[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A June 2020 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm#:~:text=Younger%20adults%2C%20racial%2F,and%20elevated%20suicidal%20ideation/”]40% of U.S. adults[/hen-ui-link] reported “elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19.” Dips in mental health, increased substance abuse, and growing thoughts of suicide are all cited. The hardest hit include young adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and essential workers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now more than ever, U.S. counseling therapists are needed to support Americans of all races/ethnicities, cultures, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and disabilities as they work through pandemic- and post-pandemic-related mental health challenges. Therapists can help clients work through feeling uncertainty, grief, loneliness, burnout, and confusion to build healthier habits and empowered lives.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below, we explain how to hone personal and professional skills needed for a career in therapy and how to choose the right program for your career goals. We also interviewed a practicing therapist, who shares her experiences and insights about the job.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Do Therapists Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists meet with patients regularly, typically in person or over video. They learn about their patients’ mental health and personal histories, assess their well-being, offer coping strategies, develop treatment plans, and document patient progress. Therapists are not legally certified to prescribe medication.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists may specialize in working with specific demographics, like children, or they may work with individuals, couples, and families. Common specializations for therapists include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists can incorporate a variety of approaches and methods into their work, depending on the needs of patients. The most common methods are:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists also employ these tools and techniques to understand and support their patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Where Do Therapists Work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists are usually employed in a private practice office, healthcare setting, or school. Therapists who have private practices often take on the responsibilities of a small business owner, which requires its own skill sets, like accounting and marketing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy is on the rise. Teletherapy providers offer therapy appointments via video, phone, and/or text. Therapists may even choose to work in a hybrid setting, accepting clients both in person and online.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists can work during the day or at night, or some combination of both. Depending on their clientele, some therapists have on-call or emergency alert hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Skills[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists need strong emotional and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to compartmentalize. Key soft skills include sensitivity, awareness, nonjudgment, and openness to diverse cultures, races, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. Therapists regularly practice active listening and may need to act quickly in high-stress situations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition, therapists — especially those working in private practice — must have good business management skills and ethics, including confidentiality.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Career Information[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most highly compensated therapy positions tend to be in clinical, counseling, and school settings. In general, marriage and family therapists earn $10,000 per year more than the average American worker. Those working in counseling, social work, and substance abuse or behavioral disorder counseling enjoy salaries just slightly above the national average.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Counselors and Social Workers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm/”]$53,710[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm/”]19%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm/”]$53,710[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm/”]19%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Marriage and Family Therapists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm/”]$58,510[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm/”]16%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2023)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm/”]$92,740[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm/”]7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Therapist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals wanting to become a therapist should expect 5-8 years of higher education, including a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, clinical supervision hours, examination(s) for licensing and certification, and continued education to maintain licensure. Some roles, such as psychologist, require a Ph.D.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specific education requirements to become a therapist vary across states, but the most common education path is as follows.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”tertiary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree From an Accredited School”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s degrees may be in any subject, but students often choose subjects related to therapy, like psychology, recreational therapy, healthcare, ministry, or human resources. If students are able, they should consider attending a school in the state in which they plan to practice, since colleges and universities often craft their courses to fit their state’s specific therapy licensing requirements. You may also wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in your specific field, such as a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-music-therapy/”]degree in music therapy[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”One- to Three-Year Graduate Degree”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No matter your bachelor’s degree subject, you are required to pursue a master’s program that centers on therapy-related subjects, such as marriage and family therapy, child development, counseling psychology, social work, psychological theories, research methods, or clinical psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At this point, you should have a general idea of what type of therapy you would like to practice — general social work, counseling, or psychology — and then choose your graduate program accordingly. It’s common to specialize more later, after you’ve begun working.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the structure of your program and what concentration you choose, you may earn a master of arts or a master of science. The main difference is that a master of science program will include courses in statistics. Master’s degrees typically include a dissertation or research project, and they often include practicum hours, too. By the end of your bachelor’s degree and graduate degree, you will have taken courses in psychotherapy concepts, lifespan development, and professional healthcare issues.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Practical and Clinical Hours/Internship”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These are typically completed during or after a graduate degree. You’ll need to earn a set number of hours — generally between 2,000-4,000 — of working under supervision in a professional therapy work setting. It’s common to finish clinical hours within the first two years of professional work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most graduate programs include some clinical/practicum hours — usually up to 1,000 — in their curricula, but not all programs do, so it’s important to check. If a program doesn’t include any practicum hours, that’s a red flag that it isn’t up to educational standards.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Region-Specific Standardized Clinical Licensing Exams”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduation, you’ll need to take licensure exams through your local state board. There is more information in the “Licensure and Certification” section below. After studying for and passing these exams, you will need to purchase liability insurance and pursue job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Optional: Four-Year Ph.D., Psy.D., or M.D.”