3 answers
Asked
567 views
What classes do I need to take in college to be a therapist?
I wanted to know what classes I need to take in college to be a therapist. #therapist #college #classes
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
J.’s Answer
Becoming a therapist requires an advanced degree in at least a graduate school setting. At one point of my life, I wanted to become a therapist and became a psychology major. I no longer have any ambitions to go into this field but I would recommend taking some psychology and sociology courses to get a better understanding of the mental health field and human behavior. I really enjoyed my abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, and child psychology courses because I was able to gain some insight.
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
There are many ways to become a licensed therapist, but all of them require a master's degree at the least. Common advanced degrees therapists hold are Master's in Social Work, Master's in Counseling, Doctorate of Psychology, PhD in psychology, and Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Because an advanced degree is required, there are not specific classes you need to take as an undergrad to become a therapist. I would recommend taking coursework in psychology, sociology, human services, and human development if your university/college offers them to gain a better understanding of human behavior and the field of mental health.
I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education (before I knew I wanted to be a therapist), worked for a couple years post-undergrad as a program manager in a nonprofit, then went back and earned my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. After my master's degree, I had to take a first level exam in my state to begin meeting with clients under the supervision of a licensed therapist; then after 2-3 years of client contact I took the second level exam to earn my Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor designation in order to see clients on my own without supervision.
Because an advanced degree is required, there are not specific classes you need to take as an undergrad to become a therapist. I would recommend taking coursework in psychology, sociology, human services, and human development if your university/college offers them to gain a better understanding of human behavior and the field of mental health.
I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education (before I knew I wanted to be a therapist), worked for a couple years post-undergrad as a program manager in a nonprofit, then went back and earned my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. After my master's degree, I had to take a first level exam in my state to begin meeting with clients under the supervision of a licensed therapist; then after 2-3 years of client contact I took the second level exam to earn my Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor designation in order to see clients on my own without supervision.
Updated
Cherie’s Answer
Great question. You will need to major in social work or psychology to become a therapist, if you are referring to psychotherapy. That will prepare you for graduate school which you will need to complete in order to practice. This is a simplified answer, but it gets you on the right track.