Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for clinical therapists in the United States
Clinical therapist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected clinical therapist job growth rate is 17% from 2018-2028.
About 40,400 new jobs for clinical therapists are projected over the next decade.
Clinical therapist salaries have increased 7% for clinical therapists in the last 5 years.
There are over 140,563 clinical therapists currently employed in the United States.
There are 136,898 active clinical therapist job openings in the US.
The average clinical therapist salary is $57,864.
Are clinical therapist jobs in demand?
Clinical therapist job and salary trends over time
Clinical therapist jobs over time
Clinical therapist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 140,563 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 141,376 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 146,269 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 139,918 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 135,794 | 0.04% |
Average clinical therapist salary over time
Clinical therapist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,864 | $27.82 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $56,866 | $27.34 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $55,906 | $26.88 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $55,219 | $26.55 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $54,297 | $26.10 | +1.6% |
Clinical therapist jobs by state
Most common states for clinical therapists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 293 | 42% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 268 | 35% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 446 | 33% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 274 | 28% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 177 | 28% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 516 | 27% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 287 | 27% |
| 8 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,766 | 26% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,436 | 26% |
| 10 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 768 | 26% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 787 | 25% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,464 | 24% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,803 | 24% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,472 | 24% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 254 | 24% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,891 | 23% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,576 | 23% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,321 | 23% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,263 | 23% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 946 | 23% |
Most common cities for clinical therapists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Charles | 3 | 9% | $61,237 |
| 2 | Pittsfield | 3 | 7% | $61,551 |
| 3 | Plainfield | 3 | 7% | $60,999 |
| 4 | Ames | 3 | 5% | $52,552 |
| 5 | Addison | 2 | 5% | $61,328 |
| 6 | Boulder | 4 | 4% | $52,589 |
| 7 | Naperville | 4 | 3% | $61,181 |
| 8 | Fort Wayne | 5 | 2% | $46,295 |
| 9 | Grand Rapids | 4 | 2% | $56,159 |
| 10 | Hollywood | 3 | 2% | $47,489 |
| 11 | Edison | 2 | 2% | $57,743 |
| 12 | Denver | 6 | 1% | $52,468 |
| 13 | Aurora | 3 | 1% | $52,442 |
| 14 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $52,149 |
| 15 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $60,753 |
| 16 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $61,341 |
| 17 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $52,402 |
| 18 | Fort Worth | 2 | 0% | $60,965 |
Clinical Therapist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of clinical therapist experts
Western Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University
Florida Institute of Technology
Loyola University New Orleans
SUNY College at Oswego
San Francisco State University
Ohio State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College at Florham
University of Baltimore
Marymount University
St. John Fisher College
Penn State College of Medicine
San Diego State University
Lindsey Nichols
Associate ProfessorWhat Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lindsey Nichols: Trauma skills will continue to be a major focus as our society continues to drastically change. Technology and being fluent working with someone using some type of technology will be increasingly important. Although they are foundational skills of counselors, flexibility, empathy, openness along with your ability to be reflective of yourself and others (aka a good listener) are important in the field. Of course there is much to counseling, and the learning process never ends!
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Dr. Vanessa Alleyne: It will be important to network and utilize professional organizations of which you are a member, such as the ACA (American Counseling Association), or the ASGW (Association for Specialists in Group Work), for example. Meet people, attend training for advanced skills in key areas, and present there when possible. Whether locally or nationally, these are valuable connections to make when starting out, and will also enhance your knowledge base as you begin and grow. Another valuable connection to be made can be found through your alma mater. Find professional affinity groups from your undergraduate program, and certainly maintain or build ties with your graduate program alumni. Finally, many people turn to social media such as Linkedin, which is fine, but can also be a bit overwhelming. Be deliberate in your choices about who to connect with, and don't get fomo! It's ok not to connect with everyone that pops up in your feed. Stay with one social media site at a time until you feel it's working the way you'd like, and then go on to another.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Vanessa Alleyne: Don't be afraid to negotiate! Nonprofits often pay less than corporate sites, but there is almost always wiggle room. Salary is important, but so is paid time off, family leave, mental health days, and professional time for conferences. Try to obtain certifications in areas that are valued, such as clinical supervision or co-occurring disorders.
