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?”
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Really helpful
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.
thank you
thank you
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.
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
Thanks for the feedback Caroline, I appreciate it!
-Vishal
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.
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