Education Requirements for a Therapist

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A therapist helps people struggling with depression, substance use disorders, relationship conflicts, and other issues that are impeding their happiness and well-being. For young students thinking about becoming a therapist, there are specific education requirements for a therapist that you must complete to thrive in this rewarding and challenging field. If you are searching for “certified therapist jobs near me,” check out Behavioral Health Jobs for a full list of the best jobs near you. 

At Behavioral Health Jobs, our website is dedicated to helping job seekers find the best jobs in the behavioral health industry. You can find therapist jobs in many different organizations, from community centers, hospitals, treatment centers, government facilities, and private practices. You can search for jobs by experience and education level, licensing requirements, and other criteria. Check out all of the available therapist jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today. 

Becoming a Therapist

The mental health crisis in the United States affects nearly one in five adults all across the country. There is a high demand for qualified therapists, which will likely continue growing through 2030. As a therapist, you will work directly with patients and their families through group and individual therapy sessions through in-person meetings at a treatment center or at the patient’s home. Many therapists are now able to treat patients remotely using online video conferencing software. 

Becoming a therapist is a very rewarding career choice where you get to help people from all walks of life lead their best lives. To succeed in this challenging career, you will need the following soft skills:

  • Active listening skills
  • Strong ethics
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Able to express empathy
  • A strong desire to help people from all walks of life
  • Able to keep healthy professional boundaries
  • Critical thinking skills

At Behavioral Health Jobs, we offer tips on resume building and interviewing techniques to help you find your dream job. To attract qualified candidates, many employers are offering above-average pay and benefits like tuition reimbursement to pay for continuing education. 

Education Requirements for a Therapist

If you are interested in a career as a therapist, you will need to complete several years of education and supervised work experience. Depending on your career path, it can take up to 10 years to complete all education and licensing requirements. 

Here are some of the education requirements for a therapist:

  • Earn a postgraduate degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree will take four years, while a master’s degree requires another two years of study, and a Ph.D. or doctorate degree can take up to seven years.
  • After completing your graduate work, you will work a set number of supervised clinical hours to qualify for licensing. You will need to complete up to 3,200 hours within 24 months to apply for licensing.
  • Once you satisfy the work requirements, you can apply for licensing through the National Counselor Examination, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination.
  • Further specialty licensing is available to specialize in addiction, social work, or marriage and family counseling.

Each state has different requirements for qualifying for licensing, and the number of hours and types of certifications may vary.

Behavioral Health Jobs Has the Best Certified Therapist Jobs near You

At Behavioral Health Jobs, our database is updated daily with all of the best therapist jobs across the country. We offer beneficial tips on resume building, interviewing techniques, and other information that will land you a great job helping people from all over. If you are ready to begin a new career as a therapist, check out all of the available therapist jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website today.

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