How To Become a Therapist: Types & Requirements

Key Insights

15 minute read
  • To become a therapist requires a relevant degree, master’s training & specialized licensure.
  • Psychologists focus on therapy; psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
  • Therapy specializations include trauma, child, marriage, music & psychedelic therapy.

How to become a therapistIf you wish to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing mental health services, you must commit to acquiring the appropriate knowledge and skills (British Psychotherapy Foundation, 2024; Nelson-Jones, 2014).

In addition to having the qualifications needed, it’s vital to identify and understand each country’s and state’s licensing requirements to ensure you practice according to ethical and legal guidelines.

Since I have worked with therapists and coaches to create mental wellbeing exercises and wellness strategies for their clients, I know the importance of appropriate training and qualifications.

In this article, I will explore the steps needed to become a therapist. I’ll also include education and licensing requirements in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and identify additional requirements vital to specific mental health specialties.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free. These science-based exercises will provide you with detailed insight into Positive CBT and give you the tools to apply it in your therapy or coaching.

What Does a Therapist Do?

Before discussing how to become a therapist, it’s helpful to take a step back and reflect on what we mean by therapy, counseling, psychiatry, and psychology.

While psychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D. in the US and UK) and are experts in understanding the brain, thoughts, and emotions, they are not all therapists. Instead, they may focus on research and health policy or use their knowledge of individual, group, or organizational behavior to solve problems in the workplace (American Psychological Association, 2022, 2023).

On the other hand, a psychiatrist who has completed medical school and residency will often perform psychotherapy and can also prescribe medical treatments (American Psychiatric Association, 2023).

Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists offering therapy and counseling do not prescribe medicine to their clients. Instead, they rely on evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

How to Become a (Licensed) Therapist in 3 Steps

Student SuccessBecoming a licensed therapist takes focus and dedication to meet the educational, professional, and licensing requirements (edX, 2022).

Therapist requirements

While it is essential to identify and understand the specific requirements of how to become a therapist in your location, it typically includes the following three steps (edX, 2022; Indeed, 2024):

Step 1: Obtain a relevant degree

The first step toward becoming a licensed therapist involves earning an undergraduate degree, most likely in psychology, sociology, or a related field.

By doing so, students learn vital concepts about human behavior and mental health and prepare for more advanced study.

Step 2: Earn qualifications

After completing an undergraduate degree, the next step is working toward a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a more dedicated therapeutic field.

Such training typically involves hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice to build and practice practical counseling skills. It may also include coursework and a research component, depending on the location and program requirements.

Step 3: Take part in specialized therapy training

Next, students complete additional specialized training to obtain licensure specific to their country and region.

In the US, it typically requires passing state-specific exams and meeting ongoing educational requirements. Dedicated training allows therapists to work in specific areas, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, or trauma-focused therapy.

For more detailed information on the general requirements in the US, visit Online Counseling Programs and the article “How to Become a Psychotherapist in 5 Steps.”

The following videos offer further guidance on how to become a therapist:

Do you want to be a therapist

Kati Morton provides valuable information about what it’s like to have a career in mental health.

Should you become a therapist or life coach?

Courtney Schroder shares honest career advice and guidance on the pros and cons of each role.

6 Things I wish I knew before becoming a psychotherapist

In this video about psychotherapy, we hear more vital information to inform your career choice.

My journey to becoming a therapist

Allyssa Powers also explores what it takes to qualify as a therapist in “My Journey to Becoming a Therapist.”

How Long Does It Take to Become a Therapist?

Becoming a therapist is a significant investment of time and money. Most therapists begin by earning a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete, before pursuing a master’s degree, which involves two to three years of study.

While not always essential, a doctoral degree can take an additional five to seven years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024a, 2024b).

Once formal education is complete, it’s usual to undertake supervised clinical hours before obtaining licensure.

An aspiring therapist may, therefore, still require an additional four to 10 years on top of their degree to become fully licensed, depending on their location and specialization, with ongoing professional development often required to maintain licensure, including attending conferences, engaging in research, and completing continuing education credits (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024c, 2024d).

Before you continue, check out our digital guidebook On Becoming a Therapist. It offers an in-depth, step-by-step guide to making informed decisions about how to become a therapist.

Download 3 Free Positive CBT Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to find new pathways to reduce suffering and more effectively cope with life stressors.

