career
Some mental health careers, such as licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, or marriage and family therapists, require advanced education and state licensing. Other opportunities in research or clinical program management will also typically require at least a master’s degree.
Earning a degree in psychology, social work, or counseling can significantly expand your career options, increase your earning potential, and allow you to specialize in areas like child psychology, addiction counseling, or trauma therapy. Pursuing a mental health degree can also open additional career pathways and allow you to specialize, but the right choice will depend on your personal goals and resources.
As of 2025, BLS data shows that licensed mental health counselors and clinical social workers, which are roles that require at least a master’s degree, earn median salaries of $61,330, which is notably higher than most entry-level support positions.8 For many workers, starting in an entry-level aide or assistant role and later completing a degree is a practical career pathway.
Mental Health Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
You can find the right mental health career for you by matching your skills, interests, and educational background with the demands of the roles you are looking at. Entry-level options without a degree include psychiatric aides, home health aides, peer support specialists, and community health workers. More advanced paths, like a counselor or psychologist, will require a graduate degree and state licensure. Career assessments, volunteer experience, and informational interviews can also help you decide which role best fits your career goals.
Counseling can be a rewarding career, offering meaningful work and steady demand. According to the BLS, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median salary of $59,190, with job growth projected at 19% over the next decade.6 However, it’s important to note that counseling typically requires at least a master’s degree and licensure, so it is not considered an entry-level mental health job without a degree.
Yes, psychology continues to be a growing field. In 2025, the BLS projects steady demand for psychologists, with employment expected to grow 7% in the next decade, which is faster than average for all jobs.9 Careers span clinical psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and school psychology, most of which require advanced degrees. For those without a degree, related support roles in psychology and mental health still offer accessible entry points.
No, psychology is not useless. Psychology provides valuable insights into human behavior that apply across healthcare, education, business, and research. Professionals that are trained in psychology can contribute to clinical practice, organizational development, and community well-being. Even for those without a psychology degree, knowledge of the field can strengthen careers in related support roles like peer support, case management, or social services.
References
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/psychiatric-technicians-and-aides.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/index.html
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
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