Counseling And Therapist Education Requirements

A career as a therapist can be rewarding, allowing you to help others navigate challenges and improve their mental health. If you're interested in a career as a therapist, you might be wondering about the path to becoming a therapist, including the educational requirements and the best college for therapist training. 

The best school for you will depend on different factors such as your personal preferences and areas of interest, for example. Various schools offer special programs to teach the skills needed to become a mental health professional, which can help set you up for a successful career. 

Typically, you will need a master’s degree and numerous clinical practice hours to get licensed. Becoming a therapist can take hard work and dedication. Continue reading to learn more about the best schools for therapist training and other useful information to consider as you embark on this career path. 

Why pursue psychology and become a therapist?

There may be many different reasons why someone might want to become a therapist. As a therapist, you can make a positive impact on someone’s life and well-being by supporting their mental health and giving them the tools to cope with various challenges. This can be a compelling reason for many people to pursue this career path.

Many therapists choose their careers because of their own experiences and empathy for others. For instance, some might have had mental health challenges themselves and feel inspired by the help they received from a therapist. Thus, they may be eager to have a similar positive impact on others. Others may be attracted to a career as a therapist because of an interest in how the mind works or how our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are connected.

Treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions

Therapists can work in a variety of areas, including marriage and family therapy, school counseling, or social work. As a therapist, you might support those experiencing various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, for example. Therapists can also work in different environments, including universities, clinics, large healthcare organizations, or even online. 

Job outlook and salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), therapy is a relatively stable career with a median annual wage of around $49,880 to $59,500, depending on the type of therapist or counselor. In 2021, the median pay for marriage and family therapists was $49,880 per year. For other types of therapists, the median annual wage in May 2021 was $59,500.

The job outlook for therapists is strong. The BLS projects that the employment of marriage and family therapists will grow by 14% from 2021-2031, much faster than the average growth rate of 5% for all occupations. Annually, there are projected to be about 6,400 openings for marriage and family therapists over the next decade.

The path to become a therapist

The path to becoming a therapist can require a strong educational background. In addition, becoming licensed as a therapist typically requires numerous hours of practical experience. 

Degree requirements

To become a therapist, you’ll first need a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field like education or sociology, which usually takes four years. After that, you'll typically need a master's degree, which can take another two to three years. Some therapists pursue doctoral degrees (i.e., Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) in clinical or counseling psychology for further specialization.

Clinical experience in mental health counseling

Gaining clinical experience is an important part of becoming a therapist. This hands-on training can help you apply theory to real situations, develop communication skills, and build a professional network. Most U.S. states require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised clinical hours for licensure, which is usually completed during or after a master's program.

Certification and licensure

After finishing the required education and clinical hours, the next step to becoming a therapist may be to get licensed in your state. Requirements can vary depending on location and therapist type. Still, most licenses require passing an exam that assesses specific knowledge and ethics. You can also complete certifications to further specialize or improve your professional standing.

Continuing education in psychology

Therapists typically need to participate in ongoing education to maintain their licenses and stay current with changes and advancements in the field. This education may include workshops, conferences, or online courses. By continuing to stay up-to-date, therapists can show their dedication to quality care and grow as a professional.

The best schools for therapist education requirements

When pursuing a career as a therapist, choosing the right school for your training can be important. The best school for your therapist training may depend on location, affordability, and available programs. Ultimately, it can come down to your personal preferences and goals. 

Going to a top school for therapists can open doors to higher salaries and better job opportunities. The following programs may be considered among the top programs for individuals interested in a career in therapy:

Columbia University

The Counseling Psychology program at Columbia University offers counseling and therapy coursework, attracting students seeking education in an urban setting. Columbia's programs emphasize evidence-based practices, which may help students learn effective methods in the field. Students can earn a Master of Education, Ph.D. in Counseling, or a College Advising Advanced Certificate.

University of Pennsylvania 

The Counseling and Mental Health Services master’s program at the University of Pennsylvania provides comprehensive training in therapy with a program designed to prepare students for a successful career in mental health services. This program enables students to earn a master’s degree in just one year after taking 10 courses. The program also prepares students for Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. programs. 

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This university offers education to aspiring therapists through a range of programs, including its Mental Health Counseling Program. UNC-Chapel Hill is home to a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, which has a curriculum of over 60 credit hours of coursework. The program also has a history of specialized training concentrations for working with individuals who have psychiatric disabilities.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University located in Baltimore, Maryland offers a Master of Science in Counseling degree that prepares students to work in the fields of clinical mental health and school counseling. The program offers an evidence-based curriculum and has partnerships with school districts and mental health settings. It allows students to learn through small group projects, didactic experiences, and applied learning.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University's clinical mental health counseling program helps students gain the skills necessary to work with diverse populations. The program touts a 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Credentialing. Students can take advantage of state-of-the-art technology for clinical work and study abroad programs. 

The best school for you may depend on factors such as location, affordability, and personal preferences. You may want to research each school and consider the pros and cons before deciding. As you explore your options, you can weigh factors such as program quality, financial aid availability, and how well the school aligns with your personal and professional goals.

How long does it take to become a therapist?

Becoming a therapist can take about six to eight years of education after high school. First, you'll need a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years. Then, you'll pursue a master's degree in your chosen specialty, typically taking another two to three years, depending on the specific degree and program.

Additional therapist education requirements

In addition to academics, you'll need practical experience gained through internships, practicums, and supervised clinical work. Necessary licensing requirements and additional training might vary by state and specialization. By putting time and effort into education and hands-on training, you can be well-prepared to help clients in your chosen field.

Delivering therapy and mental health counseling online

Once you’ve become a licensed therapist, you may have the option to work in person or online. Some therapists may appreciate the flexibility of being able to meet with clients online, and they may also value being able to support individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to receive quality treatment due to geographic location or mobility concerns. Online platforms like BetterHelp can connect therapists with clients based on the client’s needs and the therapist’s expertise.

Effectiveness of online therapy for depression, substance abuse, and more

Studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions, and one study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression may be more effective than traditional counseling.