What Makes a Good Therapist? 10 Vital Skills

Here are 10 vital skills expected of a good therapist (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024a; Nelson-Jones, 2014; Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2015):

  1. Emotional intelligence
    Therapists must recognize, understand, manage, and know how to use emotions to create a supportive therapeutic environment.
  2. Patience
    Both therapists and clients must understand that progress takes time.
  3. Critical thinking
    Training teaches therapists to carefully assess situations, integrate information, and apply appropriate and effective interventions.
  4. Communication skills
    Therapists must convey ideas clearly, both verbally and nonverbally.
  5. Empathy
    Therapists must understand and connect with clients’ feelings.
  6. Active listening
    Therapists should actively listen to their clients and respond appropriately to their emotional needs.
  7. Cultural awareness and competence
    The therapeutic approach should be tailored to clients’ cultural backgrounds.
  8. Problem-solving
    Clients can be helped to overcome obstacles, recognize solutions to their challenges, and build autonomy and resilience.
  9. Ethical integrity
    Ethical guidelines must be understood and followed. Clients’ trust, safety, and privacy are nonnegotiable.
  10. Adaptability
    Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Therapists must tailor techniques according to clients’ needs.

9 Types of Therapy Specializations

Therapists help clients improve their wellbeing and functioning across various aspects of their lives, whether emotional, relational, occupational, physical, or mental (Nelson-Jones, 2014).

However, therapists vary in their clinical orientation and approach, be it psychoanalytic or interpersonal, etc., when working with children, families, relationships, or those experiencing trauma (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2015).

The following sections highlight how to become a therapist in several of the most popular specialties:

How to become a behavioral therapist

Behavioral therapists help clients overcome unhealthy behaviors, modifying or replacing them with less self-destructive ones. Their clients often have cognitive disabilities such as autism, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or substance abuse issues (Falkenstein et al., 2016; Moyers et al., 2016).

Practicing behavior therapy requires a master’s degree in psychology (or a related field) followed by appropriate clinical training, including many hours of supervised practice.

Depending on the specialization and location, certification from organizations like the Behavior Analyst Certification Board may also be necessary (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024d).

For more information on behavioral therapists, visit Best Accredited Colleges.

How to become an occupational therapist

Occupational therapists help individuals with temporary and permanent disabilities regain their ability to perform daily activities. They assist clients in overcoming physical, mental, and developmental challenges that enhance their independence and quality of life (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024e).

Unlike psychology, occupational therapy is a distinct field with a stronger emphasis on biological and health sciences, focusing on practical interventions to improve physical and functional outcomes (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024e).

Students typically complete a master’s degree in occupational therapy and relevant clinical experience through internships or supervised practice.

Most states require occupational therapists to pass national certification exams to obtain licensure (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024e).

For additional up-to-date guidance on becoming an occupational therapist, visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How to become a sex therapist

Sex therapists help individuals and couples address sexual concerns through improving intimacy, managing sexual dysfunctions, and addressing relationship difficulties. They must be skilled in both mental and sexual health (Ghosh, 2025).

Sex therapists require a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, along with specialized training in sex therapy, including courses, workshops, and supervised clinical practice.

Many such professionals obtain certification from organizations like the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (Ghosh, 2025).

Additional information on becoming a sex therapist is available at Indeed.com.

How to become a music therapist

Music can help clients improve their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing and is often used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma and support physical rehabilitation (Learn.org, 2024).

Music therapists typically earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music therapy, including coursework, and acquire clinical experience through supervised internships.

Professional certification is available through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (Learn.org, 2024).

For more information on becoming a music therapist, visit Learn.org.

How to become a marriage and family therapist

Marriage and family therapists support families and couples in overcoming interpersonal difficulties and treat individuals who have mental health issues that affect their familial relationships (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024b).

They prepare clients to navigate challenges such as communication problems, mental health issues, or anxiety that affect family members’ relationships.

Becoming a marriage and family therapist starts with earning a bachelor’s degree (ideally in psychology or a similar field), followed by a master’s program in counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field. During this time, students complete supervised clinical hours of experience.

Licensing for marriage and family therapists is regulated regionally and, in many states (such as California), is administered by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

For more information on becoming a marriage and family therapist, visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How to become a recreational therapist (or play therapist)

Recreational therapists help children and adults with mental or physical health issues improve their wellbeing (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024f).

For example, a recreational therapist might encourage someone living in a nursing home to lead a more fulfilling life by playing games or participating in arts and crafts activities. They may also use sports to teach someone how to be more independent after an accident.

Becoming a recreational therapist requires earning a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field.

