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Therapists help patients cope with a wide range of personal challenges.There are many paths to becoming a therapist, depending on your career goals. The word therapist is just a general term for the many different types of healthcare professionals who specialize in providing mental health services. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, professional counselors and psychiatric nurses can all work as therapists. Education and training requirements vary depending on which path you pursue, but most therapists complete several years of graduate-level training after completing a bachelor’s degree program.This guide offers a comprehensive overview of some of the most common paths to becoming a therapist. It answers many of the critical questions students must ask during the educational process, including What types of therapists are there? Will I need to become licensed? What sort of classes do I need to take?Search Counseling and Therapy Degree Program
Therapists work with individuals, families or couples to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. They talk with their clients about how they’re feeling and how they react to certain changes in their lives. Therapists work with clients to affect change in their lives and future by teaching coping skills for specific situations. Therapists also communicate with other medical professionals for a well-rounded treatment protocol.Most therapists work full time, and many offer flexible hours that fit their clients’ scheduling needs. In private practices, many therapists must work evenings and weekends to work around client work schedules.
Because they work one-on-one with individuals and families, therapists should have a good deal of compassion and interpersonal skills. They need to communicate well and be able to establish a good rapport with their clients. Good listening skills are essential since they are treating and managing care for clients through the information their clients give them. Therapists should be highly organized and be able to manage scheduling and insurance reimbursements, especially if working in a private practice. SALARY
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, therapists earn a median annual salary of $46,670, with the top 10 percent of earners bring home $75,000. There are many opportunities for therapists with licensing and the right education, as well as those in less sought-after specialties.
THE STEPS BECOMING A THERAPIST
COMPLETE AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM
Before enrolling in an undergraduate degree program, you will need to check out the requirements of your desired graduate degree program. The requirements will vary depending on which school you plan on attending and what kind of therapist you intend to be. An undergraduate program in psychology should prepare you for most career paths as a therapist. If you decide to major in psychology, you will most likely take the following courses:
Hormones and Behavior
Undergraduate psychology programs will also typically include general elective courses in subjects such as English, history and liberal arts. Because most graduate-level therapist programs are competitive, it’s important to keep your GPA up.Depending on what type of therapist you plan to become, you may need to take a standardized exam during your junior year, such as the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Most of these are computerized, multi-choice exams. Make sure you check with your graduate program to see which specific tests are required for admittance.Explore Degree Programs to Become a Therapist >> 2
COMPLETE A GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM
While the laws regarding licensure of therapist vary depending on where you live and which type of therapist you plan to become, you will most likely need to complete a graduate degree program to work as a therapist.In order to become a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker or a psychiatric nurse, you will need to complete two to three years of training in a master’s degree program. However, if you plan to work as a psychologist or psychiatrist, you will most likely need to complete a doctorate program. Some states allow psychologists to practice with just a master’s degree.Your curriculum will vary depending on which specific profession you are interested in. Most programs will require you to participate in internships. Common courses include the following:
Advanced Research Methodology
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
COMPLETE LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Licensing and certification requirements vary greatly depending on where you live and what type of therapist you wish to become. Check with your state licensing board for specific information. You will most likely need to complete a certain amount of clinical hours before taking a licensing exam. Once you’ve earned your license, many states require you to participate regularly in continuing education in order to retain your license.