Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.: The DTI for this program is 58.8%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $38943) to the average debt ($22880) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 58.8%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($38943) against the typical student debt ($22880), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $38943, and the average student debt is $22880, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.59—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 31550 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other (CIP 51.1599) is a broad healthcare and human services field focused on supporting mental, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being through non-physician, allied, and interdisciplinary roles. This classification includes emerging, hybrid, or specialized programs that do not fit neatly into a single licensed profession such as counseling, psychology, or social work alone. It reflects how modern mental health care is delivered through teams that integrate clinical support, community services, case management, prevention, and advocacy.
For a degree search site, Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other represents one of the fastest-growing and most socially impactful areas of healthcare. Mental health is now recognized as essential to overall health, workforce productivity, education outcomes, and community stability. This degree appeals to students who want a people-centered career helping individuals and communities cope, heal, and function better without necessarily becoming a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
What Is Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions?
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other refers to academic and career-focused programs that prepare students for supportive, preventive, and applied roles in mental and social health. Programs under this CIP code often combine elements of psychology, social work, public health, counseling support, behavioral science, and community services.
These programs exist because mental health care extends far beyond therapy sessions. Many roles focus on access, coordination, prevention, recovery support, crisis response, and social determinants of health rather than diagnosis alone.
This degree category typically focuses on:
- Mental and behavioral health foundations
- Social and environmental influences on well-being
- Supportive and rehabilitative mental health services
- Community-based and population-level interventions
- Ethical, cultural, and trauma-informed care
Colleges, universities, and health training institutions offer these programs to:
- Prepare students for allied and support roles in mental health systems
- Address workforce shortages in behavioral health services
- Support community-based and preventive mental health care
- Provide pathways into advanced mental health professions
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how mental health and social well-being are shaped by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Coursework emphasizes understanding mental and behavioral conditions, recognizing risk factors, and applying supportive strategies that help individuals function more effectively in daily life.
The curriculum blends theory with applied practice. Students learn communication skills, behavioral observation, crisis awareness, documentation, ethics, and referral processes. Many programs emphasize trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and recovery-oriented approaches that respect individual dignity and autonomy.
Hands-on learning is common. Programs may include supervised fieldwork, practicums, or community placements in mental health agencies, schools, hospitals, nonprofits, or social service organizations.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates of mental and social health allied programs typically develop:
- Foundational understanding of mental and behavioral health
- Supportive counseling and communication skills
- Crisis awareness and de-escalation techniques
- Case management and service coordination abilities
- Documentation and ethical recordkeeping skills
- Cultural competence and trauma-informed care
- Interdisciplinary teamwork and referral skills
- Community outreach and advocacy skills
These skills are essential for working within modern, team-based mental health systems.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but often includes:
- Introduction to Mental and Social Health Services
- Abnormal Psychology and Behavioral Health
- Social Determinants of Health
- Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
- Trauma-Informed and Recovery-Oriented Care
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Mental Health Services
- Community Mental Health Systems
- Fieldwork, Practicum, or Service Learning
Programs often emphasize real-world application and community engagement.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other prepares students for supportive, non-licensed, or pre-licensed roles within mental health and social service systems. Job titles vary based on training focus and local regulations.
Common career paths include:
- Mental Health or Behavioral Health Technician
- Psychiatric or Residential Support Specialist
- Case Manager or Care Coordinator
- Community Mental Health Worker
- Substance Use or Recovery Support Specialist
- Crisis Line or Outreach Worker
- Behavioral Health Program Assistant
- Pathway to Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology Graduate Programs
Many graduates use this degree as a stepping stone to licensed mental health professions.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly work in:
- Community mental health centers
- Hospitals and behavioral health units
- Substance use treatment and recovery programs
- Schools and youth support organizations
- Nonprofit and social service agencies
- Residential treatment or group homes
- Correctional and justice-related programs
- Public health and government agencies
These roles focus on access, support, stabilization, and long-term well-being.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary based on role, location, and experience:
- Entry-level mental health support roles often earn $38,000–$50,000
- Experienced case managers or specialists commonly earn $50,000–$65,000
- Supervisory or specialized allied roles can reach $70,000–$85,000+
Graduate degrees and licensure significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other is emotionally demanding and professionally challenging. While the academic content is accessible to many students, the work requires resilience, empathy, and strong boundaries. Students must learn to support others while managing stress and avoiding burnout.
The challenge lies in balancing compassion with professionalism and self-care.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Want to help people facing mental or social challenges
- Are interested in psychology, social work, or public health
- Prefer hands-on, people-centered careers
- Value meaningful work and community impact
- Plan to pursue graduate study in mental health fields
How to Prepare in High School and College
To prepare for mental and social health programs:
- Take psychology, sociology, and health science courses
- Develop strong communication and listening skills
- Volunteer with community organizations or crisis services
- Learn about mental health advocacy and stigma reduction
- Practice self-awareness, resilience, and stress management
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other (CIP 51.1599) represents a critical frontline of modern healthcare. It prepares professionals who support recovery, stability, and dignity for individuals and communities facing mental and social challenges. For students driven by empathy, purpose, and real-world impact, this degree offers a meaningful, flexible, and increasingly essential pathway into the mental and social health workforce.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor