How to Pursue a Career in Mental Health: Ellen’s Story
Ellen Kingren, MS, LMFT, shares her story about having a mental health career at Nystrom & Associates.
Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in mental health? If so, you may have wondered what that career path looks like and how to get started.
In this article, we talk with community-based supervisor and outpatient therapist Ellen Kingren, MS, LMFT. She shares how she got started in the mental health field and how she worked her way up from an intern to a licensed therapist and supervisor, which is insightful for anyone pursuing a career in mental health.
Related: Careers at Nystrom & Associates
Why She Chose a Career in Mental Health
How do you choose a career? Ellen always wanted to be of service, so she knew mental health was the right field for her. “I’ve always felt a deep calling to be a helper,” she says. “My passion for making a difference in the mental health field stems from my desire to offer people hope."
This passion led her to pursue an internship at Nystrom & Associates in 2021, which became an important step in her mental health career.
Related: Ellen shares what it’s like to be a therapist with the Minnesota Star Tribune
Starting as an Intern
As an intern, Ellen worked in-home with children as part of a program called Children’s Therapeutic and Support Services (CTSS). In this role, she met with children and their families in their homes to help them develop healthy coping skills. Ellen notes that this experience greatly benefited her as she began her career in mental health. “It was a fantastic first step in learning how to engage with children and families in their own environments,” she says. This foundation was critical for anyone aspiring to build a solid mental health career.
After Graduation: Working in Community-Based, Family Therapy
After she completed her master's degree in marriage and family therapy, Ellen returned to Nystrom. She accepted a position in another community-based therapy program, Systemic Family Therapy (SFT). In this program, she provided intense, in-home family therapy for children and adolescents dealing with severe emotional disturbances.
While this position was extremely challenging, she came away with a deeper understanding of herself, her career path, and how to work with a team of mental health professionals. She says:
“During my three years in the SFT program, I gained a profound understanding of myself as a clinician. I embraced a systemic approach, considering all factors influencing mental health challenges. I also learned the importance of collaboration with other professionals and offering support in creative, individualized ways. Balancing boundaries with compassion was a crucial part of my growth. The team aspect of the program played a significant role in my success and longevity in that role.”
Related: Daily Habits to Manage Workplace Anxiety
Now, Working as a Supervisor and Outpatient Therapist
Currently, Ellen works as an outpatient therapist in Apple Valley, Minnesota, as a supervisor for the community-based adult program ARMHS. Additionally, she was recently featured in the Minnesota Star Tribune’s “In Their Shoes” series and continues working with clients and mentoring community-based providers.
She says she enjoys the balance between managing her client list and supporting her supervisees in the ARMHS program. “I get to maintain my own caseload of clients and continue my love for community-based work. I consider myself fortunate to support upcoming clinicians in the same ways that helped me develop my career in mental health.”
Related: Counseling & Therapy Services
Mental Health Careers at Nystrom & Associates
If you’re looking to start a career in mental health, then you’ll need a supportive environment with a great team. Ellen says she’s found that at Nystrom & Associates. “I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing a career at Nystrom & Associates,” she says. “Throughout my journey here, I’ve faced many personal challenges, but the support I’ve received from directors, supervisors, and colleagues has been unwavering.”
After working in four different programs, she’s found that there are “always opportunities for change, growth, and advancement” in the organization.
“Nystrom has been with me from my days as an intern in grad school to where I am now as a fully licensed therapist, and their support has been a huge part of my success in my career in mental health,” she says. “Whether you know exactly where you’re headed or are still figuring it out, Nystrom & Associates will support you every step of the way.”
If you’d like to learn more about finding a career in mental health at Nystrom, check out our open positions or email recruiting@nystromcounseling.com!
