How to Become a Therapist
Many people want to start working in a role that allows them to help others, so how do you actually become a helper? While there are many careers that can lead to what we call a “helping profession” for this blog I will focus on the many ways you can start your journey to becoming a therapist.
Let’s start with the basics: What is a therapist?
A therapist is, “a person who treats mental conditions by verbal communication and interaction,” also called a psychotherapist, according to the Dictionary. Therapists are trained in talk therapy to support clients who are looking to make changes in their lives. The American Psychiatric Association also notes, “Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing.”
Where do therapists work?
This is one of the coolest parts of becoming a therapist- the limit does not exist (technically). Generally you will find jobs in clinics, hospitals, schools, private practice, group practice, businesses, HR, advocacy/nonprofits, colleges, or wellness groups. Mental health encompasses so much of our daily lives that it has a space in almost every type of professional network. If you are just starting to look into becoming a therapist, try looking at job listings of places you would want to work. What degrees do they require? What type of degree to they prefer? These are helpful points of research to have before starting school. For example, if you are interested in working in the school system, you may be more interested in a school psychology program because it would probably go over more applicable topics to that type of job. Whereas if you want to work in a clinic, you may want a more clinical based education. For me personally, I knew I wanted to go into private practice to support people in 1:1 or couples therapy- so becoming an MFT is a great option to be able to do that.
Quick Breakdown of Degree Acronyms
MFT- Marriage & Family Therapist; The best description of this license comes from the AAMFT, “Marriage and family therapists (typically referred to as MFTs or family therapists) are recognized by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, as one of the five core mental health professions along with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and psychiatric nurse specialists. Marriage and family therapists are mental health professionals with a minimum of a master’s degree, two years’ supervised clinical experience and are licensed to independently diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse problems. MFTs treat individuals, couples and families. The unique feature you will find during treatment with an MFT is the therapist will focus on understanding your symptoms and diagnoses within interactions and relationships. The existing environment and context is given careful examination paying particular attention to the family system – as defined by you. MFTs treat predominantly individuals but always from the perspective that “relationships matter.’”
MHC- Mental Health Counselor: Wikipedia defines MHC’s, “ is a person who works with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Such persons may help individuals deal with issues associated with addiction and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.”
MSW or LCSW: Master in Social Work or Licensed Clinical Social Worker: “LCSW stands for “licensed clinical social worker,” which indicates a professional has obtained additional state licensure after earning a master’s degree in the field…. MSW curriculum teaches you to identify and understand multidimensional problem solving and uses evidence-based assessment and intervention models that reflect best practices in the social work field. High-quality MSW degree programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is required by most states for licensing.” (University of Massachusetts Global)
Psychologist (PhD): “This is the traditional degree of practicing, academic, and research psychologists. Training includes courses in psychological assessment, theories and practice of different types of psychotherapy, research and statistics, as well as diagnosis and ethics. A dissertation is required which must be defended. The emphasis of this degree is on research and theory, much more so than any other degree discussed here. A pre-internship experience (called a practicum) is usually an integral part of the program. Some programs require multiple practicums. The average length of a Ph.D program is 6 to 7 years. Ph.D psychologists most often pursue careers in academia or practice,” (PsychCentral).
There are many other degree types that you can look into, because this field of study is so vast- For a full list of license breakdowns check out Good Therapy’s Article Alphabet Soup: Decoding Mental Health Credentials
So now what?
Once you have narrowed down the types of jobs you might want to have and the type of degree you are interested in- now it is time to find schools that offer those degree opportunities. Not every school offers each type of counseling degree, and not every school is accredited- let me repeat that- NOT EVERY SCHOOL IS ACCREDITED. There have been past incidences where schools have misdirected people, so this is where you need to be diligent. For example, here are some of the national accreditation directories to find schools who meet their accreditation standards:
This is a key part of identifying a program you might want to apply to. That way you can focus on learning how to become an awesome helping professional and less worried about if your program is legit.
The limit does not exist
Whatever you choose to do, whatever degree you decide on- I appreciate that you are willing to step into the mental health field! This is an always in demand field of work and study, and we need more of us every day. If you are still feeling unsure about what type of degree, license, and career to go for as a therapist- ASK A THERAPIST! Talk to people who are living it! Ask questions about their work life balance, salary, benefits, what they love about their job- get a real life database of information to feel really secure about what type of roles you may want to step into as a therapist yourself. When I first started my undergraduate degree, I would talk to academic counselors, professors of psychology, therapists, people in the non-profit side of mental health- and I gained so much insight into the differences of each field of psychology. This helped me be more sure that private practice therapy is what I personally felt was right for me. Having that one on one connection and helping someone work towards becoming their authentic self is my greatest honor of life. But it is not for everyone! Everyone is different and there are so many job options out there, that you can find something that fits well for your unique circumstances!
I wish you the best on your journey to stepping onto the mental health field. For more guidance or to talk to me 1:1 as a professional, feel free to contact me to book a coaching session!
