Considering A Career In Mental Health Counseling? How To Be A Therapist
If you are passionate about helping people, therapy can be a rewarding and meaningful career option. Many careers are available in the mental health industry, and each type of therapist has a unique societal role. If you're interested in starting the path to becoming a therapist, learning more about the requirements can help you get started.
How to become a therapist: Educational requirements
There are several years of educational requirements to receive your credentials to become a therapist. In addition, academic requirements on the graduate and doctoral levels vary by state when you apply for licensure, so understanding the license requirements in your state can be beneficial in not having to return to school or find extra internship hours.
Pre-higher education
Many people do not have their career paths planned out until they're in college. However, if you know you are interested in psychology and mental health, you can start preparing early. Many high schools across the United States offer psychology as an elective course. If this is not your school's case, you can opt for reading textbooks or articles on the subject. In addition, if you have the option to take a distinguished course or college credit in high school, you might benefit from getting credit for specific classes early.
Undergraduate studies
During your undergrad years, you can participate in various degree programs to lead to your desired career in therapy. Some colleges and universities offer programs specifically related to mental health and treatment. You don’t need a degree in psychology specifically to be able to go on to get your master's degree, but you must have a bachelor's degree (four years), which is commonly in the following subjects or a closely related field:
Psychology
Sociology
Social Work
Child Development
Neuroscience
Education
Human Studies
The above are some of the most popular majors for entering graduate school to further study therapy. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, out of the 1,895,000 bachelor's degrees awarded during the 2014 to 2015 academic year, 118,000 were in psychology. Because of their popularity, psychology-related subjects are also frequently offered as online courses, making pursuing counseling flexible and convenient.
A psychology degree may not be required to gain admission into a graduate school, but it could make it easier. A bachelor’s degree in psychology or related subjects could also make you feel more prepared for the next chapter of your education. It can help you avoid taking remedial classes to catch up with graduate course material.
Graduate school
Becoming a licensed professional therapist requires a minimum of a master’s degree. If you have not yet decided on a specific type of therapy, graduate school can allow you to decide. There are many degree programs that prospective mental health counselors can choose to specialize in, including but not limited to the following:
Psychotherapy
Behavioral therapy
Marriage and family therapy
Social work
Recreational therapy
Career counseling
Substance abuse counseling
Each specialty receives training in the same core principles of practicing therapy but typically has additional training based on the specialty's needs. Those who follow a social work track, for instance, will likely receive in-depth education regarding social work in addition to therapy. Another example is those who are on a track to become marriage and family therapists. Family therapists usually receive extensive training in family dynamics in addition to mental health counseling.
In addition to a degree in counseling, you may work in the field directly. Most state therapy boards require supervised clinical work, internships, and teaching to become a mental health counselor. These supervised clinical hours can be hands-on and guide those learning as they approach their career in psychology. After this point, students may choose to move on to a doctorate program or graduate with their master's.
How long it takes to become a mental health counselor can vary. A master's degree is a prerequisite to becoming a licensed therapist, and it can take two or three years to complete. On the other hand, Ph.D. coursework often takes at least five years. A Ph.D. is not mandatory to be a professional counselor. Still, because you will be required to write and present a dissertation, a doctorate program is excellent for those who want to perform research and further understand the field. If you're looking for a faster path to a doctorate, you might benefit from a PsyD, which is similar to a Ph.D. but focuses less on research and more on clinical psychology.
According to an article by the American Psychological Association, predictors of graduate school success include being curious, conscientious, resilient, and confident to succeed. In addition, having intelligence, emotional intelligence, empathy, and ambition may help you succeed in this career. After receiving your master's, you can choose to get a doctorate or move on to the licensing and supervised experience stage.
Supervised experience
All 50 states currently require a certain number of hours of supervision. Some states may require that you apply to be an associate, assistant, or intern under the state board before gaining supervision. Others may not have policies in place about this factor. You might also be required to have a particular portion of these hours outside of a school setting, face-to-face with clients, or under a licensed provider in your state.
The number of supervised hours required often ranges from around 2,000 to 4,000 hours of experience, and there may be time limits on how quickly it can take you to finish these requirements. Depending on your state board's rules, you may or may not be able to work independently during this time. Check your specific state's requirements on a state board licensing requirements guide or contact them directly for support.
Licensing and renewal
After years of education and a fresh master's degree, PsyD, or Ph.D., you can apply to become a counselor, social worker, therapist, or psychologist through your state board. Requirements can vary depending on your region and which type of therapy you plan to practice in, and you can find this information on its respective licensing board.
For example, a person looking to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LFMT), a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in the state of California will need to register with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Each state board requires you to take one national exam, often the National Counselors Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). Some states, like California, have specific state jurisprudence exams and state mental health law exams that must also be passed.
After passing your exam and being approved by the board, you can pay your licensing and application fee and receive your license to practice in the mail. You may be required to update your exam each year or at a particular time. In addition, many state boards require continued education courses each year, which can involve new mental health topics, up-to-date research, and modern learning topics.