While many regions do not have specific requirements for recreational therapists, in the United States, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification offers a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist qualification.

For more information on becoming a recreational therapist, visit the US Bureau of Statistics.

How to become a child therapist

Child therapists help children cope with emotional and behavioral disturbances and develop more healthily (Miller, 2015).

They also diagnose and treat mental health disorders in children and work closely with families to support children’s growth and wellbeing.

Like most therapists, becoming a child therapist begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Then, individuals earn a master’s degree in child development or clinical psychology and accrue the requisite number of supervised clinical hours.

Child therapists often specialize in child-specific techniques, such as expressive art therapy or play therapy. Some work toward a PhD or PsyD to increase their specialist knowledge and advance their careers.

For more information, visit Best Accredited Colleges.

How to become a trauma therapist

Trauma therapists support clients as they recover from the psychological and emotional impact of traumatic events. They use various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing to help clients process and heal from trauma (Morling, 2025).

Training toward trauma-informed therapy typically involves earning a master’s degree in psychology or counseling with a specific focus on trauma-informed care and supervised hands-on experience.

Some therapists pursue certification in trauma therapy through organizations such as the International Trauma Training Institute.

For more information on becoming a trauma therapist, check out Indeed.com.

How to become a psychedelic therapist

Psychedelic therapists use psychedelic substances, like psilocybin or MDMA, with clients in a controlled, therapeutic environment to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression (Stringer, 2024).

It’s an emerging field that attempts to combine traditional psychotherapy with the therapeutic use of psychedelics to help individuals process deep psychological issues.

A master’s or doctoral degree in psychology or a related field, along with specialized training in psychedelic therapy, is required. Several dedicated training programs, including the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, offer certification.

However, due to the changing legal status of psychoactive substances and their use in treatment, it is vital to stay informed regarding their legality in the practice location (Psychedelic Spotlight, 2024).

For more information on becoming a psychedelic therapist, visit “5 Essential Steps to Become a Psychedelic Therapist: The Complete Guide” and “Where Is Psychedelic Therapy Legal?

Understanding Licensing in the US, Canada, UK & Australia

Positive Psychology CoursesIn the United States, licensing begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field and then typically requires an appropriate master’s degree and supervised sessions with clients (edX.org, 2022).

For more information, see the licensure requirements by state at the US National Board for Certified Counselors.

In the United Kingdom, licensing requirements also include registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, which regulates and maintains a list of practicing psychologists to maintain professional standards. The British Association for Counselling and Therapy is an excellent starting point for determining the qualifications and experience required according to your chosen specialty.

Similarly, start with the Australian Psychological Society if you’re based in Australia.

In Canada, becoming a therapist involves earning a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, followed by accumulating supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam. Since requirements vary by province, resources like the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and local regulatory bodies are essential starting points for ensuring compliance​.

17 Science-Based Ways To Apply Positive CBT

These 17 Positive CBT & Cognitive Therapy Exercises [PDF] include our top-rated, ready-made templates for helping others develop more helpful thoughts and behaviors in response to challenges, while broadening the scope of traditional CBT.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Helpful Resources From PositivePsychology.com

We have many resources available for therapists wishing to learn vital therapeutic skills that increase the chance of a successful client outcome.

Our free resources include:

More extensive versions of the following tools are available with a subscription to the Positive Psychology Toolkit©, but they are described briefly below:

  • Structured Problem-Solving
    Learning how to solve problems is a vital therapeutic skill that can be improved through identifying and practicing appropriate strategies.

Try out the following five steps:

    • Step one – Identify the problem. “My problem is …”
    • Step two – Define the problem clearly. “When did it happen? What was the cause? What was the impact?”
    • Step three – Write down a list of potential solutions.
    • Step four – Evaluate each one.
    • Step five – Implement the best one and ask yourself, “What exactly do I need to do? When do I need to do it?”
  • Reflecting on Emotional Intelligence
    Emotionally intelligent therapists can handle stress better and build empathy for a strong therapeutic alliance. Try out the following three steps:

    • Step one – Reflect on how well you understand and handle emotions. Ask yourself, “How good am I at knowing how I feel? How do I express my emotions?”
    • Step two – Assess how well the client understands and manages their emotions. Ask yourself, “How good are they at knowing how they feel? How do they express their emotions?”
    • Step three – Learn how to use emotions to boost performance. “How do my emotions influence my performance? How much do positive and negative emotions support or hold me back?”

