Mental health is a state of well-being across emotional, psychological, and social aspects. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. With positive mental health, people could actualize their potential, perform productively at work, handle stressful events, and contribute to the community.
On the other hand, having a mental health condition is not something to be ashamed of because it is not uncommon. The World Health Organization reported that about 20% of children and adolescents experience a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety as the most prevalent conditions. Problems with one’s mental health could arise due to biological makeup, family history, or traumatic life experiences.
Nowadays, more people are starting to pay attention to their mental health the same way they attend to their physical health. They are more open to recognizing their mental health concern and seeking proper treatment. Treatments can range from psychotherapy to medication. Connecting with and getting support from peers or groups is also commonly recommended.
Several practitioners provide mental health services for the global population, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and social workers. They can work in various settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and individual practices.
There are different degree requirements for each mental health profession, but a master’s degree is often required at the minimum. An undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related course may be completed followed by additional education related to their specialization. Licensure examinations may be required as well, depending on state laws, to perform services like counseling and therapy. Students interested in this field could get excellent education and training from some of the best mental health schools in the world we will talk about below.
What Major is Best for a Mental Health Therapist?
If you intend to be a therapist with a particular interest in mental health, consider studying Psychology. Majoring in Psychology will provide you with the basic foundations and principles that will help you in your pursuit of a postgraduate degree. Admittedly, the path is long for anyone to become a therapist. However, if this is your passion, it is definitely worth your while. A licensed therapist needs to have at least a Master’s degree, so make that your goal, and if you want to further your studies in the field, a Ph.D. will do wonders in today’s job market. Unfortunately, we currently have no particular psychology courses to suggest. Still, you can check out our Open Courses Page for possible related courses.
Top Mental Health Schools in the World
1. Harvard University
Considered as one of the best mental health schools in the world, Harvard University was home to several valuable contributors in the history of Psychology including renowned psychologists Gordon Allport, Raymond Cattell, Erik Erikson, and B.F. Skinner. This makes Psychology one of the most sought-after courses in the university.
The school currently has 27 faculty members supporting their academic programs and research work. Students can choose one of their four pathways for undergraduate studies, or one of two tracks for their Ph.D. program namely Clinical Science or the Common Curriculum. Additionally, the university offers core psychiatric education, clerkship, and fellowship opportunities for medical students.
2. Stanford University
At Stanford University, undergraduate students can major or minor in Psychology with various pathways available such as cognitive science, health psychology, and neuroscience to fit their interests.
They also have a comprehensive Ph.D. program that focuses on significant scholarship, practical experience, and independent research in Psychology. Graduate students of Stanford, such as those completing their PhD, JD, or MD degree, could apply for the bestowment of the Master’s degree in Psychology. Finally, this prestigious mental health school also has an MD program for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
3. King’s College London
A leading school for mental health, King’s College London offers a fully-accredited Bachelor’s degree program in Psychology that is taught by world-class faculty. Their curriculum combines empirical and clinical competence, built upon the oldest Clinical Psychology program in the United Kingdom. They partnered with a hospital in London to give their students volunteer and employment opportunities.
The university also offers a postgraduate MS program on Mental Health Studies, which deepens one’s understanding of mental health and experience in research. Upon completion, students become more prepared for clinical training and more equipped to pursue mental health careers. A Ph.D. is also available, allowing students to pursue research in any of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience’s 14 departments.
4. University of Amsterdam
As one of the world’s best mental health schools, the University of Amsterdam’s Psychology program was ranked first in Europe by the Times Higher Education. It is known for its vast specializations in Psychology and highly interactive small-scale learning sessions.
The Bachelor’s degree in Psychology is designed for 3 years with opportunities for research and exchange programs. In addition to this, the school offers several Master’s programs, one of which is the Health Promotion and Behavior Change track. This program takes one year to complete, providing students with the knowledge and skills to prevent and address unhealthy behaviors, as well as promote healthy behaviors.
5. Yale University
Yale University is a competent mental health institution that has a comprehensive Psychology program consisting of undergraduate, graduate, and empirical studies. With the Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, students can choose to take the Standard or Neuroscience track. There are also doctorate programs in the field of Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Neuroscience, and Personality Psychology. Likewise, in-depth research is being conducted by the university in the same five fields.
The school is also known for its Department of Psychiatry, which opens educational opportunities for medical students and those undergoing their residency, and clinical fellowships. Aside from this, they are considered a global leader in patient care and research.
6. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford presents undergraduate degree options in the field of mental health including a 4-year Master’s in Experimental Psychology and a 3-year Bachelor’s in Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics (PPL). In the latter option, students may continue their studies for another year, focused on research and clinical aspect, to earn a Master’s in PPL. Furthermore, a doctorate in Clinical Psychology is also available to train practitioners in clinical, academic, and research settings.
7. University of Toronto
At the University of Toronto, undergraduate students can either minor or major in Psychology. They have a Specialist Program as well, which requires more units to complete and could be an advantage if one would consider pursuing graduate studies.
Their graduate program is globally recognized for its tri-campus and faculty experts in experimental psychology. They have a direct-entry Ph.D. program that can be completed in 5 years. Master’s degree holders from other institutions of the university can be exempted from their external research project in exchange for another requirement, shortening the completion of a Ph.D. in Psychology from five to four years.
We hope that you found this article on the best mental health schools in the world informative and helpful. To know more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