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC
Associate ProfessorWestern Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: Starting a career in counseling is a fulfilling journey but comes with its own set of challenges. My advice to graduates stepping into this field would be to prioritize self-care. It's crucial to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life, especially when dealing with emotionally taxing situations. Seek supervision and mentorship regularly; having guidance from experienced professionals can provide invaluable insights and support as you navigate your counseling career. Additionally, stay open to continuous learning. The field of counseling is dynamic, with new research and techniques emerging constantly. Pursue opportunities for further education, attend workshops, and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. Cultivate empathy and cultural competence to better understand and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. Building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and empathy is at the core of effective counseling practice. Lastly, remember to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of access to quality mental health services. Being a counselor goes beyond individual sessions; it involves being an advocate for your clients' well-being within the larger societal context.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: In the evolving field of counseling, several skills are likely to become even more important e in the coming years. Firstly, digital literacy and proficiency in utilizing technology for counseling services will become increasingly important. As more counseling sessions move online or incorporate digital tools, counselors will need to adapt and leverage these technologies effectively while maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards. Secondly, a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and techniques will be crucial. With growing awareness about trauma's impact on mental health, counselors must be equipped to provide trauma-informed interventions and create safe therapeutic spaces for clients who have experienced trauma. Cultural competence and diversity awareness will continue to be essential skills for counselors. As our societies become more diverse, counselors must be able to work effectively with clients from various cultural backgrounds, respecting their beliefs, values, and identities. Additionally, skills related to teletherapy and remote counseling will likely become more prevalent. Counselors will need to excel in building therapeutic rapport and conducting effective counseling sessions through virtual platforms, ensuring continuity of care for clients regardless of geographical constraints. Lastly, skills in advocacy and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams will be increasingly valuable. Counselors may need to advocate for policy changes, mental health resources, and equitable access to services. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations will enhance holistic care for clients.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Dr. Pamela Fullerton: All the skills we need to do well in this field are important since we are dealing with people's lives and livelihoods. I believe anyone entering this field needs to recognize the significance and seriousness of our work. In the next 3-5 years, the ever-changing landscape of the population will require us to be continuously working on the competencies and ethical codes mandated through our identities as professional counselors. There is a wonderful counseling model by Ratts and Pederson (2014) called the Counselor-Advocate-Scholar model. I teach this to all my students and during my professional development workshops. This model highlights the three main areas in which we need to be constantly working on and growing in: (1) counseling work, skills, and competencies; (2) advocacy work, skills, and competencies; and (3) research to learn about best practices, recent scholarly innovations to the field, and adding more research to our field. This model can be used in the future as it adapts to whatever changes in the field and population may be occurring/prevalent in the future.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Pamela Fullerton: Find a site with great supervision and a diverse range of clients. New clinicians really need to lean into competent and compassionate supervisory experiences that will help them not only increase their counseling competencies but also support in their growth around professional counseling identity, personal development, and multicultural and social justice advocacy. Additionally, working with a diverse range of clients at the beginning of a career will also support in increasing competencies in all the various areas of our field from skills and interventions to diagnosing and treatment planning.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Pamela Fullerton: I think having diverse experiences in the field will be helpful when trying to make yourself stand out from the crowd of other clinicians. I also think adding specialty training and certifications to your resume may help in maximizing salary potential.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Mariana Juras Ph.D.: Be attuned to your values, passion, skills, and abilities, and also to what market values.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Mariana Juras Ph.D.: In the mental health field I believe it is the interaction between humans and technology, particular to the advance of AI. Also to embrace diversity and cultural difference and how to collaboratively work with them.
