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Therapeutic mentor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a therapeutic mentor. Therapeutic mentors usually study psychology, social work, or criminal justice. 75% of therapeutic mentors hold a bachelor's degree, and 11% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,212 real therapeutic mentor resumes to see exactly what therapeutic mentor education sections show.

The most common colleges for therapeutic mentors are the Bridgewater State University and the Bridgewater State University.

There are also many online therapeutic mentor courses to help get the education required to be a therapeutic mentor.

What education do you need to become a therapeutic mentor?

What degree do you need to be a therapeutic mentor?

The most common degree for therapeutic mentors is bachelor's degree, with 75% of therapeutic mentors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 11% and associate degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 75%
  • Associate, 11%
  • Master's, 10%
  • High School Diploma, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become a therapeutic mentor?

You should major in psychology to become a therapeutic mentor. 39% of therapeutic mentors major in psychology. Other common majors for a therapeutic mentor include social work and criminal justice.

Most common colleges for therapeutic mentors

Therapeutic mentors often get their degrees at Bridgewater State University, University of Massachusetts Boston, and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Here are the most common colleges for therapeutic mentors in the US based on their resumes.
Therapeutic mentor common collegePercentages
Bridgewater State University15.75%
University of Massachusetts Boston9.52%
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth6.59%
University of Connecticut6.23%
Salem State University6.23%

Best majors for therapeutic mentors

RankMajorPercentages
1Psychology38.6%
2Social Work10.9%
3Criminal Justice10.2%
4Human Services8.2%
5Sociology7.0%

Best colleges for therapeutic mentors

The best colleges for therapeutic mentors are Northwestern University, Boston University, and Northeastern University.

A therapeutic mentor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for therapeutic mentors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become therapeutic mentors.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

2. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Enrollment

34,637

3. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Enrollment

13,871

5. San Jose State University

San Jose, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,796

Enrollment

27,125

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. Minnesota State University - Mankato

Mankato, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$8,184

Enrollment

11,675

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

9. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

10. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Enrollment

32,072

20 best online courses for therapeutic mentors

Advertising disclosure

1. Creating Behavioral Change

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In this course you will learn about understanding and changing mental and physical health behavior. We will examine both the historical context and the current science. Major topics will include fundamental behavioral principles and basic elements of empirically supported individual treatments (e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapies). Lectures and examples will illustrate both the theory and the practice of evidence-based approaches to behavior change. You will engage...

2. Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action

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Humans often fail to make rational decisions that affect their health. This course seeks to heighten understanding of the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors, with an ultimate goal of learning how to utilize these factors in improving public health efforts. Through a set of experiential learning exercises, students will learn to apply the science of health behavior change in their own lives. The course is appropriate for students interested in health...

3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course

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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...

4. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor

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4.3
(419)

Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...

5. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health

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Effective communication is a core skill that nearly every health professional will need and use during their careers. Yet, few health professionals receive even basic training in how to design communications to be clear and successful. As “foundational skills,” the content in this course can be applied to both oral and written communication, within and beyond health. Learners will develop the skills to: analyze and tailor a communication effort for different audiences, develop clear messages,...

6. Cat Behavior Rectification & Cat Health Care: 2 courses in 1

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1. Common Cat Behavior Issues and training methods to rectify them 2. Tips for better healthcare of your cat...

7. Communication Skills Masterclass - Your Communication Guide

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Communication Skill For Business Communication & Effective Communication In Workplace & Relationships...

8. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course

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Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...

9. Conduct Behavioral Interviews & Be a Great Mentor

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Learn how to hire and mentor the best. Learn what it takes to conduct interviews and foster mentee relationships...

10. Mental Health First Aid Skills -

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This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...

11. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)

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4.4
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Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...

12. Anger Management & Conflict Resolution Program - (4 hours)

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How to manage anger and ensure it does not explode into rage. Enhance your life by building quality relationships...

13. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate

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Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...

14. Communication Skills PLUS Leadership - 2 in 1 Masterclass

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Learn Communication & Leadership Skills For Inspiration, Success In Life, Work PLUS Interviews, Case Studies, Activities...

15. Managing mental health issues in the workplace

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Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...

16. The Communication Skills and Social Intelligence Masterclass

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An essential guide to cultivating influential people skills, communication skills and street-smart social intelligence...

17. Effective Communication Skills: Be a Better Communicator!

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NEW UPGRADED COURSE: Learn proven, effective communication skills, how to question, listen actively & overcome problems...

18. Cognitive Psychology for Positive Mental Health and Wellness

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Optimise your mental health and reduce stress by mastering the key concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Psychology (CBP)...

19. Dog & Cat Behavior Problems

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20. Versatile Communication Skills - The Art of Engagement

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Powerful, practical, communication skills that drive engagement & build effective professional & personal relationships...

Top 10 most affordable universities for therapeutic mentors

The most affordable schools for therapeutic mentors are Hunter College of the City University of New York, california state university - long beach, and california state university - bakersfield.

If the best universities for therapeutic mentors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for therapeutic mentors.

1. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

4. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

5. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

6. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

7. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

8. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

9. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

10. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for therapeutic mentors

The hardest universities for therapeutic mentors to get into are Northwestern University, Boston University, and Northeastern University.

Some great schools for therapeutic mentors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for therapeutic mentors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

3. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

4. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

Admissions rate

28%

SAT average

1,429

5. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

8. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

Admissions rate

40%

SAT average

1,376

9. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

Admissions rate

23%

SAT average

1,398

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for therapeutic mentors

The easiest schools for therapeutic mentors to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, notre dame de namur university, and wayland baptist university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a therapeutic mentor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for therapeutic mentors.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

2. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

3. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

4. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

5. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

992

6. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

7. Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,059

8. University of Houston - Downtown

Houston, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,012

9. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

10. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,035

Average therapeutic mentor salary by education level

According to our data, therapeutic mentors with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $50,611 annually. Therapeutic mentors with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $45,575.
Therapeutic mentor education levelTherapeutic mentor salary
Master's Degree$50,611
High School Diploma or Less$39,544
Bachelor's Degree$45,575
Some College/ Associate Degree$39,851

Therapeutic mentor education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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