I am interested in making a difference in the lives of young children who have a!

I am interested in making a difference in the lives of young children who have a mental illness any suggestion

Dear Kyle....that is very admirable of you. I would suggest that you check to see if there is a mental health facility in your area. If they have an inpatient unit, and you are over 18, you could work as a Mental Health Technician. Some states require licensing and others accept on the job training. This is an excellent way to learn methods and procedures of dealing with inpatients in this type of facility. It allows you contact with the patients under the supervision of an RN. You learn how to deescalate situations, document behaviors to charts and sometimes, with experience you would be allowed to moderate some group therapy sessions. If you are under 18, I would suggest that you study as much as you can. If you look at the DSMV which is the diagnostic "bible" for psychiatric issues, you will be amazed at how difficult and varying the diagnoses of this type of illness can be. You will see why so many people are misdiagnosed and why Psychiatry is such an imperfect science. It is, however, our only option until someone comes up with a better idea. best wishes