3 answers
kathryn
Student
15
Questions
Asked
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What college degrees do I need to become a therapist?
I was thinking about being a therapist so I want to know what college degrees I need. #therapist #college #degrees
3 answers
Maya Ibelaidene
42
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hello Kathryn!
If we are talking simply about what college degree to choose when applying to undergraduate colleges, your best bet is to apply as a psychology major. But as someone else answered there are many specialties within therapy and most require a masters, PHD, or MD degree. If you want to be a therapist you should apply as a psychology major in college and once you are in college and applying for a masters or PHD degree you can use your experience as a psychology major to make you a competitive applicant. If you want to be a psychologist (the difference between therapist and psychologist in terms of degrees is that psychologists can prescribe medicine and therefore require you to go to medical school) you can major in anything in college as long as you complete the required courses for medical school. Most people who want to go to medical school major in Biology because those classes align with the requirements for medical school. As a therapist though you should apply to college with a psychology major and once you begin that major you can start joining research and other volunteer opportunities to help narrow down what kind of therapist you want to be. Hope this helped!
If we are talking simply about what college degree to choose when applying to undergraduate colleges, your best bet is to apply as a psychology major. But as someone else answered there are many specialties within therapy and most require a masters, PHD, or MD degree. If you want to be a therapist you should apply as a psychology major in college and once you are in college and applying for a masters or PHD degree you can use your experience as a psychology major to make you a competitive applicant. If you want to be a psychologist (the difference between therapist and psychologist in terms of degrees is that psychologists can prescribe medicine and therefore require you to go to medical school) you can major in anything in college as long as you complete the required courses for medical school. Most people who want to go to medical school major in Biology because those classes align with the requirements for medical school. As a therapist though you should apply to college with a psychology major and once you begin that major you can start joining research and other volunteer opportunities to help narrow down what kind of therapist you want to be. Hope this helped!
Melissa Silverstein
SEO & Paid Media Director
3
Answers
Rutherford, New Jersey
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Most jobs as a therapist or counselor will require at least a master's degree and a license to practice. In order to become a clinical psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree. Here is some data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can visit each link for more information on the education required, as well as information regarding the job responsibilities and salary:
1. Marriage and Family therapists are required to have a master’s degree and a license to practice. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm#tab-4)
2. Most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists need a doctoral degree. Students can complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. Clinical psychologists will need a license to practice (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4)
3. School psychologists need an advanced degree and either certification or licensure to work. Common advanced degrees include education specialist degrees (Ed.S.) and doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4)
4. Industrial–organizational psychologists typically need a master’s degree, usually including courses in industrial–organizational psychology, statistics, and research design. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4)
5. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor -- Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a master’s degree for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, a master’s degree and an internship is typically required to become a mental health counselor. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-4)
6. Most school counselors must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-4)
1. Marriage and Family therapists are required to have a master’s degree and a license to practice. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm#tab-4)
2. Most clinical, counseling, and research psychologists need a doctoral degree. Students can complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. Clinical psychologists will need a license to practice (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4)
3. School psychologists need an advanced degree and either certification or licensure to work. Common advanced degrees include education specialist degrees (Ed.S.) and doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4)
4. Industrial–organizational psychologists typically need a master’s degree, usually including courses in industrial–organizational psychology, statistics, and research design. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-4)
5. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor -- Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Although educational requirements can vary from a high school diploma and certification to a master’s degree for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, a master’s degree and an internship is typically required to become a mental health counselor. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-4)
6. Most school counselors must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors. (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-4)
Cherie DeBrest
Social Work
3
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Cherie’s Answer
When people think of a becoming a therapist as a career choice, they usually start with psychology as the field to study. I invite you to explore the field of social work as well before making any decision. Licensed social workers are taught the skills to work as advocates and counselors. We work in all different arenas at the most frontline level and as senior administrators. We also can obtain a clinical license to provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families. Start to explore the National Association of Social Workers website and there you will find a great deal of information about social workers that conduct therapy. You can sit for your clinical license exam after completing a masters degree. You don't have to advance to a doctorate if you do not wish to.
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