How hard is it to become a therapist?

Undergraduate degrees in social work, nursing, and psychology represent areas of study relevant to these core occupations.

Additional degrees are necessary for all areas of therapy. While mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners need a master's degree to work in the field, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists must earn a doctoral degree.

After earning the proper degree, candidates must complete supervised clinical work. This is a set number of hours required by the state that you intend to seek licensure. In many cases, licensure requires 2,500 clinical hours of experience.

Many degree programs offer clinical experience as part of their advanced degree curriculum. Licensure also involves passing a written exam that includes questions about psychological theories and the laws of the state in which you are seeking a license.

With a minimum of six years of post-secondary education, clinical experience, and state licensure, becoming a therapist is a difficult process. Licensed therapists must continue their education in the field by logging 40 hours of relevant coursework every two years in order to retain their license.