10 answers
Bella
Student
Bradenton, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
2251 views
I want to be a therapist, but I am having doubts.
I want to be a therapist, but is the pay good enough? Is it a fulfilling profession? I wanted to be a psychiatrist, but I didn't want to go through med school. Is it that hard to get a doctoral degree? Also, how do I know what type of therapist I want to be, if at all?
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8 answers
Claire McLeod
Recreational Therapist
6
Answers
Pensacola, Florida
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hey Bella!
These questions are great and I think you are off to a good start by seeking advice! Being a therapist, especially in the mental health field, can be very hard but it is so rewarding. Most days are good rather than bad. In order to find out what type of therapist you want to be, I would encourage you to research different types of therapists (mental health, recreational, behavioral, occupational, physical therapists, etc) that are in/around your area. This can help you find a therapist(s) at facilities that you may want to observe. This should help you determine what type of therapist you want to be! Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions!
These questions are great and I think you are off to a good start by seeking advice! Being a therapist, especially in the mental health field, can be very hard but it is so rewarding. Most days are good rather than bad. In order to find out what type of therapist you want to be, I would encourage you to research different types of therapists (mental health, recreational, behavioral, occupational, physical therapists, etc) that are in/around your area. This can help you find a therapist(s) at facilities that you may want to observe. This should help you determine what type of therapist you want to be! Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions!
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
144
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Bella, excellent questions! It sounds like you need more time to figure things out. I am curious what drew you to psychiatry in the first place; you may want to return to this initial curiosity and see what remains- interest in diagnosis, prescribing (medication), helping people improve their mental health? Psychiatry is the highest paid mental health career path, so perhaps it was the idea of having a doctorate and being well compensated. To become a psychiatrist requires attending medical school- definitely a commitment and an exceptionally challenging academic path in contrast to others. This should not deter you if it is something you feel passionate about. Other options to consider- nursing school to gain an advanced credential as an ARNP which will allow you to work as a psychiatric nurse and prescribe medication, psychology (a doctorate degree but not medical school), a master's degree in counseling (or child/family counseling, marriage counseling, drama/art/dance therapies, school counseling, etc.), a master's in social work, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. The earning potential will differ for each degree and also will depend on what you do with it. For instance, a supervisor or management position will likely pay more, someone with a doctorate will generally make more than someone with a master's, and providers in private practice may make more than someone working for a community health or public agency. Hospitals and government positions pay more than a nonprofit community health organization. But take this all with a grain of salt because it also depends on the cost of living, urban vs rural setting, and in private practice- your price point and how many patients you work with in an average week, your overhead costs, and other miscellaneous business costs. As for what kind of therapist, it took me the entirety of my graduate program and the following six years post-grad to figure this out. For me this was a process and one that will likely take some time for any new therapist. What I did know is that I wanted to study art therapy; I studied art my entire life and valued the benefit of working with art materials to express my thoughts and emotions. I was also involved in my own mental health counseling from early adulthood; this gave me an understanding about what being in therapy can look like, and what it may take to be a therapist. Even so, my education did not prepare me for the actual work of being a full-time trauma therapist. Academic settings are a bubble of learning and wonder, which is a good thing. I suggest you do some more reading about different career paths, the academic coursework, and how the education translates to real life. What are typical job responsibilities, or a day in the life, and estimated salary range for each path. If you can meet with a therapist- school counselor, psychologist, or social worker it could be a way you can further examine your interests and ask questions. Some jobs are more stressful or demanding than others. As for fulfilling- I can only share that I have experienced the full spectrum of feelings about this work! From great frustration to satisfaction and everything in-between. I think it comes with the territory when working with people with complex issues and working within systems of care that can be rigid. However, there are many ways to craft your career to suit your personal and financial needs and expectations. No matter what route you might pick, when it comes to human services and social services you will always be learning and growing as an individual; this can be quite rewarding. Take your time to take a variety of classes in college- if you attend an undergraduate school. Notice when something feels exciting and makes you want to know more. Also know you can change your mind. All kinds of people enter into and excel at helping roles. There are also other ways to make a significant difference in the world- whether teaching, technology, organic agriculture, slow fashion, and on and on...
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
44
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
Money is not everything.
If you think you might not enjoy it, then do not go into that profession.
If on the other hand you think you might enjoy it, then go for it.
Try to focus on helping others and not so much about the money at the end of it.
Money is nice, do not get me wrong, but so many go into the helping and support field, just for the money which is sad.
Those that do it just for the money, fail to realize that they are there to help others.
I hope this helps.
If you think you might not enjoy it, then do not go into that profession.
If on the other hand you think you might enjoy it, then go for it.
Try to focus on helping others and not so much about the money at the end of it.
Money is nice, do not get me wrong, but so many go into the helping and support field, just for the money which is sad.
Those that do it just for the money, fail to realize that they are there to help others.
I hope this helps.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
902
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Bella,
It’s normal to have doubts when thinking about your future career—especially when choosing something as meaningful as therapy, so I completely understand this. The fact that you’re asking these questions shows that you’re thinking ahead, which is a great step.