Once you have your license, you can practice therapy independently without supervision and work as a contractor, or within a therapy company or organization. Therapists have many jobs available to them, and depending on your specialty, you can work in various settings, including hospitals, prisons, or schools.
Career counseling options
Becoming a therapist can take time, but once you have completed the steps, you can participate in a meaningful career to help others. No matter the type of therapist you are, clients all over the US are looking for support, and the number is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the number of mental health counselor jobs will increase by 18% by 2032, indicating growth that is much faster than average. Many therapists and those looking to the profession reach out to therapists themselves for advice, emotional support, and guidance as they navigate schooling and licensure. They may also be able to help you start to understand different specialties, such as counseling psychology or marriage and family therapy.
Online therapy and counseling
If you're looking for support as you start your career journey or want to learn more about becoming a therapist from someone who has done it, you can contact a therapist online or in person for support. Many career counselors work online, as the format offers a flexible and convenient option for those in rural areas or with busy schedules during school. A platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples can connect you with a professional fitting your preferences at any time.
Studies have also found that online counseling is preferable to in-person therapy for college students due to its flexibility and low cost. If you're starting your educational journey, you might struggle to find time for counseling. With online therapy, you can partake in phone, video, or live chat sessions anytime by seeing a therapist available during those hours.
Takeaway
Becoming a therapist can require several years of schooling, supervision, internship, and support before you can get licensed. However, you can start anytime, and therapists can be valued and essential community members for many clients. Consider contacting a provider for further guidance as you navigate this career path.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are several frequently asked questions about online counseling.
Can you be a therapist without a degree?
To become a licensed therapist in the US, you need to obtain your bachelor's degree and master's degree in psychology or a related field at minimum. You must also receive your license from the state where you wish to practice. Every state's licensing laws differ, but no state board grants licensure without a master's degree, passing exam scores, and specific educational requirements. In the US, the titles associated with each license are safeguarded by legislation that prohibits individuals from using them without a license. In other countries, like the UK, individuals can become counselors without as many years of schooling or specific licensure.
Is it hard to get a job as a therapist?
Getting a job as a therapist may be difficult if you are new to the field or do not take insurance. In addition, the client base near you can make a difference. If you live in a rural area and are only looking for clients with a specific diagnosis, you may struggle to connect with the types of clients you're looking for. Therapists who offer multiple insurance options, including government plans, often can find more clients due to the demand for low-cost services.
Is being a mental health therapist a valuable job?
Being a therapist can be a rewarding job. You can help clients improve their lives, support your community, and teach essential skills. However, being a therapist can also be stressful, emotional, and confusing. If you have your own history of challenging experiences, you might be reminded of them often by your clients' accounts. Having healthy boundaries, self-care techniques, and coping mechanisms can be essential.
Is it ever too late to become a therapist?
You can become a therapist at any time in life, regardless of age, if you have the educational requirements to enter university and achieve a bachelor's degree before getting a master's degree. Becoming a therapist may be a six-to-ten-year commitment. However, many people start in their 30s or 40s and can still earn a degree.
Additional questions
What are the steps to become a therapist specializing in marriage and family counseling?
To specialize in marriage and family counseling, you typically need a bachelor's degree followed by a master's in marriage and family therapy. Then, you complete supervised clinical hours and pass a state licensing exam.
How can someone transition from social work to therapy as a career?
Transitioning from social work to therapy often involves getting a master's in counseling or a related field, along with meeting licensing requirements for therapists in your state.
What qualifications do you need for mental health counseling if you want to learn how to be a therapist?
You'll need at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience and a license to practice in your state.
How do family therapists use counseling to address mental health challenges?
Family therapists use counseling techniques to help families communicate better, resolve conflicts, and support one another through mental health issues that impact family dynamics.
Is social work experience beneficial for those learning how to be a therapist?
Yes, social work experience can be very helpful. It provides a solid foundation for working with diverse populations and understanding social factors that affect mental health.
What types of mental health therapy are most effective for marriage and family issues?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and solution-focused therapy are commonly used to help address marriage and family issues.
Can family therapists offer individual therapy alongside marriage and family counseling?
Yes, many family therapists also offer individual therapy, as individual issues can influence family dynamics and benefit from focused attention.
What are the tips on how to be a therapist in the field of mental health without prior experience in counseling or social work?
To be a therapist in mental health without counseling or social work experience, earn a degree in counseling or psychology, complete required supervised clinical hours, and get licensed. Earning practical experience through internships or volunteer work can also help build relevant skills.
What certifications are needed for marriage and family therapists to provide mental health services?
Marriage and family therapists usually need state licensure, which may involve passing exams like the MFT National Exam and completing clinical supervision.
Is it possible to specialize in therapy for family counseling after working in social work?
Yes, many social workers move into family counseling by obtaining additional training or a master's degree in marriage and family therapy.
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