Throughout this textbook, we have discussed the overlap between mental disorders and criminal justice. This chapter describes a number of the professional roles that involve the issues and challenges discussed in this textbook. Career options at various levels of education exist in criminal justice, in mental or behavioral health, and in social work. Perhaps one of these roles will inspire you in choosing your career!

Working with people in difficult circumstances, as they often are at the overlap of criminal justice and mental health, can be rewarding and impactful; it also comes with occupational hazards. Exposure to trauma, violent offenses, and victimized people can have significant impact on the responding professional in these fields. Criminal justice professionals, especially, experience a high rate of development of substance use and other mental disorders, and even completed suicide.  In this chapter, we will explore the signs of burnout and vicarious trauma that impact people who work in these roles, and highlight the importance of emotional well-being. Wellness is not a one-time event; it is an on-going commitment to a lifestyle shift to ensure that professionals dedicated to helping others  maintain healthy boundaries between their personal lives and the services they provide to others.