Therapy can be an incredibly fulfilling career, especially if you love helping people. Many therapists find it rewarding because they make a real difference in people’s lives. However, it can also be emotionally demanding, so taking care of yourself is important.
As for pay, it depends on what type of therapist you become, where you work, and your level of education. Therapists with a doctoral degree or those in specialized fields like marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, or neuropsychology often earn more. Private practice can also increase your earning potential over time.
If medical school didn’t feel right for you, that’s okay! A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) takes time and effort, but it’s different from med school. It focuses more on research, therapy techniques, and clinical training rather than biology and pharmacology. If getting a doctorate feels like too much, you could consider becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which only require a master’s degree.
To figure out what type of therapist you want to be, think about what interests you most. Do you want to help children, families, or people struggling with mental health challenges? Would you prefer one-on-one therapy or working with groups? If you're unsure, try taking psychology courses, talking to professionals, or shadowing a therapist to get a better idea.
Most importantly, remember that your career path isn’t set in stone. You can explore different options before committing, and it’s okay if your interests change. The fact that you care so much about making the right choice shows you’re on the right track. Keep asking questions and exploring—you’ll find the best path for you!
Best wishes!
It’s normal to have doubts when thinking about your future career—especially when choosing something as meaningful as therapy, so I completely understand this. The fact that you’re asking these questions shows that you’re thinking ahead, which is a great step.
Therapy can be an incredibly fulfilling career, especially if you love helping people. Many therapists find it rewarding because they make a real difference in people’s lives. However, it can also be emotionally demanding, so taking care of yourself is important.
As for pay, it depends on what type of therapist you become, where you work, and your level of education. Therapists with a doctoral degree or those in specialized fields like marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, or neuropsychology often earn more. Private practice can also increase your earning potential over time.
If medical school didn’t feel right for you, that’s okay! A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) takes time and effort, but it’s different from med school. It focuses more on research, therapy techniques, and clinical training rather than biology and pharmacology. If getting a doctorate feels like too much, you could consider becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), which only require a master’s degree.
To figure out what type of therapist you want to be, think about what interests you most. Do you want to help children, families, or people struggling with mental health challenges? Would you prefer one-on-one therapy or working with groups? If you're unsure, try taking psychology courses, talking to professionals, or shadowing a therapist to get a better idea.
Most importantly, remember that your career path isn’t set in stone. You can explore different options before committing, and it’s okay if your interests change. The fact that you care so much about making the right choice shows you’re on the right track. Keep asking questions and exploring—you’ll find the best path for you!
Best wishes!
Thank you so much for the advice! It really opened up my mind!
Bella
Glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor
Gladys "GG" Siebert
Administrative Assistant
8
Answers
Newfoundland, Pennsylvania
Updated
Gladys "GG"’s Answer
HI Bella,
This, I feel, is the biggest question that most young folks have and never really ask. I gave the same advice to another person here recently, look into a volunteer or internship position and spend some time learning if this is truly what you want to do. The commitment to medical school is a big one! The last thing you want to do is spend that much time and money on something that you end up hating. Don't get me wrong, Psychiatry is a fascinating profession, but it is a long road. I believe it must be a very fulfilling job as you get to help people in such an incredible way.
I would recommend that you reach out to your guidance counselor or school psychiatrist and set up an appointment to interview them about their jobs. Ask them the questions that you really want to know, remember this is for the future you. If the answers intrigues you, then ask how you can get involved as a volunteer or an intern. Take a class or two in psychiatry, even if on line. You can look into auditing a class as well, check with your local community college. It's a very long road, 4 yrs of HS, 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of med school then a residency (2 yrs +) in your specialty and maybe even a fellowship (1+ yrs) after, but if you love it, although it will be hard, it will be the most rewarding thing you could do for yourself. Best of luck!
This, I feel, is the biggest question that most young folks have and never really ask. I gave the same advice to another person here recently, look into a volunteer or internship position and spend some time learning if this is truly what you want to do. The commitment to medical school is a big one! The last thing you want to do is spend that much time and money on something that you end up hating. Don't get me wrong, Psychiatry is a fascinating profession, but it is a long road. I believe it must be a very fulfilling job as you get to help people in such an incredible way.
I would recommend that you reach out to your guidance counselor or school psychiatrist and set up an appointment to interview them about their jobs. Ask them the questions that you really want to know, remember this is for the future you. If the answers intrigues you, then ask how you can get involved as a volunteer or an intern. Take a class or two in psychiatry, even if on line. You can look into auditing a class as well, check with your local community college. It's a very long road, 4 yrs of HS, 4 yrs of college, 4 yrs of med school then a residency (2 yrs +) in your specialty and maybe even a fellowship (1+ yrs) after, but if you love it, although it will be hard, it will be the most rewarding thing you could do for yourself. Best of luck!
Sarah Wicks
Graduate Student | Counseling |
1
Answer
Medina, Ohio
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
First of all, it’s great that you’re thinking critically about your future and exploring what could be a truly rewarding career. Becoming a therapist can be an incredibly fulfilling journey, as it gives you the opportunity to directly impact people’s lives, helping them navigate challenges and improve their mental well-being. It’s a career rooted in empathy, growth, and making a real difference, which can bring a deep sense of purpose.
