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This question is about therapist education.
What degree do you need to be a therapist?
You need a master's degree in psychology to be a therapist. Examples of popular master's degrees for aspiring therapists include a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and there are a variety of other options out there as well.
To be accepted into a psychology master's degree program, you'll need to start by getting an undergraduate degree in psychology. When pursuing your bachelor's, consider programs such as psychology, sociology, or counseling that can help you become a better therapist.
Moreover, some states allow students with a bachelor's in therapy to practice under a licensed therapist. This way, you can receive on-the-job training that teaches you how to be a therapist while working toward your master's degree.
Some therapist positions may require even more education, but in most cases, a master's degree in psychology is enough to secure a position as a professional therapist. With a master's degree in therapy, you can specialize in education, mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder or rehabilitation counseling.
During your master's program, you will also need to complete clinical work. To practice without supervision in any state, future therapists must complete 2,000 to 4,000 supervised clinical hours. During your clinical studies, you may apply your new knowledge in a real-world setting with actual clients.
Getting your license is the final step to becoming a therapist. Each state sets its own requirements for licensure, and schools typically align their curriculum to one specific state's requirement. Before taking the licensing exam, you must complete approximately two years of supervised experience.
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