How to Become a Therapist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Choosing to become a therapist in mental health is a decision rooted in empathy, curiosity, and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It's a path that requires dedication, education, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Whether you're just starting out on your educational journey or considering making a career change into therapy or counseling, you're probably wondering what it takes to get there. Let's walk through the steps to becoming a therapist, from your first class to your first client.

Therapist Educational Requirements

Step 1: Earn A Bachelor's Degree

The first step of your educational journey to becoming a therapist is earning a bachelor's degree. Most aspiring therapists choose to major in psychology, behavioral science, social work, or a related field, where they are introduced to essential concepts in human behavior, mental health, and counseling. These subjects provide a broad understanding of how people think, feel, and interact with the world around them — knowledge that is vital for anyone aiming to help others navigate their emotional and psychological challenges.

During your undergraduate years, you'll delve into a variety of topics, from developmental psychology, which explores how people grow and change throughout their lives, to abnormal psychology, which examines mental health disorders. Courses in social work may cover community health, social justice, and welfare systems, equipping you with the skills to advocate for and support individuals in various settings.

But your education isn't confined to the classroom. Many programs encourage or even require students to engage in internships, practicums, or volunteer work. These experiences are invaluable, offering you the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. For instance, you might volunteer at a crisis hotline, work as a research assistant in a psychology lab, or intern at a social services agency.

Moreover, these practical experiences are an excellent way to build connections within the professional community. Networking with professionals, mentors, and peers during your undergraduate years can open doors to future opportunities, such as graduate programs, job placements, or further specialized training.

Step 2: Pursue a Master's Degree

To become a licensed therapist, you'll need to earn a graduate degree. The type of degree you pursue depends on the kind of therapist you want to become and where you intend to pursue a professional license. It's very important to choose an educational program that meets the educational requirements for the type of license you intend to seek in the state where you intend to pursue it. Most universities are required to provide prospective students with disclosures about whether their programs meet the educational requirements for licensure in particular states (see, for example, the State Licensing/Certification disclosures found here). It can also be very important to seek out a program that meets specialized accreditation requirements, such as by CACREP.

Here are some of the most common master's degree paths:

• Master's in Counseling (MA or MS): Also called a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, this degree prepares you for a career as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP). You'll learn about therapeutic techniques, human development, and ethical practices.
• Master's in Social Work (MSW): If you're interested in becoming a clinical social worker, this may be the degree for you. It focuses on social justice, advocacy, and providing therapy in various health and community settings.
• Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): This degree is specialized for those who want to work with couples and families, addressing relational dynamics and providing therapy in a systemic context.

For some careers, continuing beyond the master's toward a doctorate is the typical path:

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD): These doctoral programs prepare you for a career as a clinical psychologist. The PsyD focuses on clinical practice, while the PhD has a stronger emphasis on research.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

Completing a supervised clinical experience, or practicum, is a pivotal step in your journey to becoming a licensed therapist. This hands-on training allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of an experienced therapist. During this time, you'll develop and implement treatment plans, conduct therapy sessions, and navigate complex client issues. As Barb Daubenspeck, PhD, Program Director and Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University, notes, "Counselor education is less about learning how to perform counseling tasks and more about becoming a counselor. It's vital for graduate students to fully engage with this process, exploring the depths of their counselor identity and finding their unique place within that framework."

Selecting the right clinical placement is essential. Here's how to approach it:

• Research potential placements: Look for sites that align with your career goals, such as community mental health centers, hospitals, private practices, or specialized treatment facilities.
• Consult with faculty and advisors: Leverage your professors and advisors for recommendations and connections.
• Network with professionals: Attend conferences and workshops to meet potential mentors and learn about available placements.
• Prepare a strong application: Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and express how the placement aligns with your career aspirations.

Therapist Licensure and Certification

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exams

To practice as a therapist, you must obtain licensure in the state where you plan to work. This typically involves passing a licensing exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for licensed professional counselors or the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) for clinical psychologists. These exams test your knowledge of counseling theories, ethics, assessment techniques, and other essential aspects of the profession. Preparing for these exams requires dedication, but they are a crucial step in ensuring you are ready to provide high-quality care to your clients.

Step 5: Apply For State Licensure

After passing your licensing exams, you'll need to apply for licensure in your state. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, which may include additional exams, background checks, and proof of supervised experience. It's important to carefully review your state's requirements to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria. Once licensed, you can officially begin practicing as a therapist.

Remember that maintaining your license requires adherence to state regulations, which often includes completing continuing education courses and reviewing your license periodically. You must stay informed about any changes in licensing requirements or continuing education needs to ensure ongoing compliance.

Building Your Career: From New Practitioner to Expert

Step 6: Start Practicing

With your license in hand, you're ready to start your career as a therapist. During this phase, you'll work under supervision to obtain full independent licensure, which can take 2-5 years after initial licensure. Many new therapists begin by working in established practices, schools, hospitals, or community mental health centers. These settings provide valuable experience and mentorship opportunities as you transition from student to professional. Over time, you may choose to open your own private practice, giving you the flexibility to build a client base and develop your own therapeutic approach.

Step 7: Consider Specializations

As you gain experience, you might discover a particular area of therapy that excites you. Specializing allows you to focus on specific fields like trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or child and adolescent therapy. Each specialization involves distinct techniques and advanced training:

• Trauma therapy: Focuses on helping clients process and recover from traumatic experiences using methods like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
• Substance abuse counseling: Involves assisting clients with addiction recovery through techniques such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies.
• Family therapy: Addresses relational dynamics within families using approaches like Structural Family Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
• Child and adolescent therapy: Involves techniques adapted for younger clients, such as play therapy and family therapy.

Lifelong Learning: Growing as a Professional

Step 8: Engage In Continuing Education

The field of therapy is constantly evolving, with new research, techniques, and ethical guidelines emerging regularly. To stay at the top of your profession, it's essential to engage in continuing education throughout your career. The APA provides continuing education (CE) programs for psychologists and other mental health professionals on many topics. Many states require therapists to complete a set number of continuing education credits to maintain their licensure. These courses can cover a wide range of topics, from the latest in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to emerging trends in teletherapy. Continuing education not only keeps you informed but also inspires you to bring fresh perspectives and tools to your practice.

How Bellevue University can Help you Achieve Your Goals

At Bellevue University, we understand that becoming a therapist is more than just earning a degree—it's about transforming your passion for helping others into a fulfilling career. Our programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience you need to succeed. From our supportive faculty to our flexible online learning options, we're here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're starting with a bachelor's degree or advancing to graduate-level study, Bellevue University offers the resources and guidance you need to achieve your career goals in therapy.

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