Therapists can work in a wide range of settings and with diverse populations. So, it’s helpful to start your planning process by considering where your interests lie. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
If you are embarking on a path to becoming a therapist, or simply interested in enhancing your own mental health, the Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health from the University of Sydney might be a good choice for you. With this course, you’ll learn different kinds of mental disorders, what makes up good mental health, and develop positive strategies—including exercise, creativity, psychiatric medications, and the role of loving relationships. Say you’re pivoting into counseling from another career or simply want to craft a flexible schedule while pursuing your master’s degree. On one hand, this is problematic and a bit sad because it speaks to a growing rate of mental health problems, especially in industrialized nations such as the US (see Strivastava, 2009).
What Degree is Needed to Be a Therapist?
- A bachelor’s degree is the first step toward a career as a therapist because you need one before you can attend the graduate program you need to complete before starting your career.
- They assist patients suffering from developmental, emotional, physical, or mental disabilities by implementing customized treatment plans.
- You may learn about various mental health issues, including mental illness or the benefits of talk therapy.
- Medical school covers foundational medical knowledge, anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical skills.
- Licensing requirements vary by state and program, but you’ll often have to complete an exam (this might be done before, during, or after your practical work).
- The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes theoretical and practical training, ensuring students are well-prepared for the National Board Certification Occupational Therapy exam.
The type of degree you pursue depends on the kind of therapist you want to become and where you intend to pursue a professional license. It’s very important to choose an educational program that meets the educational requirements for the type of license you intend to seek in the state where you intend to pursue it. It can also be very important to seek out a program that meets specialized accreditation requirements, such as by CACREP. The field of therapy is constantly evolving, with new research, techniques, and ethical guidelines emerging regularly.
What Is a Clinical Psychologist?
“Therapist” can be used to describe a broad range of careers, including psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and even life coaches. At Bellevue University, we understand that becoming a therapist is more than just earning a degree—it’s about transforming your passion for helping others into a fulfilling career. Our programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience you need to succeed. From our supportive faculty to our flexible online learning options, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree or advancing to graduate-level study, Bellevue University offers the resources and guidance you need to achieve your career goals in therapy. With your license in hand, you’re ready to start your career as a therapist.
Learn More About How to Become a Therapist
It also often involves an internship and supervised experience directly in the field. In some states, individuals with a master’s degree in psychology can become licensed psychologists. Master’s degree holders can also work in many different mental health care settings. It is important to check the guidelines in your state to determine what type of services you can provide with this degree. A licensed social worker often works in the broader community, though this can have specialties as well. If you decide to pursue this psychotherapy role, you might choose to focus on families, schools, public health, substance abuse, corrections, or the community in general.
Important Skills for Therapists
During this phase, you’ll work under supervision to obtain full independent licensure, which can take 2-5 years after initial licensure. Many new therapists begin by working in established practices, schools, hospitals, or community mental health centers. These settings provide valuable experience and mentorship opportunities as you transition from student to professional. Over time, you may choose to open your own private practice, giving you the flexibility to build a client base and develop your own therapeutic approach. A therapist can take many different paths, such as becoming a mental health counselor, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist.
It’s important to be aware that there are rigorous therapist education requirements in all U.S. states, though state-specific criteria can vary as we discuss in more detail below. Generally speaking, most states require aspiring therapists to hold either a master’s degree or a PhD in a relevant field, such as psychology. An undergraduate degree like a bachelor’s degree, though a springboard into numerous rewarding career paths, is generally not sufficient to meet the minimum education requirements for psychotherapists. To work as a psychologist, you’ll need to pursue higher education in the field of psychology with a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field. To practice professionally, you may need a doctorate in clinical psychology.
You may be able to enroll in an accelerated program, such as our online four-week courses at National University, enabling you to earn your degree and move onto the next step of your career faster than a traditional academic track. Learn about the field of mental health and identify your personal aptitude for a counseling profession. Read psychology-related books, websites, and blogs, and talk to people in the field. In addition, learning more about how to become a therapist yourself and evaluating your reasons for wanting to be a counselor can lead to greater self-awareness–a necessary trait in the therapy profession.
It’s also important to have firsthand industry expertise to avoid giving any inaccurate or misleading information or advice. You may also need to identify critical information, including symptoms of a mental health condition or a behavioral disorder so that the person in your care receives appropriate treatment. Setting boundaries can be essential in personal and therapeutic relationships.