What degree do you need to be a behavioral therapist?

While in school, prospective behavioral therapists should take courses that are focused on behaviorism, treatment interventions, mental health conditions, and research methods and design.

After graduation, you must earn a state license in order to practice as a behavioral therapist. Most states require that behavioral therapists hold licensure as a clinical social worker (abbreviated as LCSW, LICSW, or LISW) or in their area of specialty (such as licensed professional counselors (LPC) or Psychology license).

The specific requirements for clinical licensure vary by state, but for social workers this generally requires at least two years post-MSW experience, passing the ASWB clinical examination, and a specified number of hours of supervision by a licensed social worker.

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam typically covers:

• Measurement in behavioral science

• Experimental design

• Fundamental elements of Behavior change

• Specific behavior change procedures

• Behavior change systems

• Identification of problems

• Assessment

• Intervention

• Implementation, management, and supervision

• Client-centered responsibilities

The next step is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), which requires the following:

• Earning a master's degree in behavior analysis (or in education or psychology with an emphasis in ABA) that includes the BCBA Verified Course Sequence

• Meet the supervised experience hour requirement with an intensive practicum of 750 hours, OR standard practicum of 1000 hours, OR 1,500 hours of independent fieldwork

• Pass the BCBA certification exam and become certified (required for licensure in some states)

• In some cases, applying for state ABA licensure is also necessary to provide ABA services. In many states, BCBA certification is either required for licensure (currently required in 30 states) or is otherwise one route to meeting the requirements for licensure.