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What is a Therapist?
Therapists can help people manage problems that they encounter relationships, in certain situations, or even emotions, thoughts, or behaviors that they are having trouble controlling on their own. There are different types of therapists, each with their own area of expertise such as those focusing on marriage and family, grief, and anxiety. Therapists can offer sessions with individuals or groups, and they often offer a sympathetic ear while providing solutions an obstacle can be overcome. Often, a therapist will work with the same clients week after week. It’s not uncommon for clients to keep seeing a therapist for a year or longer.
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Step 1: Obtain your bachelor’s degree
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Step 2: Work on your master’s degree
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Step 3: Perform supervised work
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Step 4: Obtain your license
Step 1: Obtain your bachelor’s degree
You will need to get your bachelor’s degree in a field such as general psychology, social psychology, counseling, sociology, or another relevant field. It is at this point that you will want to consider what type of mental health professional you want to become. Much of this will depend on the type of clientele you want to work with, which might be children, families, individuals, or couples. Further, you want to consider what types of issues you want to help them overcome including anxiety, depression, relational issues, intimacy issues, and mental illness.
You will also take all of your general education credits including English, science, mathematics, and history. After you obtain your bachelor’s degree, you will want to research colleges and universities that offer a master’s degree in the concentration that you choose. You may also need to take a GRE or GMAT test to apply to a school for your master’s degree.
Bachelors Education Options:
Step 2: Work on your master’s degree
Your counseling master’s degree should be focused on a specific concentration. It's also important that you attend a college or university that is nationally accredited to ensure you can practice anywhere. Depending on your geographic area, there may be specific requirements to complete your practicum and clinicals. The practicum and clinicals are where you will get experience in actual mental health therapy sessions.
You may gain experiences shadowing a licensed mental health professional to see how they conduct themselves. While obtaining your master’s degree, you will take courses based on your chosen area of concentration. You will learn how to diagnose a patient, the different counseling theories that can be used, how to perform a study with research and statistics, and how to make clients comfortable enough to open up to you. Many of these will be put into practice through the practicum and clinicals, which can require several semesters to complete.
Step 3: Perform supervised work
Once you have your master’s degree, you will need to find a licensed supervisor to work under and register with the appropriate department in your state. Depending on the state you are registering in, there will be varying requirements. Further, you will need to complete a certain number of hours prior to obtaining your license. You will need to work with mental health professionals who are registered to act as a supervisor as they will be responsible for signing off on the hours that you need to complete. These hours are comprised of supervision hours as well as face-to-face counseling hours. In many instances, the number of hours required is around 1,500. Some states limit the number of hours that you can obtain per week, drawing out the process.
Step 4: Obtain your license
The licensure process will vary by state. This begins by passing the national exam, which is taken at a testing center. Some states also have a state exam that must also be passed. Applying for a license can only be done after the number of hours as a registered intern has been completed. Some states will also require additional courses including ethics, domestic violence or reporting requirements, etc. There will be a fee to sit for the exams and a fee to apply for the license once the exam(s) have been successfully passed. The state licensing board will have a specific list of information that you must provide with your license application. Additionally, you will need to maintain your license and obtain insurance to ensure you are able to practice within your state.
Therapist Careers and Salary
Where Might You Work?
Therapists work in diverse settings, offering mental health support in various environments. Some common workplaces for therapists include:
Private Practice
Many therapists choose to work independently, offering flexible therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Private practice allows for specialization in areas like CBT, trauma therapy, or couples counseling.
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Therapists in hospitals provide mental health care for patients with physical health conditions or severe mental health issues. They work as part of a healthcare team, offering therapy, crisis intervention, and support during recovery.
Schools and Educational Institutions
School counselors and psychologists work in K-12 schools or universities, helping students with emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges. They support both students and educators in creating a positive learning environment.
Community Mental Health Centers
Therapists in community centers serve underserved populations, offering counseling for mental health disorders, substance abuse, and family issues. These settings focus on accessible care for those in need.
Government and Nonprofits
Therapists also work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations, providing services to veterans, children in foster care, or individuals in rehabilitation. They often work with marginalized groups in crisis situations.
Corporate and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Therapists employed by companies provide counseling through Employee Assistance Programs, supporting employees with personal or work-related stress, mental health issues, or relationship challenges.
Research and Academia
For those interested in education or research, therapists can work in universities or research institutions, teaching, conducting studies, and advancing therapeutic practices.