Working In Mental Health: Steps To Become A Therapist

For those interested in exploring a career in mental health, a common question that may arise is, “What steps do I have to go through in order to become a therapist?” The answer to this question may depend on a variety of factors. In this article, we will explore a few of these factors, including what kinds of therapists exist, what each of them do, and how someone interested in working in mental health can become a mental health counselor. 

Why do people become therapists?

Individuals may choose to become therapists for a variety of reasons. Clinical mental health counseling may provide a wide range of career specialties to choose from. This may allow those interested in mental health services to pick a niche suited to their interests. 

Those exploring a career in mental health may also be drawn to the potential job prospects for therapists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will experience a growth rate of 22% over the next ten years. (Note that the term “substance abuse” is no longer included in the DSM-5 and was replaced with “substance use disorder”.)

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Finally, people may choose to pursue a career in mental health services for selfless reasons. For example, they may have an interest in helping others, giving back to their community, or connecting with those in need of mental or emotional support. 

What kinds of therapists are there?

Therapy can take on a variety of forms. Before exploring the steps to becoming a therapist, it may first be helpful to understand what sorts of therapeutic specialties exist. Here are a few of the most common types of therapists:

• Psychologists: A psychologist is a mental health professional who may focus on helping others navigate mental health concerns, stressors, and other occasional or day-to-day challenges. As a licensed therapist, a psychologist may administer therapy, diagnose mental health disorders, and provide other emotional and psychological support to their patients.

• Licensed clinical social workers: Like psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) may also practice therapy. LCSWs may provide support to their patients in a variety of ways such as connecting them with the resources they need to thrive, for instance. Social work may also involve a more prominent focus on patients' social, economic, and community circumstances. 

• Licensed mental health counselors: Also known as LMHCs, licensed mental health counselors may provide therapy to those experiencing mental health challenges. An LMHC might focus on their clients’ mental health, emotions, and behaviors. 

• Licensed marriage and family therapists: Also known as LMFTs, a licensed marriage and family therapist may focus on relationships between people. Family therapy can address a variety of concerns, including mental health challenges, marital challenges, and the dynamics between family members.

What are the steps to becoming a therapist?

The steps to becoming a therapist may vary based on the type of therapy you wish to specialize in, where you are located, and a variety of other factors. Still, this career path may include a few key components such as:

• Understanding the requirements: Because there is variation in the types of therapeutic professions that exist, there is also variation in the requirements for each profession. Understanding the specific educational and licensure requirements can be an important first step in pursuing a career as a therapist.

• Obtaining the necessary education: Once you know what qualifications will be required, it may be necessary to complete a certain level of education to start your career in therapy. Obtaining a high school degree, bachelor’s degree, and any other required postsecondary degrees is a typical next step. For example, becoming a clinical or counseling psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree such as a PhD or a PsyD in psychology, while LMFTs and LCSWs may require a master’s degree. Of course, the level of education needed can vary depending on the type of therapy you intend to practice. 

• Obtaining a license: After all educational requirements have been fulfilled for your chosen therapist job, you may need to get licensed by the state you intend to practice in. The requirements for licensure can vary from state to state. Many therapist jobs require a certain number of training or residency hours prior to getting licensed. 

• Deciding how to practice: Some therapists may choose to open a personal practice, in which they work from their own office, choose their own clients, and set their own schedule. Others may opt to work at schools, community centers, support groups, universities, or hospitals. 

• Maintaining your credentials: Depending on your state and the type of therapy you practice; you may be required to attend continuing education classes or renew your license every few years in order to keep your qualifications up to date.

Exploring online therapy

Patients with busy schedules or those with mental health conditions that can make it challenging to leave the house, such as anxiety or depression, may find attending in-person therapy to be challenging. In these cases, the ability to attend therapy from wherever it is most convenient may make online therapy platforms like BetterHelp an appealing alternative. For individuals who need extra support in applying the techniques they learn in therapy, the ability to send messages to a counselor outside of scheduled therapy sessions may also be a useful resource. 

The effectiveness of online therapy has been proven in a variety of studies. A 2017 study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in the treatment and management of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. Additionally, the study concluded that online therapy is a cost-effective alternative for individuals, especially those living in rural areas who may not have traditional in-person options nearby.