How to become a therapist

Therapists help people by treating issues in the domains of emotional and mental health. This is largely done through talk therapy, which incorporates knowledge of individual and environmental stressors and various therapeutic techniques.

There are many paths to becoming a licensed therapist, and the profession is expected to remain in exceptionally high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting 16% growth in employment in the coming decade for licensed marriage and family therapists. If you love helping others and are compassionate and non-judgmental by nature, becoming a therapist might be a great career choice.

What is a therapist?

Therapists are the primary mental health professionals in the United States. They include licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical professional counselors, and psychologists (counselors with PhD or PsyD degrees). Many therapists specialize in treating specific mental health disorders or populations, such as addiction counseling or child psychology.

What do therapists do?

A career as a therapist involves providing talk therapy to a variety of clients. By building a rapport with clients and helping them feel safe discussing sensitive topics, therapists can help people identify sources of stress or recognize unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. Symptoms of mental health disorders may be identified during talk therapy, but not everyone seeking therapy has a disorder.

Counselor vs therapist vs psychologist

Still confused by the distinction between these 3 roles? Let’s break it down.

Psychologists can offer therapy, but stay in a school a lot longer, earning a PhD, and becoming qualified to help individuals with serious mental health challenges, in some cases even having the right to prescribe medication (though this is more commonly the job of psychiatrists, with whom psychologists often collaborate).

Mental health counselor vs therapist

Although the terms ‘counselor’ and ‘therapist’ are often used interchangeably, even by mental health professionals themselves, differences between the 2 do exist. The main distinction to be aware of is that the term ‘counselor’ can be applied more freely. For instance, life coaches may advertise counseling services without holding any type of mental health license. However, the terms ‘therapist’, ‘licensed’, and ‘clinical’ are legally protected and therefore require formal credentials.

How long does it take to become a therapist?

It takes around 6 years of higher education to become a therapist, and up to 12 to become a psychologist.

Licensed clinical social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists need a master’s degree and around 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience for licensure.

Most types of psychologists need a doctorate degree, which takes 5-8 years, as well as 1,500-4,000 hours of supervised experience. Industrial-organizational psychologists can practice with a master’s degree only but also typically do not see clients in one-on-one therapeutic settings.

Types of therapists

There are many different types of therapists and many different combinations of education and experience that lead to a therapy career. Therapists also work in a variety of settings such as mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, community agencies, or private practice. Below is a general overview of different types of therapists.

Becoming a therapist or licensed counselor requires completing at least a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. Choosing a CACREP-accredited program helps ensure a high-quality education. Following that, candidates complete supervised professional experience hours as set by their state.

The final step is to get licensed. Licensure requires completing a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field and passing state licensing exams.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

The first step towards becoming a therapist is earning your bachelor’s degree. Many future therapists major in psychology, social work, or counseling. At this level of education, you can also gain work experience as a mental health technician, research assistant, or therapeutic support worker.

With the appropriate classes, you could begin your career as a therapist by working as a certified drug and alcohol counselor, but you would not be able to diagnose mental health disorders or qualify for graduate-level positions just yet.

» Read: No need for a bachelor’s in psychology

Step 2: Earn a graduate degree

Licensed clinical social workers, counselors, school counselors, and marriage and family therapists all require a master’s degree. Common options include a master’s in counseling, psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy.

Training as a psychologist usually requires a doctorate degree. During graduate school, you complete an internship approved for your specific program. Common classes include individual counseling techniques, lifespan development, and diagnostic testing.

Step 3: Complete clinical training

A master’s degree leads to entry-level work as a therapist while you gain clinical experience under a licensed supervisor. The rules for who can be your supervisor will depend upon your state board requirements. The clinical hours required for full licensure vary by state, but generally this process requires providing therapy services for 3,000 hours and at least 2 years after graduate school.

Step 4: Pass licensing exams

During clinical training, you apply to take your board exams. Some states also require an exam covering state laws on therapeutic practice. A background check is usually required.

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers take the ASWB Exam.
• Licensed Professional Counselors take the NCE Exam.
• Psychologist take the EPPP.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist take the MFT Exam.

Step 5: Get licensed

After earning your graduate degree, obtaining clinical hours, and passing your board exam, you are eligible for apply for licensure. The application process usually requires another background check, letters of recommendation, proof of your passing exam score, and copies of your transcripts. This is sent to your state board for review.

After your application is approved, you become an independently licensed therapist. You can open your own practice, become approved to accept insurance payments, work for virtually based companies, or work in a government position.

Titles for counseling and therapy licenses vary by state, but the most common are:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

How much do therapists make?

Therapist salaries vary based on specialization, location, and whether or not they take insurance. Therapists working in community agencies, hospitals or schools can expect earnings as shown below. Note that these averages include wages earned pre licensure. With experience, your practice niche can influence salary more than your field of graduate training.

Those in private practice earn a national average of $87,659. They are also able to set their own hourly rate, contract with insurance companies, and determine how many clients they want to see.

Additionally, psychologists earn significantly higher salaries than most other types of therapists, on average, owing to the additional schooling required and broader scope of practice.

Final thoughts

Becoming a therapist one of the rewarding careers possible with a psychology degree. Ready to begin your journey? Explore our graduate and undergraduate rankings to find a program that suits your needs and career goals.