The qualifications and skills that you need to start a career in mental health depend on your career plans. To become a psychiatrist, you must complete medical school and residency in a psychiatry program, obtain a state license, and become board-certified. Psychologists, mental health counselors, and mental health social workers need at least a master’s degree, and clinical psychologists need a doctorate. Mental health aides and mental health technicians may find employment with an associate degree, and nurses may specialize in mental health with an associate or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.