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.
A therapist’s typical tasks include:
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.
Licensed clinical social worker
A licensed clinical social worker helps people with their emotional and mental health and can diagnose mental health disorders, but they also connect clients with community resources and can assist them in navigating broad social issues that might impact mental health.
Marriage and family therapists
Licensed marriage and family therapists can also diagnose mental health disorders but their scope focuses on close interpersonal relationships. They might work with couples or families to improve communication, process stressors, or navigate the impact of relationships on mental health.
Addiction therapist
Addiction therapists help people recover from active addiction and process the role of addiction in their lives. They may help clients develop healthy coping skills or diagnose possible mental health issues that were not being treated while in active use.
Behavioral therapist
Behavioral therapists focus on helping people change unhealthy or undesirable behaviors. Their training is deeply rooted in behavioral psychology, which is built on the idea that all behaviors that are learned can be unlearned. Behavioral therapists work in a variety of settings and often specialize in treating a specific challenge, such as ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Child therapist
Child therapists have in-depth knowledge of child development and various age-appropriate strategies to help children navigate environmental stressors or emotional challenges. They can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
Why are therapists called shrinks?
The nickname ‘shrink’ – evoking ancient practices of shrinking the severed heads of enemies – harkens back to an era when going to therapy was a source of shame. A more positive spin may be that therapists help ‘shrink’ our complex problems into something more manageable.
5 steps to become a therapist
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.
» Read: Scholarships for psychology students
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.
| Industry/Employment Setting | Net Salary |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $57,630 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $64,080 |
| Individual and Family Services | $43,630 |
| Insurance Carriers | $78,010 |
| Local Government | $53,630 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $46,510 |
| Religious Organizations | $98,780 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | $50,640 |
| State Government | $48,710 |
Source: BLS
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 can lead to a rewarding career with many options. Ready to begin your journey? Explore our graduate and undergraduate rankings to find a program that suits your needs and career goals.
FAQs about becoming a therapist
What do you need to be a therapist?
Legally, you need a professional license to practice therapy. The requirements vary by state and what type of therapist you want to be, so remember to check your state board’s website. Some personal qualities needed to be a therapist include being open minded, empathetic, insightful, and self-aware.
Can you earn a therapy degree online?
It is possible to earn a therapy degree online, but be aware of possible limitations. There is a difference in a university being an accredited institution and the degree they offer aligning with state requirements. Some online programs clearly communicate that their degree does not meet requirements for licensure, but others may not be as forthcoming. Check with your state board requirements to make an informed decision.
Interview with a therapist
Erin Rayburn
LMFT
Erin was initially focused on competitive horse jumping and pursued riding at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. After transferring to Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, GA, and changing her major to psychology, Erin completed her master’s in marriage and family therapy at Richmond Graduate University. Starting her work with individuals struggling with eating disorders, Erin established her private practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2010 and founded Chattanooga’s first equine-assisted psychotherapy program.
Why did you choose therapy as a career?
I find working with people and healing interesting and important work. Growing up an avid equestrian, I noticed that people’s emotional state came through their riding. It affected both their performance and the way they interacted with horses. I wanted to understand that more, which eventually led me to equine-assisted psychotherapy.
How long did it take you to become a therapist?
It took me 4 years to complete my master’s before I was able to practice therapy with clients.
What did it take to make it as a private practice clinician?
A lot of hard work. A lot of dedication. My passion for learning and growing has been my fuel to grow and lean into my calling. My passion for healing has also helped me be successful, as well as giving back to my community.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The best parts of the job are watching people transform and live more into their purpose and emotional freedom as they heal wounds and remove psychological blocks. Being a part of that process is very fulfilling. The worst part is the emotional toll it can take on you – it’s exhausting sometimes and the burnout is tough to deal with.
Additional resources
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
The AAMFT is the leading professional membership organization for marriage and family therapists in the U.S. They accredit MFT programs and offer various professional development services, a job board, and educational resources.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
The ACA is a professional membership organization assisting practicing counselors with building professional networks and completing continuing education. They also organize regular conferences, publish several academic journals, and produce a counseling-related podcast.