Our digital guidebook, On Becoming a Therapist, offers an in-depth, step-by-step guide to making informed decisions about how to become a therapist.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others through CBT, this collection contains 17 validated positive CBT tools for practitioners. Use them to help others overcome unhelpful thoughts and feelings and develop more positive behaviors.

A Take-Home Message

We all recognize the vital role therapists play in supporting their clients’ mental wellbeing and helping them recover from a broad spectrum of issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, and finding relief from emotional distress (American Psychological Association, 2017).

To do so, therapists must have the knowledge and skills to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome from treatment. Being a successful therapist requires various skills, including good communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.

Developing them takes time, dedication, and training appropriate to each specialty. The journey takes multiple steps, including earning a relevant undergraduate degree, advanced qualifications like a master’s degree, and clinical practice.

Licensing is specific to each country and state and ensures that therapeutic practice is legal and ethical. Therefore, it is essential to research the requirements for your chosen specialty and region thoroughly.

Although it takes time, effort, and money to become a fully licensed therapist, the process of learning and the practice of making a positive and profound impact on others’ lives can be deeply fulfilling.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. For more information, don’t forget to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free.

Ed: Updated Feb 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

It typically takes six to eight years to become a therapist, including a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by two to four years for a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field. Additional time may be needed for supervised clinical experience and licensing.

The best degree for a therapist depends on the specialization, but common options include a master’s in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work. A doctorate in psychology (PsyD or PhD) may be required for those seeking to become licensed clinical psychologists.

While therapists typically have training in psychology, they may not be licensed psychologists. Equally, not all psychologists are therapists. They may specialize in collecting and analyzing data as research psychologists, solving workplace issues as organizational psychologists, or supporting learning and development in schools as educational psychologists.

Comments

What our readers think

  1. Nwokolo Chinenye

    thanks🤗
    Really helpful

    Reply
  2. Dr. J Boulton

    Hi! Thanks a great deal for this article.
    I currently possess an advanced diploma in counseling psychology obtained in 2010, and then moved on to do my MBBS and graduated as a medical doctor in the year 2015. Since then i am working in the medical administration of a healthcare organization.
    I am now interested in moving towards a career in counseling and am at crossroads wondering what my next step towards it should be. Please do advice. Greatly appreciate.

    Reply
  3. tashi

    thank you

    Reply
  4. norbu

    thank you

    Reply
  5. Vishal S

    Hello! Thank you for this article. I’m 31 and have a Bachelor’s degree in Comp. Science, along with a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. I’m looking to do a complete career change, and psychology is something that I have been interested in going to school for.
    I do not have too much clarity on what specialization I want to do, but I know it would be somewhere in the area of depression and helping people overcome that.

    Is it essential to have a Ph.D or Psy.D to start practicing as a therapist? Or is getting my Masters through school (4+2 years – Bachelor’s+Master’s) enough to start practicing?
    I live in the US.

    Thanks in advance!
    Vishal.

    Reply
    • Caroline Rou

      Hi Vishal,

      Thanks for your comment. How exciting that you want to pursue a career in psychology!

      As this article states, having a Ph.D. or Psy.D. is not essential to start practicing as a therapist. However, it does make you a better candidate for most practices. Additionally, states usually require you to obtain an additional license according to the sector of psychology you wish to work in.

      That said, it is not impossible to become an accomplished therapist with just a Master’s education.

      I hope this helps!

      Kind regards,
      -Caroline | Community Manager

      Reply
      • Vishal S

        Thanks for the feedback Caroline, I appreciate it!
        -Vishal

        Reply
  6. Michael People

    Hello, thank you for the thorough explanation. I am currently 45 years old and I would like to know if it is too late for me to pursue a career as a counselor. I am interested in a field that deals with helping clients with issues like anger management, depression, etc. and also would like to help couples with marriage counseling. I have never been to college so I would also like to know which therapist field should I pursue? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Caroline Rou

      Hi Michael,

      Thanks so much for your question! It is definitely never too late to pursue a career as a counselor, plus there’s an extremely high demand for counselors at the moment.

      No matter which issues you would like to help clients deal with, most aspiring therapists start with a regular Bachelor’s degree in Psychology which is often followed by a Master’s degree. Depending on where you live, this education can take 3-6 years. Some countries may not require a Master’s degree but rather specific therapist training. Once you have completed your education, you can start specializing in different niches such as Anger Management or Marriage Counseling.

      I hope this helps! Best of luck 🙂

      -Caroline | Community Manager

      Reply

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