San Diego-based Park Mental Health Treatment Center guides patients toward job readiness, a sign of recovery and mental health.
When someone is mentally healthy, they are more likely to have the focus, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate the job search process effectively. This includes the ability to present well in interviews and handle setbacks that may arise.
However, when a person has a mental disorder like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, it can significantly impact their job readiness and ability to work in a professional environment. Some clients may never work due to the severity of their illness, but it varies person to person.
“Generally speaking, an individual should have at least a few months of sobriety to allow for brain and body healing,” said Park Mental Health Program Director Mikayla Weathers. “We encourage clients to obtain jobs when we see them managing the stressors of treatment and using coping skills versus resorting to drug use or unhealthy patterns of behavior.”
Once clients have received adequate treatment, staff work with them on job readiness skills, which include resume writing, interview role play, and overall work etiquette.
“Throughout treatment, we help clients identify their strengths, interests, and goals, which can align with meaningful employment opportunities,” Weathers said.
Landing a job following in, or outpatient treatment signifies a sense of independence and self-sufficiency—that they take responsibility for their life again.
“It shows that a sense of confidence has been restored and that they can manage the different personalities and stressors that come along with societal integration,” she said.
Some ideal jobs for those reentering the workplace following mental health treatment include entry-level positions such as retail, customer service, or administrative support.
“Jobs like these allow clients to ease back into the workforce with less stress and pressure,” Weathers said.
In addition, flexible or part-time work allows individuals to adjust their schedules to attend recovery meetings or deal with personal issues that may arise.
When someone is mentally healthy, they are more likely to have the focus, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate the job search process effectively. This includes the ability to present well in interviews and handle setbacks that may arise.
However, when a person has a mental disorder like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, it can significantly impact their job readiness and ability to work in a professional environment. Some clients may never work due to the severity of their illness, but it varies person to person.
“Generally speaking, an individual should have at least a few months of sobriety to allow for brain and body healing,” said Park Mental Health Program Director Mikayla Weathers. “We encourage clients to obtain jobs when we see them managing the stressors of treatment and using coping skills versus resorting to drug use or unhealthy patterns of behavior.”
Once clients have received adequate treatment, staff work with them on job readiness skills, which include resume writing, interview role play, and overall work etiquette.
“Throughout treatment, we help clients identify their strengths, interests, and goals, which can align with meaningful employment opportunities,” Weathers said.
Landing a job following in, or outpatient treatment signifies a sense of independence and self-sufficiency—that they take responsibility for their life again.
“It shows that a sense of confidence has been restored and that they can manage the different personalities and stressors that come along with societal integration,” she said.
Some ideal jobs for those reentering the workplace following mental health treatment include entry-level positions such as retail, customer service, or administrative support.
“Jobs like these allow clients to ease back into the workforce with less stress and pressure,” Weathers said.
In addition, flexible or part-time work allows individuals to adjust their schedules to attend recovery meetings or deal with personal issues that may arise.
