Types of Degrees for Different Therapy Careers

Types of Degrees for Different Therapy Careers Student Resources Print Types of Degrees of Different Therapy Careers By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on January 21, 2020 Tom M Johnson / Getty Images More in Student Resources APA Style and Writing Study Guides and Tips Careers Have you always dreamed of being a therapist or working in the field of mental health? If you are pursuing your undergraduate degree in psychology, then you have probably at least considered the possibility of a career in therapy. While clinical psychology is the largest area of employment within psychology, it is important to understand that this is just one of the many options that are available.?? The Ph.D. in clinical psychology is an excellent option for some students, but it is not the only choice out there. The following are some of the degree paths that will allow you to work in the field of mental health and psychotherapy. Some require a doctorate, while others offer options at the masters level. Clinical and Counseling Psychologist The traditional Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology is one of the most common options for people interested in a career in mental health therapy. An alternative to the Ph.D. is the PsyD, a newer doctoral degree option has a greater focus on professional practice than the more research-focused Ph.D. Alternatively, psychiatrists are doctors who work with clients using a more medical or clinical approach.?? Students pursuing this path often begin by earning a bachelors degree in psychology before moving directly into a doctoral training program, although some students do opt first to complete a masters degree before pursuing a Ph.D. or PsyD.?? Professionals in the field sometimes choose to specialize in a particular area such as geriatrics, learning disabilities, substance abuse, or adult mental health. PayScale reports that the median salary for clinical psychologists in 2016 was $73,066. Licensed Social Worker Licensed social workers typically hold at least a masters degree in social work. People who work in this field often perform psychotherapy with a wide range of clients, although many choose to specialize in a particular area.?? For example, some prefer to work with children while others opt to specialize in working with adult populations. In addition to psychotherapy, social workers often act as advocates for their clients and help connect them with other resources in the community. Most masters programs can be completed in two years, but some programs allow students to earn their degree with one year of post-undergraduate study. The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau and Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for social workers was $49,470 in 2018. Social Worker Career Profile Marriage and Family Therapist Marriage and family therapists treat mental disorders and psychological issues within the context of families and relationships.?? Most marriage and family therapy programs require two years of graduate study focused on a variety of topics including marriage counseling, family therapy, child psychotherapy, and professional ethics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individual and family services, as well as outpatient services, are the two largest areas of employment for marriage and family therapists, with faster than average job outlook.?? The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau and Labor Statistics reports the median annual salary for marriage and family therapists in 2018 was $50,090. What Is a Marriage and Family Therapist? Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed professional counselors are professionals who work in a variety of areas in mental health. Requirements vary by state, but most require at least a masters degree in counseling in addition to supervised experience in the field and the passage of a state licensing exam.?? Graduate programs for counselors usually include coursework in human development, counseling theories, counseling techniques, cultural and social issues, professional ethics, and assessment methods. Licensed professional counselors often assess people experiencing mental distress, perform individual and group therapy, and assist clients who are facing crisis situations. The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau and Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for mental health counselors was $44,630 in 2018. Counselor Specialties, Education, Salary, and Outlook Licensed School Psychologist School psychologists apply their knowledge of psychological principles to education-related issues and problems.?? The professionals often work with students who are struggling with academic, psychological, or social problems. They also collaborate with other educational professionals as well as parents to manage classroom behavior, help students coping with crisis, or counsel those struggling with substance abuse issues. While the vast majority of school psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools, state agencies, private clinics, and hospitals also sometimes employ these professionals. Requirements vary by state, but most necessitate a minimum a masters or specialist degree in school psychology, which typically takes two to three years to complete. Many states also require the completion of a supervised internship before licensure. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, starting salaries for school psychologists employed in school settings range between $47,880 to $67,070. School Psychologist Career Earnings and Outlook Creative Arts Therapists Creative arts therapists are mental health clinicians who utilize creativity and arts to treat psychological disorders and mental distress. These professionals include art therapists,  dance therapists, music therapists, and drama therapists. Using these creative methods, therapists can help clients by promoting self-awareness, aiding in communication, and improving overall well-being among other things.?? Training and requirements can vary depending upon the area of specialization. For example, dance/movement therapists must hold a masters degree and complete a supervised internship of 3640 clinical hours to work in private practice. The American Art Therapy Association suggests that the minimum requirements to become an art therapist are a masters degree in art therapy or a masters in counseling or a related field with additional coursework in art therapy. Professionals in the creative arts therapies often work in a variety of settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, private practice, and schools. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, training, location, and specialty areas. For example, PayScale suggests that art therapists can earn anywhere from $29,000 to $63,000 per year. How Does Art Therapy Work for Patients? Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Advanced psychiatric nurses are professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses. If you are interested in working in this field, you need to start by earning a bachelors degree in nursing. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, many nurses then choose to earn a graduate degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing.?? Most training programs last for a minimum of 16 to 24 months and professionals are expected to take ongoing continuing education to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up-to-date. PayScale reports that hourly pay for psychiatric nurse practitioners range between $24 and $41.??