Can I be a mental health counselor/graduate from a rehabilitation program if I have a mental disorder?

Can I be a mental health counselor/graduate from a rehabilitation program if I have a mental disorder?I was diagnosed with Bipolar I in February of last year (2010). In high school I came across the rehabilitation program at a local university here in Texas and really liked the idea of pursuing a career in it. However, I also discovered the pharmacy career and was immediately drawn to the salary. With that being said I forgot about all other things I wanted to pursue (there was a huge list, rehabilitation was only one of them) I have been pursuing a pharmacy career mostly by majoring in Biochemistry (and having taken some of the pharmacy school pre-requisites) I still have a ways to go, as far as studying and doing well on the PCAT, finishing my bachelors degree (right now in biochemistry -I want to change it) After I had my first episode in college I was required to take a year off school. In that time I've reconsidered the rehabilitation career but don't really feel to sure if its for me. I feel sometimes that it could be slightly hypocritical for me to help other when I myself will be receiving treatment for my disorder. Let me know what you think about anything I have just mentioned. I want to still pursue pharmacy. Just want to change how I'm getting there... as far as what I choose to get my bachelors degree in. Im thinking of switching my biochemistry (which has a lot of the pre-requisites for pharmacy school) to either biology w/ minor in psychology, double major biology and psychology, or just rehabilitation studies. IDK I wish I could have somebody point me in the right direction.

Answer by takuwan_199
While your condition may affect your studies and mental stability during your studies, there would be absolutely no affect of you getting into these programs as long as you meet the requirements (eg. Grades, character etc.) that the school likes. If you took time of school, the admissions may questions this, but since you have a medical reason for taking it off, I don't think it is a huge issue. At the most, be prepared to answer why you took the time off, how that affected you, does it still affect you and was anything gained from that experience.

Also there is nothing hypocritical for you to be in a position to help. In fact, it could be beneficial because you can directly relate to the patients that you may help. It's like a doctor that has a smoking problem. Just because a doctor smokes, doesn't mean that the doctor can't be in a position to help his/her patients quit. He/She could maybe tell the patient about his/her struggles, or things that did help. Yes maybe hypocritical, but patients might take comfort in that. Plus, why does the patient have to know in the first place? If the ultimate goal is to bring about the best circumstance in the patient without hurting them (because your own past bipolar treatment or you smoking yourself doesn't hurt them), isn't that good enough?

Unfortunately, I can't make a decision for you for what career is the best area. You have to decide. They are all great and rewarding careers. If you not sure still, try job shadowing. Find about specialized areas. My sister for example is a Pharmacy Doctorate and works as a cardiology specialist. That is something that most people don't think of as a pharmacist, but that is definitely an area that can be pursued.

Anyway, I wish the best for you. You sound like a really smart person and yeah you might have a few stumbles, but looks like you still kept your goals and ambitions. Take the time to have fun too.

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