As for the difficulty of obtaining a doctoral degree, it can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable with dedication and passion. A doctoral degree in psychology (like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) requires years of study and practical experience. If you feel the journey might be too intense, there are also other pathways, like earning a master’s degree, that can still allow you to be a licensed therapist and make a significant impact on others’ lives.
When it comes to figuring out which type of therapist you want to be, it’s okay if you don’t have that figured out right away. There are many types (clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, etc.) and each has its own unique approach and focus. As you explore, consider areas of psychology or human behavior that most resonate with you. Think about the populations you’d like to work with—children, couples, people facing addiction, or those with trauma histories. Often, the type of therapist you become will evolve naturally as you learn more about the field and yourself.
As for the difficulty of obtaining a doctoral degree, it can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable with dedication and passion. A doctoral degree in psychology (like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) requires years of study and practical experience. If you feel the journey might be too intense, there are also other pathways, like earning a master’s degree, that can still allow you to be a licensed therapist and make a significant impact on others’ lives.
When it comes to figuring out which type of therapist you want to be, it’s okay if you don’t have that figured out right away. There are many types (clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, etc.) and each has its own unique approach and focus. As you explore, consider areas of psychology or human behavior that most resonate with you. Think about the populations you’d like to work with—children, couples, people facing addiction, or those with trauma histories. Often, the type of therapist you become will evolve naturally as you learn more about the field and yourself.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Bella
Karen Rutt
Therapist
1
Answer
Keyport, New Jersey
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Being a therapist is wonderful. It's good heart work, and it brings me extraordinary pride knowing that I can help someone gain the knowledge and skills to live a better life. However, the pay isn't what some people think. Can you live off it? Sure. Can you have mansions and expensive cars? Probably not.
Michelle M.
Actress
2237
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Bella !
It is very evident that you're having doubts about becoming a mental health professional and it may be the beginning of your transition to a different career interest. It's okay. Doubt usually confirms things, so do not hesitate to explore the source of your doubt because being a mental health professional is a certain kind of commitment that not everyone is cut out for. It seems as though you are already getting some vibes that are telling you something and that is the most important way to tell.
Explore what being in the mental health field is about and read up on the various positions there are besides going into psychiatry. There are many niches for this career and usually people, if they do not know yet, figure it out through their educational path majoring in Psychology. Most people do well financially in the mental health field but it depends on how many gigs you have at a time, if you're insurance reimbursable, your position, if you also write articles and do research and how versatile you are. It also depends on if you work in a major city, suburb or in a rural environment. The Mental Health field is one that people strive for that have a strong passion and a strong interest in the human condition and human experience. The pay is not a factor to consider. Since you would be having a profound bond with patients and clients, it would have to be something you love to do and don't see yourself doing any other career.
Maybe a good way for you to decide would be to start reading colleges' Psychology Programs. Look at what courses would be required and decide if those subjects hold your interest. No one can tell you if your career will be fulfilling as that would be in the future and how your career goes is up to you. If you are concerned about college being hard, come to terms about why you are concerned about that. How are you doing in high school ? College is a lot of time, dedication, studying, sacrifice and focus. If you think that is difficult then college will be a challenge for you. But figure out why you are worried about that and see if there's a way to overcome that.
Visit your school Social Worker to talk about your apprehension. The social worker may possibly shed lots of insight on things that you're concerned about. You can also consider being a Social Worker, a career for which you can do Clinical Therapy and it's 6 years of college.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
It is very evident that you're having doubts about becoming a mental health professional and it may be the beginning of your transition to a different career interest. It's okay. Doubt usually confirms things, so do not hesitate to explore the source of your doubt because being a mental health professional is a certain kind of commitment that not everyone is cut out for. It seems as though you are already getting some vibes that are telling you something and that is the most important way to tell.
Explore what being in the mental health field is about and read up on the various positions there are besides going into psychiatry. There are many niches for this career and usually people, if they do not know yet, figure it out through their educational path majoring in Psychology. Most people do well financially in the mental health field but it depends on how many gigs you have at a time, if you're insurance reimbursable, your position, if you also write articles and do research and how versatile you are. It also depends on if you work in a major city, suburb or in a rural environment. The Mental Health field is one that people strive for that have a strong passion and a strong interest in the human condition and human experience. The pay is not a factor to consider. Since you would be having a profound bond with patients and clients, it would have to be something you love to do and don't see yourself doing any other career.
Maybe a good way for you to decide would be to start reading colleges' Psychology Programs. Look at what courses would be required and decide if those subjects hold your interest. No one can tell you if your career will be fulfilling as that would be in the future and how your career goes is up to you. If you are concerned about college being hard, come to terms about why you are concerned about that. How are you doing in high school ? College is a lot of time, dedication, studying, sacrifice and focus. If you think that is difficult then college will be a challenge for you. But figure out why you are worried about that and see if there's a way to overcome that.
Visit your school Social Worker to talk about your apprehension. The social worker may possibly shed lots of insight on things that you're concerned about. You can also consider being a Social Worker, a career for which you can do Clinical Therapy and it's 6 years of college.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !