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How To Become a Therapist

Are you the person your friends come to talk about their problems? Do you have compassion, patience and most importantly an objective perspective that you can use to help people better their lives and overcome obstacles? These are all hallmark qualities of a therapist. If you are looking for a career path that allows you to enjoy going to work everyday while giving back to your community, then becoming a therapist might be the job for you.

One large misunderstanding about therapy is that it takes years and years of study to achieve a qualification to practice. This is not the case. While many people think that a doctorate level qualification is required there are many other educational gateways that can lead to become a therapist.

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More and more people are finding the best route of how to become a therapist is through online education. Flexible delivery means that you can study in your own time and make your way through the coursework as quickly or as slowly as you like. You don't need to quit your day job or put your children into full-time care. An online degree works around you, instead of the other way around.

While to be a psychologist graduate education is required, there are many other jobs in the field of therapy and mental health that you can be qualified for with a specialized college degree.

For instance you could become qualified as a social worker or counselor with a degree in psychology. Once you are employed in your area of choice you have the option to undergo further study such as a masters degree to further increase your job opportunities.

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There is currently a strong demand for therapists in the Unites States. Hospitals, private clinics and schools are common places for therapists to be employed, however many work in private practice. A therapist is a broad term to describe a professional that provides counseling to another person. You may do this while employed as a social worker, psychologist, psychiatric nurse or as a counselor.

The salary you earn as a therapist will vary substantially in accordance with your qualification, job role and previous experience. An entry level salary could be between $30,000 and $70,000 per year depending on your chosen route.

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There are many different avenues you may wish to peruse within the role of therapist. Below are some of the roles you may be able to take on when you become a therapist, along with the median salary for each.

Substance Abuse Therapist

Salary - $36,000
A substance abuse therapist works with people to help them overcome their psychological and physiological addictions. In this kind of role a therapist would seek to help the patient understand why their problems developed, what triggers them and what pathways can be taken to overcome them.

Family Therapist

Salary - $46,000
In a time of crisis such as a marriage separation, death or other difficult period a family therapist may counsel one or all members of a family. It may simply be an outlet for the patient to talk about what is troubling them in their life, or their may be particular issues or problems they need help with.

Social Worker

Salary - $43,000
There are many types of work that a social worker may do, however they may choose to become therapists. They may work with people of all ages and backgrounds and are often employed by schools, hospitals, prisons, welfare organizations or in private clinics. Their main job is to help individuals, families and communities overcome difficult circumstances and live their lives to the fullest.

Psychologist

Salary - $65,000
Like social workers, there are many types of work that a psychologist may do after graduation. The majority work as clinical psychologists. Working one on one with clients, a clinical psychologist provides support and counsel to help people overcome difficulties and obstacles. Clients could include people from all walks of life.

Counselor

Salary - $40,000
A counselor provides support and guidance to individual members of the community. They are usually people with a natural sense of compassion and understanding. They are employed by schools, hospitals, community organizations or work in private practice. Many may work within a specific area, such as marriage counseling.


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