Kevin Foose
Professor of PracticeLoyola University New Orleans
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Kevin Foose: Secondly, I believe that the capacity to be flexible, creative and adaptive are essential skills to cultivate in the current cultural environment. Towards this end, I integrate a bit of Chaos Theory into much of my teaching and mentoring and general world view.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Foose: As our graduates enter the field of counseling and psychotherapy, the guidance that I provide is generally threefold. First I suggest that they develop a niche practice which they are passionate about. I encourage them to specialize rather than 'generalize' their practice. Towards that end I advise that they find a clinical supervisor and mentor with whom they share a theoretical and philosophical foundation. I encourage them to surround themselves with talented, experienced and inspiring professionals. And to follow their curiosity and cultivate the capacity to become highly competent clinically and theoretically with a specific population and modality of treatment (such as working with couples & relationships, adolescence, social justice & advocacy, play therapy etc).
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: What do people like- counseling is always improv. You never really know what someone is going to share in their sessions. It's also relational, so as a counselor you get to connect with people you might not otherwise or who have never experienced healthy connection. It is an honor and awesome responsibility. Dislike- People who show up to counseling to talk about the good things going on, so there's a lot of exposure to people's pain.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: The bulk of the work a mental health counselor does is clinical, meaning you meet with clients and provide counseling. There is also record keeping, preparation, and administrative responsibilities. New and seasoned counselors alike spend some time in supervision and consultation with other counselors. Supervision is a time to discuss cases with a more experienced professional where there are opportunities for growth professionally and personally. Consultation involves either meeting with others connected to your clients, like parents of children clients, or with professionals in mental health and other fields that can help the counselor sort out a challenge. In that case it may be an attorney or a trauma specialist.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: There are so many opportunities for mental health counselors entering the field. The need for our services is at an all time high. Recently, there has been a great deal of focus on self-care for professional counselors to ward off compassion fatigue. There is much more being offered for counselor self-care than when I entered the field three decades ago.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Elif Balin: As we have witnessed since the pandemic, there is a fast transition to virtual mental health counseling practices. Beyond the virtual/video setting, counselors now have the option to collaborate with multiple stakeholders and networks to deliver their services. Some of these systems are more structured and expect counselors to shape their practices according to their delivery modalities (e.g., text messaging, online chat, learn and use a specific evidence-based therapy/counseling framework), while others involve counselors in the creation of new modalities (e.g., psychoeducational programs, phone applications). Thus, counselors should consider developing skills to understand and navigate changing technologies, devices, and program designs. They will need more skills to set and maintain boundaries against dysfunctional multitasking with new demands for availability/accessibility. They will also need to keep their own career planning and job application skills updated in case they need more transitions between jobs, roles, and settings due to the unpredictable nature of changes to their settings.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elif Balin: Being informed and realistic about what kind of employers or sectors offer your desired salary levels is important. For example, a counseling position at a public university (which is not a research university or R1) or non-profit organization system will likely remain underpaid (unless there is a prominent political economy shift in the country). If your passion and values are grounded in such a setting, you can still do your research about the salaries (which are usually publicly available) and understand what you want to negotiate for based on your experience. Learn about salary negotiation skills, practice with people who have experience in hiring or at least salary negotiation, and especially reflect on your values around money and what you need the money for, as well as any potential internal or socially imposed biases on talking about money. You can also negotiate for extra benefits such as professional development funds and inquire about the possibility of additional work (e.g., a side job in private practice or paid consultant roles) according to your job contract. If you need a higher salary and open to explore alternative sectors or settings than what you initially considered, then educate yourself about the salary ranges in those settings and ask for tips from more experienced people. In any setting, identify the strengths and unique value you bring to a potential employer and negotiate for a higher salary by clearly articulating those strengths and values you will add.