How to Become a Therapist: Required Degrees and Types

If you’re driven to make a difference and eager to build a career helping others, then becoming a therapist could be your perfect path. Whether you’re charting your course as an undergraduate or considering a career change, understanding therapist degree options, licenses, and required specializations is the first step toward success.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about becoming a therapist, from the educational paths and licensing requirements to the different therapy practices you can pursue. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into career timelines, salary expectations, and the rewards of working in this impactful field.

What Is a Therapist?

A therapist is a trained professional who helps individuals navigate life’s challenges, improve their mental health, and achieve personal growth. Through various therapeutic techniques, therapists work to empower their clients, fostering resilience and well-being.

Therapists may find employment in many settings, including private practices, schools, hospitals, and community centers. They address a wide range of concerns, from managing stress and anxiety to overcoming trauma and addiction. At their core, therapists are problem-solvers and compassionate guides, helping clients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What Do Therapists Do?

Therapists take on a wide range of responsibilities, all centered on supporting their clients’ mental and emotional wellness. Depending on their specialty, therapists may focus on helping individuals manage specific challenges or guide them toward long-term personal growth.

Some of the therapists’ responsibilities include:

• Conducting therapy sessions: Therapists meet with clients one-on-one, in groups, or with families to discuss their concerns and set goals for progress.
• Creating treatment plans: Based on client needs, therapists develop personalized strategies to address emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges.
• Utilizing therapeutic techniques: They apply evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, or psychoanalysis to guide their clients toward resolution and growth.
• Providing crisis intervention: Therapists often assist clients during critical moments, offering immediate support and strategies to stabilize emotions.
• Monitoring progress: Regular assessments enable therapists to adapt treatment plans and ensure clients are achieving their goals.

Additionally, therapists collaborate with other professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care. Their work often varies depending on their specialization and the populations they serve, from supporting individuals in addiction recovery to guiding families through relational challenges.

What Is the Difference Between a Therapist, Counselor, and Psychologist?

Therapists, counselors, and psychologists each play a crucial role in supporting mental health, but their approaches, scopes of practice, and educational paths differ. Understanding these distinctions is essential when considering a career in these fields.

Key Differences

• Therapists: A broad term that encompasses professionals trained to help individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being. Therapists may specialize in areas such as marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, or substance abuse counseling. Most therapists hold a master’s degree and are licensed to practice therapy in their specific field.
• Counselors: A subset of therapists who focus on helping clients address specific challenges, such as career planning, addiction, or relationship conflicts. Counselors often use short-term, solution-focused techniques and typically require a master’s degree and state licensure.
• Psychologists: Experts in mental health who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Psychologists often conduct psychological testing and research, requiring a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and state licensure to practice.

Overlapping Roles

While their scopes differ, these professionals share commonalities: They all provide emotional support, create personalized treatment plans, and work toward improving clients’ mental health.

View the Overlapping Roles Diagram (PDF)

Types of Therapists

Therapists can specialize in a variety of fields, each tailored to address specific mental health challenges and client needs. Below is an overview of common therapy specializations, their roles, and unique requirements.

Behavioral Health Counselor

Focuses on helping clients manage and overcome behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders. Often works in outpatient clinics or private practices.

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

Supports couples and families in navigating relationship challenges, fostering healthier communication, and resolving conflicts. Requires specific licensure and training in family dynamics.

Substance Abuse Counselor (Addiction Counselor)

Specializes in guiding clients through addiction recovery, helping them build coping mechanisms and maintain sobriety. Often works in rehabilitation centers or community organizations.

Child and Adolescent Counselor

Provides therapeutic support for children and teens dealing with developmental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Collaborates with families, schools, and other care providers.

Grief and Bereavement Counselor

Helps clients cope with loss and navigate the emotional complexities of grief. Utilizes techniques to foster healing and acceptance over time.

Trauma Therapist

Focuses on treating clients who have experienced severe emotional or physical trauma, using evidence-based techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or trauma-focused CBT.