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D., Psy.D., or M.D. is not required to become a practicing therapist, but you may choose this path if you would like to become a researcher, educator, or supervisor. If you wish to become a psychologist, you will need a Ph.D. Earning a Ph.D. may also increase your chances of getting hired, even at jobs that only require a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a practicing counseling therapist in the U.S., state licensure is required. Licenses and their exams [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcc.org/search/stateboarddirectory/”]vary by state[/hen-ui-link], and they also depend on the type of therapy you want to practice. The following [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements/overview-of-state-licensing-of-professional-counselors/”]counseling titles[/hen-ui-link] are the most common.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After students complete a master’s degree in therapy or counseling from an accredited school and earn their clinical supervision hours, they must undergo the following process.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Background Check[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Counselor Examination[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the state in which you want to practice, you will need to pass one or both of these exams:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcc.org/exams/ncmhce/”]National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCMHCE)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Purchase Liability Insurance[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Additional Certifications for Specialties[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on your specialization, you may need to earn additional certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are a few of the credentials and certifications that therapists can pursue to set themselves apart.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Music Therapist – Board Certified (MT-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Continued Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In order to renew licensing and credentials, most states require therapists to continue earning education credits. Usually these credits must be earned every 2-4 years, though exact time frames vary by state and credential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Look for in a Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Follow these tips to make informed decisions about the program you decide to pursue.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Accreditation Matters[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whatever your field, be sure to look for a program that is fully accredited for that profession. Programmatic accrediting agencies in the counseling and mental health fields include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review your state’s licensing requirements to be sure your target program qualifies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Scheduling[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are interested in online college programs, ask yourself which schedule works best for your lifestyle: a synchronous schedule (classes meeting at a set time on a regular schedule) or an asynchronous schedule (completing coursework on your own time). For example, will you have to balance part- or full-time work with your degree? If so, an asynchronous course may work better for you.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you already have a firm idea of what type of therapist career path you want to pursue, look through the curriculum of each program in which you are interested. This will help you determine which one best matches the skills and experience that you need for your chosen career.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Location[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider the location of the program. Again, many therapy programs tailor their courses to the licensing exams used in their state, so if you live somewhere else, those classes may not be the ones you need.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Other Important Questions to Ask Yourself[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is this a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regionally accredited school[/hen-ui-link]?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Will your desired program meet state licensing standards for your prospective career?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do costs compare across programs? Are any of your target schools unreasonably expensive when compared to your salary prospects after graduation?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What is the transfer credit policy for this program?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What is the background of the faculty? Do they specialize in the areas where you would like to take your therapy career? Is there a potential for mentorship?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Similar Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers are similar to therapists, but they focus more on connecting clients — who may be oppressed or living in poverty — with resources in their communities. However, licensed clinical social workers can open private practices to deliver therapy, and they can accept Medicare insurance. They can also more easily access jobs with the federal government than licensed counselors can.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers must earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate degree (master of social work or licensed clinical social worker), complete supervised clinical work, and pass the Association of Social Work (ASWB) exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Psychiatrist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]Psychiatrists resemble therapists[/hen-ui-link] in that they provide mental healthcare for clients. The difference is that psychiatrists have medical backgrounds, allowing them to consider the physical aspects of mental health in addition to psychological aspects. They can also offer diagnoses and prescribe medication. Unlike therapists, psychiatrists must earn a medical doctorate and complete a psychiatry residency.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Physical Therapist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists are not mental healthcare providers. Instead, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/physical-therapist/”]physical therapists[/hen-ui-link] diagnose and treat individuals with physical pain, functional impairments, and limited mobility. Similar to counseling therapists, they can assess and help patients, but they only address physical or fitness issues — not mental health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists must earn a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from an accredited institution, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and meet state-specific licensure requirements before practicing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ask An Expert[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To understand what a career as a therapist looks like, we interviewed an expert. Read about her experience and advice below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Karol Ward, L.C.S.W.” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,g_face,h_200,w_200/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1617054049/experts/Karol_Ward.jpg” img-alt=”Karol Ward, L.C.S.W.” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.karolward.com/about.htm”]Karol Ward, L.C.S.W.[/hen-ui-link] is a licensed psychotherapist and confidence-building coach who helps her clients cultivate inner confidence in the areas of personal growth, business visibility, and communication. She is the author of “Worried Sick: Break Free From Chronic Worry to Achieve Mental & Physical Health” and “Find Your Inner Voice: Using Instinct and Intuition Through the Body-Mind Connection.”[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Ward is an award-winning speaker and delivered a popular [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvKnyimoqC8/”]TEDx Talk[/hen-ui-link] on the power of the body-mind connection at TEDx TimeSquare. She is regularly featured in the Wall Street Journal and her new book, “The Confident Practitioner,” goes on sale in June 2021. [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.karolward.com/”] www.karolward.com[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]Why Become a Therapist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If helping others resolve emotional struggles appeals to you, becoming a therapist may be a rewarding career. This career requires an interest in human nature and a passion for helping others.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Are Some Challenges and High Points in This Role?