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Studying Psychology Can Open the Door to Many Career Opportunities - Video

Are you looking for a degree that can lead to a rewarding career path? There is a real need for people with psychology degrees. Dr. Ahalya Hejmadi, Collegiate Professor, Behavioral Science and Gerontology explains how since the pandemic, there has been a shortage of mental health professionals and the healthcare system has been overburdened with requests for support, especially in underserved communities. UMGC also offers certificates in Clinical Mental Health Care and Applied Social Sciences.

Transcript

VIDEOAUDIO

Title Graphic: STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY OPENS DOORS
Lower third:
AHALYA HEJMADI, PhD
COLLEGIATE PROFESSOR
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE & GERONTOLOGY UMGC

B-roll of people in therapy

(music)

ON CAMERA: A degree in psychology can open the door to a variety of career opportunities.

VOICEOVER: With the rise of mental health issues during the pandemic, our healthcare system has been overburdened, resulting in an increased need for mental health professionals.

B&W stills with graphics:
42% reported anxiety or depression Pre-COVID: 11%
- The Association of American Medical Colleges

44% of HS students felt sad or hopeless
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Substance abuse rates increased
- American Psychological Association

46% of psychologists unable to meet demand
- American Psychological Association

VOICEOVER: At the height of the pandemic, over 42% of adults1 reported symptoms of anxiety or depression compared with 11% pre-COVID.

44% of high school students said they felt sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row.2

Substance abuse rates also increased.3

Psychologists continue to be overwhelmed by the increased demand for their services. 4

This crisis has been more pronounced in underserved communities where there is limited access to medical services.

B-roll: Rural communities, wide open spaces, addict

Telehealth office visits, Patient in her home, therapist in an office

Young woman works at her computer.

Patients talk to mental health professionals.

VOICEOVER: For example, rural areas have higher-than-average rates of substance abuse. Yet, the nearest providers may be hundreds of miles away.

Mental health professionals rose to the challenge and introduced telehealth care.

Some patients are given self-paced modules for cognitive behavioral therapy to use in-between visits.

In consultation with psychiatrists, many health care physicians now offer mental health screening.

ON CAMERAON CAMERA: These innovations are encouraging. However, we still do not have nearly enough professionals to treat everyone who is suffering.
Montage of adults and teens

VOICEOVER: Some researchers fear that this deterioration in adults’ and teens’ mental health could linger long after the pandemic has subsided.5

We have the tools to build people's resilience, especially children.

ON CAMERAON CAMERA: If you have the desire to serve others, study psychology with us.
B-roll: People interacting with others in a variety of business settingsVOICEOVER: It can also help you become more effective in whatever career you pursue - whether it’s business, education, health care or criminal justice.

Lower third:
AHALYA HEJMADI, PhD
COLLEGIATE PROFESSOR
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE & GERONTOLOGY UMGC

UMGC ANIMATED LOGO
URL: umgc.edu/requestinfo

ON CAMERA: With a UMGC Associates degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, or a certificate in Clinical Mental Health Care, you can become a force multiplier for positive change.

VOICEOVER: Enroll now.

(Music)

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