Mental Health and Work: What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know

Work and mental health are intricately intertwined. Work can cause mental illness in people who were not predisposed to it (e.g., PTSD among combat veterans) and work can facilitate adjustment and well-being among people with psychological disorders. Yet, despite considerable evidence linking work and mental health, the topic is neglected in most mental health training programs. This workshop will provide an introduction to some of the most important issues psychotherapists need to know about work. Suggestions for further learning included.

• Describe some of the major ways work and career affect, and in turn are affected by, people’s mental health.
• Discuss the ways in which work can be incorporated into psychotherapy.

Rodney L. Lowman, PhD, ABAP