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Elif Balin: As prospective counselors, it's essential to recognize that your career journeys begin when you start exploring and applying for training programs. The curriculum, faculty expertise areas, availability of training opportunities (e.g., internship sites), diversity of an active alumni network, and other aspects of these programs will significantly influence your career readiness and transition to jobs. After graduation, I strongly suggest you stay connected to your training programs, mentors, and alumni networks. This will help you access the hidden job market (e.g., potentially upcoming job openings and priorities for hiring criteria) in your areas of interest or work settings and make you feel supported and part of a community. In case you think your training program did not adequately prepare you for the job market, keep searching for mentors, which can be a one-time meeting or email exchange to learn about what helped them find employment or a longer-term connection that provides you with more insight and feedback about your ongoing areas of growth. Remember that your first job is most likely the first stepping stone toward the following opportunities. Even if you feel discontent with some aspects of a first job, it can lead to meaningful connections and happenstances to create future opportunities. Be aware of your most important needs and values that you can’t sacrifice for your physical and mental well-being, and aspire for a job that gets you what you need to continue growing and making connections toward more desirable next steps. When possible, self-advocate and seek additional resources (e.g., family, community, local or regional professional development grants, additional jobs) that may help you get started with some meaningful first experience and sustain your ongoing career planning.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: The combination of the increased need for mental healthcare following a global pandemic, as well as the increased advocacy for mental health awareness to defeat the stigma that has always surrounded treatment, means that there is a lot of work to be done to provide the services that we need. If you or someone you know has tried to get an appointment with a counselor lately, you have probably encountered some pretty lengthy wait times. It seems that every practice is full and there’s practically no way to get seen quickly. We need more practitioners and more efficient ways to serve some clients who are struggling with some really pressing concerns.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: There are so many different employment positions that a mental health counselor could take that a day could be incredibly different depending on their area of specialty. A private practitioner could have a full day of hour long individual sessions. A hospital based counselor might spend time running groups or doing crisis stabilization. A home-based counselor might travel from site to site providing family therapy or assessing living situations for child placement. Someone working in a substance use rehabilitation facility might find themselves Providing individual, group, and family therapy all within the span of several hours. In other words, a mental health counselor is going to be very flexible and able to provide a number of different services depending on the type of work that interests them and that they find themselves seeking specialty training and credentialing in.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: When I talk to my former students as well as my friends and colleagues in the profession, they all tell me how richly rewarded they are providing a service to people who struggle with aspects of mental health. Being part of someone’s treatment, watching them find their way through trauma that has been burdening them, helping people leave behind a pass that no longer serves them, helping them find a way through genetically predisposed illness, or to overcome thoughts of death or suicide… These are all remarkable journeys to embark on with clients. To have the privilege to be part of healing when people are in crisis and pain and at their most vulnerable is really an awesome honor. Those experiences keep us hopeful and.buoyed throughout our career. When working in such an interpersonally intense profession, carrying that weight can be challenging itself. Some of the more routine tasks of the work that we do can also be burdening. As mental health counselors, we find ourselves making sure that we seek to do our own work in order to be able to do this work for others.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Catherine Lounsbury Ed.D., LCPC: Hello Alex, Attached please find my answers to your questions. Please let me know if anything else would be helpful. Thank you, Cathy
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Catherine Lounsbury Ed.D., LCPC: Hello Alex, Attached please find my answers to your questions. Please let me know if anything else would be helpful. Thank you, Cathy
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Samantha Bates PhD, LISW-S: One of the best things about being a mental health practitioner is supporting someone during a time of immense need. The human spirit is beautiful to witness, and the role of a mental health provider is to use the vulnerability and time spent together to empower someone to see their strengths, utilize new skills, and decide what the future holds for them. I think the best day of my professional career was when a young woman told me that had I not been in her life at the time she might not be here today. Knowing you were a support for someone, and the time you spent together made an impact, is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. One thing that is challenging in the mental health profession is the lack of coordinated services and supports. Access and equity continue to challenge the profession and are issues we must address to tackle the mental health crisis.
