So, You Want to Work in Mental Health?
The Good, The Bad, and The Unforgettable
By Cliffard Mayo, MBA, LAC
Winner of the International Impact Book Awards
July & August 2025 - Memoir Category
This book was written for the people who feel called to help others, even when they are not sure what that calling will demand of them. It is for the ones who step into the mental health field with hope, compassion, and a desire to make a difference, only to discover that the work is far more complex, far more emotional, and far more human than anyone ever prepared them for.
So, You Want to Work in Mental Health? is my story, told from the ground level. It is not the perspective of a CEO or a polished academic voice. It is the perspective of someone who started at the bottom, who drove clients across the state, who sat with people in their darkest moments, who learned the field by living it, and who carried the weight of the work long before earning the letters behind my name.
This book exists because no one truly prepares you for what this field asks of you. School teaches theory, models, diagnoses, and empathy. It does not teach you what it feels like to sit with someone who is withdrawing in the back seat of your car. It does not teach you how to manage a case load that feels impossible. It does not teach you how to carry the fear that someone’s life might depend on your documentation or your decision making. It does not teach you how to navigate the heartbreak, the humor, the trauma, the victories, or the unforgettable moments that shape you as a helper.
I wrote this book to give people a real look at what it means to work in mental health, especially in rural outpatient settings where resources are limited and the needs are overwhelming. I wrote it to honor the workers who show up every day, even when they are exhausted, even when they are hurting, even when they are questioning whether they can keep going. I wrote it to help new workers understand what they are stepping into, and to help seasoned workers feel seen in ways they may never have felt before.
This book is honest. It is vulnerable. It is sometimes heavy and sometimes unexpectedly funny. It is filled with stories inspired by real experiences, shaped by real emotions, and guided by the values that have carried me through my career. It is not meant to discourage anyone from entering the field. It is meant to prepare them. It is meant to validate them. It is meant to remind them that the work is hard because it matters.
If you are here, reading this introduction, then something inside you is pulling you toward this field. Maybe it is curiosity. Maybe it is purpose. Maybe it is your own healing. Whatever brought you here, I hope this book gives you clarity, courage, and a deeper understanding of the world you are stepping into.
Welcome to the good, the bad, and the unforgettable. Welcome to the reality of mental health work. Welcome to the story of how I found my place in this field, and how you might find yours too.
“I can’t express my appreciation for this wonderful book - truly Such an insightful - fun- and lots of WOW moments. GET IT … You won’t regret it and you’ll be even more inspired!
I also purchased a copy for a good friend who’s getting her masters in clinical therapy. She is loving it!
The writer has a fun way of writing and sharing his experiences and dealing through the hard stuff as well. Ty Clifford Mayo for writing a great book that had me laughing - crying - laughing some more and holding my breath and wondering what “story” will be next! Looking forward to the next one????”
Embark on an enlightening journey through the world of mental health with Cliff. "So you want to work in Mental Health?" delves into the highs and lows, challenges and rewards, and the profound impact of working in mental health care. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, Cliff shares his decade-long career in direct care behavioral health, offering a unique perspective on the diverse roles and the true essence of making a difference in people's lives.
Cliff's narrative is rich with stories that illustrate the reality of working in mental health, from the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with clients who have experienced unimaginable trauma to the fulfillment that comes from helping someone find his way to healing. The book also addresses misconceptions about the field and the stark contrast between academic learning and real-world experience.
Join Cliff on this emotional and enlightening journey and discover the true essence of working in mental health care. Through his eyes, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and resilience required to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.
“Such an entertaining, engaging and easy read! As someone who supervised Cliff in his second tour of the outpatient clinic, and had a front row seat to so many of his stories, I couldn’t be more proud to see him put all of his experiences and feelings down on paper for the world to read. Very raw and real, and hilarious at the same time. I loved that he was so vulnerable and honest about how the work affected him. Highly recommend for anyone in the field, interested in going into the field, or perhaps just curious about what it’s like to work in behavioral health, or looking for a good read. Way to go, Cliff! Can’t wait for the next one!”
“This is the most realistic book I have ever read about working in mental health! Honestly school really focused on simple clinical cases and never got into the reality of what is like to be out in the field with people who are in crisis. For me this book really spoke to my experience and its something I wish I would have read before starting my career so I knew what I was getting into. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone starting their journey into the mental health field!!”
“As someone who works in accounting, I wasn’t sure what to expect diving into a book about the mental health field, but I’m so glad I did. Clifford Mayo’s So You Wanna Work in Mental Health? offers an honest, eye-opening look into the emotional roller coaster of working in mental health.
Through his personal journey, Cliff shares the good, the bad, and the truly unforgettable moments that shape a career in this field. Even though I’m not in this line of work, I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the challenges and rewards that come with serving others in such a vulnerable capacity.
This book is heartfelt, real, and a great read for anyone… whether you’re considering a career in mental health or just want to better understand the people who choose that career path.”