Mental Health Support Worker
Support people living with mental health conditions day to day, in the community or a care setting.
Save this career to see your personalized pathway in My Senda.
- Typical pay
- €22k–€34k
- Usual education
- School leaver friendly
- Outlook
- High demand and an accessible route into nursing or therapy careers.
A day in the life
Check in with the people you support, help with a GP appointment, de-escalate a difficult moment, and write up notes.
Ways in
- No degree needed
- Health and social care apprenticeship
- Volunteering then paid role
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Ciencias y Tecnología
Portugal
Ciências e Tecnologias
France
Bac général — spécialités
Germany
Oberstufe — Leistungskurse
Italy
Liceo scientifico
Netherlands
Profiel Natuur & Gezondheid
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
Diploma in Counselling & Mental Health Support
Practical training for support roles in mental health services.
Practical, quick route into support work.
Helpful school subjects: Psychology
Social Integration (Grado Superior)
Supporting people with disabilities, addiction or social exclusion, with long placements.
Long supervised placements in real support services.
Helpful school subjects: Social care, Psychology, Support planning
MBO Healthcare Support (Level 3/4)
Dutch vocational route into nursing assistance and community care, largely learned on placement.
Dutch care route learned mostly on placement.
Helpful school subjects: Patient care, Anatomy, Communication
BSc Psychology
Human behaviour, research methods and mental health foundations.
Opens progression into therapy training.
Helpful school subjects: Psychology, Biology, Maths