Beyond the Bedside: The Vital Role Nurses Play in Supporting Mental Health

This continuing lack of mental health treatment could be a result of multiple factors, including stigma surrounding mental illness, lack of access to mental health services, or lack of awareness of available treatment options. These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and access to mental health services to help address the mental health needs of individuals across the country.

While mental health is not a new issue, there have been a growing number of conversations surrounding mental health access and care. This is an encouraging trend. However, the issue ultimately remains that there are not currently enough healthcare providers in the United States to meet all the demands for mental healthcare, with the World Health Organization predicting a shortage of 15 million healthcare workers worldwide by 2030. That is unless you and other future professionals step up to directly combat the mental health crisis. 

• Addiction Nursing: As an addiction nurse, you will work closely with patients who are struggling with substance abuse. You will be responsible for providing education and support to patients and their families, as well as helping patients develop coping skills and strategies for managing their addiction.

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Nursing: These nurses work with children and adolescents who have mental health disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. As a child and adolescent mental health nurse, you will most likely work in schools, hospitals, clinics, or community health centers.

• Forensic Nursing: Forensic nurses provide care and support to patients who have experienced trauma or abuse, including those who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse. These nurses can make an important difference in the process of delivering justice for those in need.

• Geriatric Mental Health Nursing: If you’re looking to work with an older demographic, consider specializing in geriatrics. In this role, you’ll work with older adults in healthcare settings that serve to address mental health challenges.

• Psychiatric Nursing: Psychiatric nurses provide care and support to patients with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other serious mental illness. They often work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.