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: When starting your career in counseling psychology, look for opportunities to diversify your practice wherever possible. For example, even if you are working full-time in some sort of mental health context as a psychologist, look for opportunities to take on additional, smaller pieces of work that branch outside of your primary work responsibilities. This may include adjunct teaching or serving as a clinical supervisor in a doctoral training program, consulting with human resources or executive recruiting firms, or many other types of industry that would benefit with the expertise and skills you have as a counseling psychologist.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Graduates in counseling psychology have a great number of different skills, and they shouldn't limit themselves to traditional clinical practice settings only. The doctoral degree in counseling psychology--and the license as a psychologist--allows these professionals to practice in many different areas. The most obvious ones, such as private practice clinical work, doing clinical work in clinics and hospitals, or going into academia as researchers and faculty, are a great fit for many graduates. However, all the skills gained in a doctoral program in counseling psychology transfer seamlessly to many other areas and industries, as understanding human behaviors, emotional development, and wellness are applicable widely.
Dr. Anthony Tasso Ph.D., ABPP
Professor and Deputy DirectorFairleigh Dickinson University College at Florham
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Anthony Tasso Ph.D., ABPP: The best advice I can give entering the field of psychotherapy or counseling is that it is a field that deals with humans. Therefore, curiosity about why people do what they do and how they developed healthy and unhealthy propensities is crucial. Additionally, it’s important to understand that the only way to grow as a psychotherapist is to continue to learn. The clinician who graduates and never reads a professional book or article again will become stagnant. Alternatively, the psychotherapist who continues to read to acquires knowledge through other means will get even better with time.
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Madeline Stenersen: There are several specific things people can do to maximize salary but it will depend on which area of the field you are in. In the clinical are, ensuring that you're compensated at a Ph.D. level and if you are looking to maximize salary I would recommend looking into positions not only as a clinician but also into administrative positions like clinic director, program coordinator, etc. Assessment administration and getting on insurance boards can also increase compensation. In teaching/faculty positions I would recommend getting a research focused postdoc before going on the job market to stay competitive and then negotiating a salary consistent with the cost of living but also with what you know others at the institution make. These positions expect negotiation so go for higher than your ideal and come down if necessary. In adjunct positions there is little power to negotiate and I would recommend finding an institution that also provides other benefits such as access to the library, mentorship, etc.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Madeline Stenersen: I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of counseling psychology is to explore and think broadly about all of the possibilities that this degree can bring. With a PhD in this field you can be a full time clinician, a teacher at a university, a director of a clinical center, a full time researcher, or any of the combination of the above! Because all of these opportunities can be exciting and scary at the same time I would recommend that they look to the people in the field that are doing the things that they would love to do and reach out! Don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may seem out of reach. Sometimes Counseling Psychology is compared to Clinical Psychology and students are told that Clinical Psychology positions are out of reach. This is simply not true. I have worked alongside Clinical Psychologists and other wonderful mental health providers throughout my career and currently am a faculty member in a Clinical Psychology program. The sky's the limit and it really is an opportune time for this degree as the field of psychology broadly recognizes the increasing need to focus on cultural humility, DEI, and cross-cultural work - practices that Counseling Psychology has focused on throughout the history of the field.
