How to Become a Mental Health Therapist

Last Updated: May 5, 2024

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In a safe and protected environment, mental health therapy empowers individuals and communities to confront their emotional, behavioral, and mental health obstacles. The responsibilities of a mental health counselor encompass recognizing mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, devising personalized treatment strategies, and providing therapy to diverse groups such as individuals, couples, families, children, or the elderly.

Specialization in Mental Health Counseling

Aspiring mental health counselors pursuing licensure as LMHCs have the opportunity to specialize in various areas within the field. Individuals interested in this career path need to conduct thorough research to select the most suitable licensing type and pathway based on their practice level and personal preferences.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Psychotherapist

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Individuals aspiring to become mental health counselors usually start their academic journey by pursuing a degree in a counseling-related discipline like psychology or sociology. During the initial stages of their career, opting for a mental health counseling program that covers topics like lifelong human development and abnormal psychology can provide a beneficial edge as they progress towards advanced studies at the doctoral level.

Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling

The specific title of this degree can differ by program, yet in many states, a master's degree in counseling is necessary to practice as a mental health counselor. Obtaining a counseling psychology degree from a CACREP-approved institution indicates that the program's content and quality adhere to the rigorous standards expected of mental health professionals. While CACREP is a widely recognized accrediting body, not all states mandate CACREP accreditation for graduates. For more information, it is advisable to consult your state regulatory authority.

Step 3: Pass Admission Tests

Prospective mental health counselors are required to complete one or more National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) assessments in every state, including the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These assessments include the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) and the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Additionally, candidates may need to take state-specific exams, although the requirements differ across states.

Step 4: Completion of a Supervised Clinical Experience

Prior to obtaining a license to practice psychological counseling, it is necessary to fulfill graduate and postgraduate internships overseen by licensed counselors to acquire hands-on experience.

Step 5: Request a License

Achieving a significant accomplishment on your journey involves completing your licensing exam. The subsequent action entails applying for mental health licensure within your state. This license grants you the ability to practice autonomously. It is crucial to comply with the regulations set forth by the state counseling agency, as the specific eligibility requirements may differ across states.

Pursuing Additional Certifications in Mental Health Counseling

An alternative for candidates is to submit an application to the NBCC for the designation of National Certified Counselor (NCC). While this step might be mandatory before obtaining licensure in certain states, it is generally considered optional. It is important to note that certification criteria and licensing prerequisites can differ, hence individuals are advised to verify specific details with the NBCC.

Maintaining Your License as a Mental Health Counselor

Remaining informed about advancements in the mental health field is crucial for licensed mental health counselors to deliver optimal care to their clients. To ensure ongoing learning and professional growth, states may mandate the accumulation of continuing education credits at regular intervals.

The Journey to Becoming a Licensed Psychotherapist

Step 1: Obtain Your Bachelor’s Degree

To pursue a career in psychology, behavioral science, or social science, the initial step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields. If your goal is to become a licensed psychotherapist in New York, it is advisable to consider the following bachelor’s degree programs.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
2. Bachelor’s degree in Sociology
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services
4. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
5. Bachelor’s degree in Biology

If you already hold a degree in another field, you may need to take some additional required undergraduate courses before beginning a graduate degree in psychology. It’s advisable to find out what you need to get into the master’s program of your choice or speak with an admissions counselor at the schools you’re interested in.

Step 2: Secure Your Master’s Degree

Following the completion of a bachelor's degree, the natural progression is to pursue a master's degree in mental health therapy from a well-regarded institution. A Master of Science in Counseling Psychology is a prevalent academic choice in this domain. This program usually comprises traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training in simulated clinical settings. Upon finishing the prescribed coursework and a clinical internship, individuals can anticipate sitting for certification and licensing examinations.

Although a Ph.D. in psychology may not always be mandatory for positions in mental health counseling, it can serve as a remarkable means to distinguish oneself from other candidates and propel professional growth.

Step 3: Participate in a Supervised Clinical Internship Post-Graduation

As part of their education, counseling students are required to fulfill supervised internships either post-graduation or as an integral component of their academic program. These internships offer valuable hands-on experience and the chance to glean insights from seasoned practitioners. In many states, candidates must accrue between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of clinical practice to be eligible to sit for licensing examinations.

Internships in clinical settings can help you learn and develop in your specialty so you can better serve your future clients. Internships can be found through graduate schools and professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), where you can network with professionals in the field.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exams

Once you finish your academic requirements, you can proceed to apply for the necessary licensing assessments. Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are mandated by legislation in all states. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) oversees the examinations that the majority of states mandate for counselors: the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Additional prerequisites encompass a master's degree, practical clinical experience, and a spotless criminal record.

Step 5: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

Attaining licensure as a mental health counselor necessitates the completion of internships during both graduate and postgraduate studies. Certain licensure tiers in specific states might mandate a range of 2,000 to 3,000 hours of clinical practice. A provisional license is typically a prerequisite for students, serving as a temporary professional permit that authorizes graduates to practice under the guidance of a licensed independent practitioner post-graduation. In different states, titles like "Associate Licensed Counselor," "Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern," or similar designations may be employed.

Step 6: Apply for a License

The subsequent stage involves applying for a state-issued license to practice mental health counseling, which is distinct from any prior provisional licenses. Acquiring a license in the specific state where you intend to practice is imperative for engaging in counseling services legally.

Step 7: Earn Continuing Education Units and Additional Certifications

As a certified mental health counselor, it is crucial to remain informed about the most recent advancements in the industry. This not only enables you to deliver optimal care to your clients but also guarantees compliance with your state's regulations, which may necessitate the accumulation of continuing education credits regularly.

How long does it take to become a mental health therapist?

Generally, a bachelor's degree spanning four years is the standard prerequisite for embarking on a career in mental health counseling. This undergraduate degree is commonly obtained in the fields of psychology, counseling, or related disciplines.

To work as a certified professional psychotherapist, obtaining a master's degree is usually necessary. A master's degree in mental health counseling usually entails an extra year of graduate study, which can vary based on the student's educational history, enrollment status, and course load. Additionally, state regulations mandate that you finish your clinical hours within a designated timeframe. For instance, to qualify as a licensed professional clinical counselor in California, you must fulfill a minimum of 104 hours of training within 3,000 weeks, as stipulated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

In a Nutshell: How to Become a Mental Health Therapist

When considering a career as a mental health therapist, it is important to consider expected job growth, daily responsibilities, educational requirements, and similar positions. Health education, community health work, social work, and school counseling are some areas you could explore.

The rising prevalence of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts poses a significant public health concern in the United States. Opting to pursue a career in this field allows individuals to offer assistance and support in addressing these challenges.