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The challenge of being a therapist falls into one category: burnout. The kind of burnout that affects therapists derives from the potential for becoming emotionally drained.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists not only provide emotional support to their clients, but they also sit on the receiving end of what their clients are working through. As a result, therapists need to be able to handle deep emotional expression and to listen to deep pain.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Therapists need to practice good self-care in how they manage their professional work and personal lives. Creating downtime and healthy habits, and receiving support from supervisors, coaches, and peers, helps keep therapists from burnout.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The high point of working as a therapist is witnessing patients and clients change their lives. Knowing you have helped someone through a difficult time and empowered them to make changes they need is gratifying.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advocacy is also a high point of being a therapist. Knowing how to direct patients toward the concrete services they need so they can transform their lives is a worthy endeavor.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Type of Person Does Well in This Role?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]People who are empathetic, good listeners, and interested in why people behave the way they do make good therapists. Therapists are most effective when they have a curiosity about others and a desire to help their patients and clients understand themselves better.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Whom Does This Role Help? How Does This Role Impact Others?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A therapist provides a safe space for people to share and process their feelings. The ability to provide insight and guidance to someone who is emotionally struggling or stuck in their career is something therapists are trained to do.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The way a therapist’s role impacts others is twofold. First, the therapist helps clients make concrete changes that positively affect the lives of the patient’s friends, family, and colleagues.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Second, a therapist serves as a role model for their patients in terms of professional management. Being on time, handling money, navigating difficult conversations, and setting boundaries are important practices a therapist can demonstrate to their clients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]How To Get Hired[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Usually Take Graduates With a Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling Degree to Get Hired?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since the healthcare industry is growing, graduates with psychology, social work, and counseling degrees will be needed. Schools, social service agencies, clinics, employee assistance at companies, and private practice are all places graduates can find employment opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Skills Do Employers Look for?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical training, education, supervision, and licensing requirements are the basics required by employers. In addition, employers look for enthusiasm, flexibility, communication skills, and a willingness to contribute to workplace goals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can Students Do to Make Themselves Look Better to Employers?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Articulate why you want to go into this profession. What draws you to helping people? Why is it important? What skills, other than what you learned in school, might be beneficial to working with clients? This last question is important because your activities, interests, and training will benefit future employers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary”]What Is a Normal Day Like for a Therapist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Tasks Do You Typically Work on?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]My main experience is in private practice, and that involves meeting with patients, taking notes, scheduling sessions, and completing paperwork for invoices and insurance companies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Kinds of Hours Do You Keep?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a therapist in private practice, I work four days a week, and my patient load varies. I try to keep a good work/life balance and honor the fact that starting in the late morning and working until the early evening works best for me.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When I first started my practice and was building my caseload, I adjusted to the needs of my patients and was willing to work different hours in order to accommodate them. Flexibility can help you build your practice. As you become more experienced and your practice grows, you can adjust your practice to meet your needs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who Are Your Coworkers?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I do not have coworkers in my private practice, but I do have colleagues in the profession whom I refer to and consult with when I need perspective.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Knowledge Do You Utilize?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to being a therapist, I am a coach who specializes in confidence-building. I work with high-level executives who are talented but struggle with self-esteem and confidence. I also coach therapists and other healthcare practitioners, such as nutritionists and fitness professionals, who want to build successful practices. Finally, I use my clinical skills as a speaker to address psychological issues people struggle with in today’s world.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Therapist Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.counseling.org/” target=”_blank”]American Counseling Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Founded in 1952, ACA is a nonprofit, professional, and educational organization that supports the counseling profession. It is the world’s largest association representing professional counselors.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.amhca.org/home” target=”_blank”]American Mental Health Counselors Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AMHCA is dedicated to supporting clinical mental health counselors through collaboration, advocacy, research, ethical practice, and professional development. It also publishes AMHCA Standards on a rolling basis to address needs between the public and the profession.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.apa.org/” target=”_blank”]American Psychological Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The APA is the top scientific and professional organization for psychologists in the United States, with membership including researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. It is dedicated to using psychology to make positive impacts on society, educating the public on psychology, and serving as an authoritative voice for psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aamft.org/” target=”_blank”]American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AAMFT is the professional association for more than 50,000 marriage and family therapists in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. It promotes research, inclusivity within the profession, and awareness of changing social trends.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Reviewed by: Rayelle T. Davis, M.S. Ed., NCC, LCPC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,g_face,h_200,w_200/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1603996245/experts/Rayelle_Davis.jpg” img-alt=”Reviewed by: Rayelle T. Davis, M.S. Ed., NCC, LCPC” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Rayelle Davis is a nationally board certified counselor and a licensed clinical professional counselor. As a nontraditional student, she earned an associate degree in psychology at Allegany College of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the online University of Maryland Global Campus. Davis earned her master’s degree in counseling education with a concentration in marriage, couples, and family therapy from Duquesne University. She has taught several undergraduate psychology courses. She is currently a doctoral student and teaching assistant at Duquesne University and practices psychotherapy in Maryland.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: SDI Productions | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”6026,204,1251″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]