John Donahue Psy.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Baltimore
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
John Donahue Psy.D.: I recommend continuing your training and education so that you can develop specialty areas. What areas of mental health practice are most meaningful to you? Perhaps it is working with a certain problem area (e.g., anxiety disorders); perhaps it is working with a particular group of people (e.g., children, military veterans, etc.); perhaps it is a type of therapeutic modality (e.g., Prolonged Exposure for PTSD). Whatever it may be, by continuing to train in specific areas such as these, you can develop the necessary expertise to become a specialist that is sought after because of the particular skills and abilities you bring to the table.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
Dion Porter Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Department Chair Coordinator-Online Educational Specialist ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Dion Porter Ph.D.: Strong counseling and empathy skills of course are important, but also one must possess strong interpersonal skills that will assist them in relating and collaborating well with other people. It is very important that one possess the right personality as well as character in order for them to become an effective and competent counselor. They also need to have strong multicultural counseling skills in order to effectively and efficiently counsel persons from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. Finally, one must possess the skills associated with professionalism related to their personal mannerisms, speech and communication, dress and interpersonal awareness. Of course for anyone to be competitive in this day and age, they will need to be well versed and trained in the specific technology and social-media tools needed to effectively perform the proper functions of their job.
Stephanie Chalk
Associate Director of the School of Counseling at Marymount UniversityMarymount University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Clinical Therapist?
Stephanie Chalk: Competence in trauma-informed care is very important and will only continue to become more important to our work as counselors in a post-COVID world. Counselors will need to have a strong understanding of how to assess for trauma and environmental stressors, and how trauma can impact clients and communities. Having the skills to adequately assess and support client safety, enhance client choice and empowerment, and the ability to work collaboratively as an interdisciplinary team with other professionals is going to become an even more valuable skill set for counselors. Counselors often work with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, school systems, social workers, occupational therapists, and many other professionals as a part of a care team. Having strong collaboration, leadership, and interpersonal skills are becoming more important as the role of counselors is becoming more salient in healthcare.
What Clinical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephanie Chalk: My first piece of general advice is to gain knowledge about their state's requirements of post-graduate clinical requirements for independent licensure. When students begin studying at a clinical mental health counseling graduate program, they often believe that once they graduate, they will be free to practice counseling independently and will be licensed. Clinical mental health counseling licensure requires post-graduate clinical supervision and training, and these vary by state or jurisdiction. New graduates should identify what state they want to work in and become familiar with those post-graduation requirements, especially if they are planning to move after graduation. I would also tell new graduates to be selective with where they work after graduation. Some students are very eager to find work after graduation, and finding a good placement can be anxiety-provoking. It is OK to take your time to find a good fit for your interests and needs. Do not be afraid to ask questions about pay, benefits, expectations, supervision, and clinical specializations of the site and the supervisor. There is a wide range of clinical specialties for counselors, and it's worth exploring your interests and finding a site that can fulfill your needs. Lastly, there's many different things that a counselor can do! Besides clinical mental health services, counselors can also get hired as consultants, researchers, organization and advocacy leaders, and more. There are many great career opportunities that new graduates can explore.
What will help Clinical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Stephanie Chalk: Competence in trauma-informed care is very important and will only continue to become more important to our work as counselors in a post-COVID world. Counselors will need to have a strong understanding of how to assess for trauma and environmental stressors, and how trauma can impact clients and communities. Having the skills to adequately assess and support client safety, enhance client choice and empowerment, and the ability to work collaboratively as an interdisciplinary team with other professionals is going to become an even more valuable skill set for counselors. Counselors often work with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, school systems, social workers, occupational therapists, and many other professionals as a part of a care team. Having strong collaboration, leadership, and interpersonal skills are becoming more important as the role of counselors is becoming more salient in healthcare.
John Kiweewa Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSt. John Fisher College
Wegmans School of Nursing
What soft skills should all Clinical Therapists possess?
John Kiweewa Ph.D.: Receptivity to Feedback: Openness to consistently accept feedback in a respectful way is a vital quality, especially for new graduates. Such openness is important not only to feedback from supervisors but from colleagues and clients. Agreeing to or feeling bound to act on the feedback received is not as important as communicating appreciation for the effort of others in giving feedback. In this case, display of behaviors such as anger, annoyance, frustration, defensiveness, excessive/exaggerated self-criticism, or withdrawal gets in the way of learning and/or being a member of a team.
