What Training Does a Therapist Get: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're seeking therapy, you may wonder what training and experience your therapist should have. There are actually a wide range of mental health professionals; mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, social workers, and more. They may take different avenues to treating mental health issues, but to become a therapist, there is a general track with similar educational requirements and licensure. In this article, we'll explore the foundational requirements for mental health professionals.

Education and Degree Requirements

For someone who wants to become a therapist, typically the first step is to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. A graduate degree program in psychology or counseling generally requires this for admission. Next, the student will need to get their master's degree in a psychology or mental health counseling program. Completing a master's degree is the minimum requirement to become a therapist.

Certain positions, such as marriage and family therapists, may require a doctoral degree program in addition to obtaining their master's degree.

Therapist vs. Counselor: What Are the Differences?

Many use the terms "therapist" and "counselor" interchangeably, but there are some differences in how these mental health professionals operate.

Counseling is typically considered more of a goal-oriented, short-term treatment for specific mental health challenges, while therapists often address a broader range of issues and work with their clients for a longer period of time with a deeper perspective.

For example, an addiction counselor may treat substance use disorder, offering support and tools to manage their addiction, while a cognitive behavioral therapist may work with a client experiencing anxiety, helping them to identify negative patterns of thought and behavior and shift them into healthier directions.

Licensure and Certification

Professional therapists need a number of certifications and licenses in order to practice.

Obtaining a License to Practice

Once they've completed their master's degree program, every state requires new therapists to obtain and maintain licensure. Obtaining a license to practice can look different in every state, as the application and renewal processes vary. However, passing an examination is essential for therapists in all states. The state boards often require candidates to take exams

Certifications for Therapists

Additional professional certifications are optional, but they can highlight you as an exceptional therapist. Some common certifications include Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC).

Specialized Training and Experience

Once a newly trained therapist finishes their educational path, it's time to get clinical experience. This allows the therapist to put their knowledge to practical use, and become comfortable working with clients and building a therapeutic relationship.

Gaining Clinical Experience

Degree programs and state licensure boards usually require verifiable clinic hours, with many undergraduate and graduate degree programs including practical clinical hours in the curricula. Supervised clinical hours are also essential for licensure and certification.

Developing a Specialty

Therapists can specialize in areas like family therapy, marriage and family therapy, or clinical mental health counseling. A marriage and family therapist will work on techniques to address mental health issues around family relationships and improve communication and interpersonal relationships, to become a therapist that works across a wide field of family trauma.

Others may choose to become a therapist that focuses mainly in addiction in a mental health center setting, a clinical psychologist with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, or a specialist in specific mental health disorders. There are a wide variety of approaches to choose from, and developing a specialty can help therapists stand out in their field and increase job prospects.

Career Preparation and Outlook

If you or someone you know is interested in getting a master's degree or beyond in the field of counseling psychology, here are some tips for getting started, as well as general recommendations.

Building a Career as a Therapist

To become a therapist, you’ll need to understand the job description, educational requirements, and skills needed for licensure. You must have the resources and desire to complete a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and possibly doctoral degree in the field of psychology or a related field.

Career Growth and Salary Expectations

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. struggle with mental illness, making therapists in demand. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for the career of marriage and family therapist to grow by 14% from 2021 to 2031.

The median annual wage for mental health counselors was $48,520 in 2021, while psychologists made a median of $81,040.

Becoming a Successful Therapist

Justy because a therapist is licensed, doens't necessarily mean they are ready to take on any case. Therapists continue to learn and grow in order to better help their clients.

Essential Skills and Qualities

To become an effective therapist, there are some qualities that are important to possess. Therapists need strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, cultural competency, and empathy skills. These are essential skills to building a strong therapeutic relationship with their clients, which is one of the most important factors for efficacy in therapy.

A counselor or clinical psychologist must be able to communicate effectively with clients, understand their problems, and develop a treatment plan.

Insights from Experienced Therapists

Experienced therapists emphasize the importance of self-care, ongoing education, and building strong relationships with clients for building a successful career path in the field of mental health professions. They also highlight the rewards of a career in therapy, including the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Offering Quality Therapy in Brooklyn

Finding the right private practice can be a daunting task, whether you are looking for individual sessions to treat substance abuse or a behavioral disorder, or marriage and family therapists to help you work through family trauma.

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level psychotherapists offers a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches that can offer tools for reducing stress, building healthier communication for social interactions, and increasing life satisfaction.

If you are seeking help for any reason, give us a call today, and our patient coordinator will help you find the right therapist to help you identify any challenges, and create a personalized treatment plan to put you on the path toward improved mental health and wellness.