Art or Creative Therapist

Uses creative mediums such as art, music, or writing to help clients express emotions and process experiences. Often works with children, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or those with communication challenges.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Assists individuals with disabilities in achieving personal and professional goals, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

Career Counselor

Guides clients in identifying career goals, navigating job transitions, and developing strategies for professional success.

Therapists can also blend these specialties or pursue niches such as sports therapy, geriatric therapy, or multicultural counseling. Choosing a specialization often aligns with personal interests, client populations, and career goals, helping therapists make meaningful impacts in their chosen areas.

What Degrees Do You Need to Be a Therapist?

Becoming a therapist requires specific educational qualifications, beginning with a foundational understanding of psychology and mental health. While a master’s degree is typically the minimum requirement to practice as a licensed therapist, pursuing a doctoral degree opens the door to specialized roles and advanced opportunities.

Undergraduate Degree: Psychology, BA

If you’re just starting your academic journey, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is an excellent foundation. At Pace University, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology introduces you to key concepts in human behavior, mental health, and research methods. This program prepares students for graduate study and is an ideal first step toward careers in therapy, counseling, or psychology.

Graduate Degrees for Therapists

Graduate education is essential for aspiring therapists, as it provides the advanced training and clinical experience required for licensure. Here are some of the key programs offered at Pace University:

• Mental Health Counseling, MS
  • A 60-credit program designed to prepare students for licensure as mental health counselors
  • Courses include Group Dynamics, Foundations of Mental Health Counseling, and Practicum in Mental Health Counseling
  • Best suited for students who want to provide clinical mental health services in private practice, hospitals, or community settings
• Psychology, MA
  • A 36-credit program designed to appeal a diverse range of students who are looking to advance their careers by expanding their knowledge about contemporary psychological theories and perspectives, and individuals who may eventually seek to further their study at the doctoral level
  • Includes foundational courses in psychology as well as electives in specialized fields
  • Best suited for students pursuing doctoral programs or careers in research and academic settings

Doctoral Degrees for Advanced Roles

For those seeking to specialize further or pursue leadership roles in clinical psychology, academic research, or advanced therapy practices, doctoral programs are the next step.

• Mental Health Counseling, PhD
  • A doctoral program in mental health counseling designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia, clinical supervision, research, and advanced counseling practice.
  • Courses include Advanced Counseling Theories, Counselor Supervision, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Doctoral internship.
  • Ideal for masters-level mental health counselor professionals seeking to advance their training and knowledge in the field of mental health counseling through research/scholarship, advocacy, clinical supervision and educating and training future graduates as mental health counseling field.
• Clinical Psychology (Health Care Emphasis), PhD
  • A research-intensive program focused on clinical psychology with an emphasis on healthcare settings
  • Includes advanced coursework in assessment, intervention, and health psychology, alongside a dissertation and internship
  • Best suited for students aiming for careers in clinical research, teaching, or integrated health care systems
• School Psychology, PhD
  • Designed to train students in advanced research, assessment, and intervention for school settings
  • Focuses on developmental and behavioral disorders, psychoeducational evaluation, and program consultation
  • Best suited for professionals seeking leadership roles in educational systems or academic research
• School-Clinical Child Psychology, PsyD
  • Combines clinical and school psychology with an emphasis on child and adolescent care
  • Includes supervised practica, internships, and advanced coursework in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic interventions
  • Best suited for those pursuing clinical practice roles focusing on children and adolescents in schools or private settings

Licensing Requirements

To practice as a therapist, obtaining the proper licensure is essential. Licensing ensures that therapists meet professional standards, have adequate clinical experience, and are prepared to provide safe and effective care. Here’s an overview of common licenses required for various types of therapy:

• National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Required degree: Master’s in Mental Health Counseling or a related field
  • Clinical experience: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, along with 100 hours of post-graduate supervision (varies by state)
  • Licensing exam: National Counselor Examination (NCE)
  • Who It’s for: Therapists specializing in mental health counseling for individuals, couples, or groups
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Required degree: Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field
  • Clinical experience: Typically 3,000 hours of supervised practice
  • Licensing exam: State-specific exams or the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam
  • Who It’s for: Therapists working with couples, families, and relational dynamics
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Required degree: Master’s in Social Work (MSW)
  • Clinical experience: 2,000–3,000 hours of supervised practice
  • Licensing exam: Clinical Social Work licensing exam
  • Who It’s for: Therapists addressing individual and family needs through therapy, advocacy, and resource coordination

Other Licenses for Therapists to Consider

Depending on your specialization, you may need other certifications:

• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC): For therapists focused on addiction recovery
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): For therapists specializing in behavioral interventions, often with children or individuals with autism spectrum disorder

State-Specific Licensing Requirements for Therapists

Licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to research the specific criteria where you plan to practice. Websites such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) provide valuable state-specific resources.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Therapist?

Becoming a licensed therapist typically takes between six and 10 years, depending on your chosen specialization and state licensing requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:

1. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree (four years)
   Most aspiring therapists begin with an undergraduate degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, which provides a solid foundation in mental health concepts and research methods.
2. Completing a Master’s Degree (two to three years)
   A graduate degree is required for most therapy careers and equips students with advanced skills and clinical training.
3. Gaining Clinical Experience (two to four years)
   After earning a master’s degree, you’ll need supervised clinical hours to qualify for licensure. The time required varies by license and state—typically 2,000 to 3,000 hours over two to four years.
4. Obtaining Licensure
   Once you’ve completed the required education and clinical experience, you’ll need to pass the licensing exam for your specialization. The timeline for exam preparation depends on the individual but can range from a few weeks to a few months.

While the process is rigorous, it’s designed to ensure therapists are fully prepared to provide safe, ethical, and effective care.

Therapist Salary and Job Outlook

A career as a therapist offers not only personal fulfillment but also strong earning potential and job security. With the rising demand for mental health professionals, therapists can look forward to a promising future in the field.

Therapist Salary Expectations

The average salary for therapists varies based on factors such as specialization, location, and experience.

• National average: Therapists earn between $76,000 and $122,000 annually, depending on their area of expertise.
• New York therapists: Therapists practicing in New York often earn at the higher end of the range due to the region’s demand and cost of living. For example, clinical therapists in New York earn an average upwards of $100,000 annually.
• Specialized roles, such as marriage and family therapists or clinical psychologists, may command higher salaries than general counselors, particularly in private practice or health care settings.

Therapist Job Growth and Demand

The demand for therapists continues to grow as mental health awareness increases across the U.S.

• Job growth: Therapists are in high demand, with projected job growth rates, such as 13% for marriage and family therapists, significantly outpacing the average for other occupations.
• Diverse opportunities: Therapists can work in various settings, including private practices, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations.
• Increasing need: As more individuals seek therapy to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, therapists play a critical role in meeting this demand.

What Makes Someone a Good Therapist?

Becoming a great therapist goes beyond earning degrees and certifications—it requires a combination of personal qualities and professional skills. Here are some key traits that make a therapist successful

• Empathy: The ability to genuinely understand and share the feelings of others is foundational to building trust with clients.
• Active listening: Great therapists listen attentively and without judgment, creating a safe space for clients to express themselves.
• Adaptability: Every client is different, and the best therapists are flexible, tailoring their approach to meet each individual’s needs.
• Strong communication skills: Therapists must convey insights and strategies clearly while encouraging open dialogue.
• Self-care: Supporting others can be emotionally demanding. Effective therapists prioritize their own mental health to stay balanced and engaged.

Your Path to a Fulfilling Career in Therapy Starts Here

Becoming a therapist is a rewarding journey that enables you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Whether you’re just starting your academic path or advancing your career, Pace University’s programs in psychology and counseling provide the skills, knowledge, and support to help you succeed. Take the next step toward your future today.

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