Appropriate Self-Disclosure: The ability for mental health practitioners to 'use' themselves for the benefit of their clients is one of the cornerstones of effective counseling. Such a quality is most evident when one only shares information about themselves that fits the nature and purpose of the interaction with a particular client. When personal information is revealed, it is tasteful, relevant, and is not upsetting, distracting, or confusing to others. Prospective employers are keenly aware of the ways self-serving or self-aggrandizing disclosure of personal information can negatively impact the ability to provide meaningful services to clients.
Reliability and Follow Through: Mental health professionals work in a helping profession that requires the professional to be consistently dependable, reliable, and able to follow through with tasks and assignments in a timely and thorough manner. This includes meeting deadlines, being punctual to sessions with clients and for agency meetings, being prepared, and having a reputation as one who can be counted on to do their part when functioning as a team or project member.
Flexibility and Adaptability: This quality is most evident when a mental health counseling professional consistently demonstrates a willingness to change or compromise in the face of new information, circumstances, and contexts. Situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, require mental health practitioners to have an openness to solutions that match the needs of their service recipients and organizations.
Sense of Humor: There is little to cheer about in the professional life of mental health professionals. We spend the majority of our working time listening to the most painful and vulnerable aspects of people's lives. This quality is most evident when a mental health counselor assumes an orientation to life that acknowledges to self and others the value of looking at the "lighter side" of life to maintain a balance; when they find enjoyment in laughing with others and recognize laughter as a way of reducing tension and as an important aspect of social discourse.
Confidence Balanced with Humility: Confidence in one's abilities (self-efficacy) is a general challenge for beginning mental health counselors. Some may appear over-confident as a way to compensate for lack of experience in the field and to project an image of competence. It is, therefore, important that new graduate is able to act with self-assurance by consistently expressing themselves in a clear, deliberate, and unassuming manner. It is not helpful to "put on airs" or flaunt knowledge or skills in order to bring attention to oneself. What is important is to convey appreciation for the privilege to partake in other people's life journeys and struggles.
Martha Peaslee Levine M.D.
Medical Director of the PHP and IOP, Director of the Office of Professional Mental HealthPenn State College of Medicine
Adolescent Medicine, Psychiatry
What soft skills should all Clinical Therapists possess?
Martha Peaslee Levine M.D.: Good communication skills are important. Working as a therapist involves interacting with someone. It will be important to demonstrate being able to listen effectively and being able to communicate clearly. Active listening is important in therapy and in an interview. Be engaged; listen to the interviewer so that you are clearly providing the information that they need. For example, I often ask interviewees to tell me about a case that they found rewarding or challenging. From this, I want to know how someone thinks through a clinical situation. I want to hear how they describe their client (anonymously, of course) and how they put together the important parts of the story. If it was challenging and they now recognize ways to handle it differently, that lets me know that they have thought about this. It also shows that they are willing to reflect on difficult situations and learn from them. If someone cannot relate a story or discuss a client with me, that makes me wonder about their skills as a therapist and their interest in their patients. These clinical interactions can come from your work in school, shadowing someone in training, or internships. It is recognizing and describing the important elements of the case. Another important skill is good written communication. Check your resumes for spelling mistakes. Reread any emails to make certain they are clear. Send thank-you notes. Keep things professional--use the interviewer's professional title when you write. Be on time and have a question or two to ask about the position or place of employment. Examples can be, what are they looking for in a counselor? What have they found the most rewarding working in this office? Find your own go-to question, but interviewers what to know that you are interested.
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSan Diego State University
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Clinical Therapist resumes?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Formal training and/or experience using one or more evidence-based Interventions.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Clinical Therapists?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Clinicians need to have keen safety and clinical assessment skills. After COVID, we also learned that it's important for clinicians to navigate and adapt to providing services both in person and through telemental health.
What skills will help Clinical Therapists earn the most?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: All of the skills outlined above are important for clinicians to be effective in their jobs and earn a good wage.