How to Become a Therapist: A Comprehensive Guide
Updated on January 5, 2024
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Becoming a licensed therapist allows direct mental health support through counseling approaches like CBT. Therapists assess and provide talk therapy to treat conditions from anxiety to trauma. Working in clinics, hospitals, schools, or private practices empowers positive change. If helping people through compassionate, evidence-based care appeals, this comprehensive “How to Become a Therapist” guide outlines key steps – from attaining expertise via graduate study to accumulating professional experience needed for licensing. It covers specialties, credentials, securing jobs, salaries, and other details to start a meaningful career and improve lives through personalized therapy.
What Does a Therapist Do?
As a mental health professional, therapists play a crucial role in improving their clients’ emotional and psychological well-being. Depending on their specialization, therapists’ duties vary:
- Marriage and Family Therapists: Focus on enhancing family and relationship dynamics.
- Clinical Counselors: Address issues like addiction, trauma, and anxiety disorders.
- School Counselors: Assist students with educational and personal challenges.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Crafting personalized treatment plans.
- Conducting group therapy sessions.
- Recording progress notes and collaborating with healthcare teams.
Educational Requirements to Become a Therapist
Earning a master’s degree or doctorate is essential for a therapist or counselor licensure.
1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s in psychology or a related major like social work allows you to take prerequisite courses and gain relevant experience through internships.
2. Earn a Graduate Degree
You’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree in your chosen specialization to qualify as a licensed counselor. Degree options include:
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- School Counseling
Most full-time graduate programs take 2-3 years. Coursework covers counseling theory, ethics, psychotherapy techniques, assessment, and practicum experience. One highly regarded master’s program is New York University’s Masters in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, which is ranked as one of the top graduate programs in the nation by U.S. News
Hands-on Clinical Experience
In addition to supervised clinical work through graduate programs, many states require thousands of post-master’s supervised work hours before licensure. These supervised hours allow you to put your skills into practice.
You can gain experience through:
- Internships
- Entry-level counseling jobs
- Volunteering
This hands-on training helps develop core therapeutic competencies expected in licensed counseling professionals.
Licensure and Certifications for Therapists
State Licensure
Once you’ve earned an advanced counseling degree and completed supervised hours, you can apply for state licensure, which legally allows you to practice. The American Counseling Association provides a useful breakdown of licensure requirements in each state.
Licensing requirements and process varies by state but generally involve:
- Passing the National Counselor Examination
- Background checks
- Application fees
Common credentials include:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
National Certifications
When job-seeking, earning voluntary certifications from professional organizations can bolster your credentials and marketability. Options include:
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Therapist
Here is a summary of the key steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree – In psychology or social work
- Complete a master’s counseling program – 2-3 years
- Gain supervised clinical experience – 1000-4000 hours
- Apply for state licensure – By passing licensing exams
- Seeking national certification (optional) – Such as NCC, CCMHC
This process takes at least 5-7 years post-bachelor’s degree. State requirements vary, so connect with licensing boards early on to understand regulations.
Finding a Therapist Job
The job outlook for therapists is strong – employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2020-2030. Newly licensed therapists can seek opportunities in:
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Private practice
- School districts
- Addiction treatment facilities
- Crisis centers
Brush up on your resume and interview skills. Use job sites like Therapist Careers and Psychology Today. Highlight your therapeutic approach, clinical experience, and specialty area. Entry-level positions allow you to gain valuable experience.
Check out professional associations like the American Mental Health Counselors Association career center, which lists nationwide therapist job openings across different specialties and settings.
Salary and Experience for Therapists
Licensed therapists earned a median pay of $56,390 in 2021, but salary potential increases significantly with experience throughout your career. Location, specialty, certifications, and setting (private practice incomes often exceed nonprofit clinics) also impact average pay.
Here’s how the average mental health counselor’s salary progresses with experience:
- Entry-level: $41,880
- Five years: $50,943
- 10+ years: $60,100+
Seasoned therapists or those in director/leadership roles can make upward of $80,000-100,000+. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary ranges and job outlook projections for mental health counselors and marriage therapists.
FAQs: Becoming a Licensed Therapist
What’s the job outlook?
Faster than average – 25% growth projected through 2030
How long does it take?
5-7+ years minimum post-bachelors degree
What skills do therapists need?
Empathy, communication, assessment, treatment planning
Can I have my practice?
Yes, with 2+ years of experience, you can open a private practice.
Ready to Start Your Rewarding Career?
Pursuing licensure to become a therapist allows you to foster better mental health and wellness at individual and societal levels. With a passion for helping others and a commitment to education and clinical training, you can find meaning in this ever-growing career field.