Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Therapist Career Guide
Therapist Career Guide
Job Description
What Is a Therapist?
Therapist is an umbrella term for various mental health professionals, including licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, psychologists and licensed marriage and family therapists. A therapist is a clinician who treats clients with mental health disorders, as well as emotional, cognitive and behavioral issues. Therapists may specialize in a certain type of mental health disorder or with specific patient populations. An example is a marriage and family therapist, who works with couples and families to support them in relationship-related problems.
Therapists work with clients who are experiencing emotional, mental and/or behavioral issues. Depending on the severity and type of presenting concerns a person is experiencing, it can help determine which type of therapist they can seek services from. Regardless, therapists who are licensed in their field of expertise utilize evidence-based practices to treat mental health challenges, according to Psychology Today.(See disclaimer 1)
Role
What Does a Therapist Do?
A therapist diagnoses and treats clients with behavioral, cognitive and other mental health disorders, helping them process trauma, navigate life challenges, build coping skills and strengthen relationships.
In many settings, therapists also participate in integrative care, which is a holistic and team‑based approach where multiple specialists collaborate to support a client’s overall well‑being.(See disclaimer 2) This model requires therapists to work closely with other mental and behavioral health providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive treatment.
Key responsibilities therapists typically handle include:
Assess and Diagnose
Therapists start by developing rapport with clients, discussing their concerns and emotional and behavioral issues. They ask open-ended questions to assess clients and develop a diagnosis.
Treat
Therapists develop treatment plans in collaboration with their clients and administer treatments, such as holding therapy sessions, using therapeutic techniques and teaching coping strategies.
Track
Therapists take detailed notes and track their clients’ progress, maintaining proper documentation along the way. They may also refer clients to other specialists or community resources.
Outlook
What Is the Career Outlook for Therapists?
The career outlook for therapists looks favorable for the foreseeable future, potentially making therapy attractive to those interested in this career path.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth rate for marriage and family therapists is 13% from 2024 through 2034, much faster than average, indicating a need for about 7,700 new therapists each year during this time period.(See disclaimer 2) The BLS attributes some of the employment growth to the increasing prevalence of integrative care.
As of May 2024, the median annual wage for marriage and family therapists is reported to be $63,780.(See disclaimer 3) Pay can vary depending on factors such as experience level, geographic location and work setting, with those in specialized practices or higher-demand areas often seeing higher compensation.
Jobs
7,700
Projected number of jobs for marriage and family therapists each year from 2024 through 2034(See disclaimer 2)
Salary
$63,780
Median annual salary for marriage and family therapists as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Growth
13%
Projected job growth rate for marriage and family therapists from 2024 through 2034(See disclaimer 2)
Workplace
Where Do Therapists Work?
Marriage and family therapists can work in a variety of settings, including doctors’ offices and outpatient care centers. They may also work in hospitals and schools. Some therapists offer telehealth services, in which they meet and administer therapy remotely using HIPAA-compliant telehealth technology.(See disclaimer 4)
Some of the main settings where therapists can work include:(See disclaimer 4)
Individual and Family Services
Some therapists work in community centers that provide individual and family services.
Healthcare Practitioners’ Offices
About 30% of therapists work in the offices of other healthcare practitioners.
Outpatient Centers
Outpatient care centers can include mental and behavioral health practices, such as substance abuse treatment centers.
Self-Employed
Some therapists establish their own mental health clinics.
Career Path
How To Become a Therapist
According to the BLS, the process for becoming a therapist requires both didactic coursework and hands-on clinical training in supervised settings. Therapists must first earn a relevant bachelor’s degree, which is followed by a master’s degree.(See disclaimer 5) They must complete supervised clinical work, during which they gain experience assessing, diagnosing and treating clients.
All states require therapists to obtain licensure. It is important to ensure that the educational program you enroll in meets the requirements for licensure in your chosen field and state. After completing the required coursework, clinical training hours, passing a licensure exam and fulfilling any additional state-specific requirements, a therapist can obtain licensure. Although requirements vary by state, licensure typically includes passing an exam, and therapists must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits.(See disclaimer 5)
A therapist’s career pathway typically follows several key steps, including:(See disclaimer 5)
Earn Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
Future therapists must earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area. They must then earn a master’s degree in psychology, marriage and family therapy or a similar area.
Complete Supervised Clinical Training
Pre- and post-degree supervised clinical work provides future therapists with practical experience delivering therapeutic interventions.
Obtain State Licensure
After completing the required number of clinical training hours per your state, passing a licensure exam and meeting any other state requirements, a therapist can obtain licensure.
Education
Therapist Education Requirements
High School Diploma
In addition to completing all the requirements necessary to obtain a high school diploma, future therapists may take courses relevant to psychology. These can include electives in child development, psychology, sociology, counseling, probability, statistics, parenting and ethnic and gender studies. Computer applications classes can also be helpful.(See disclaimer 6)
College Degree
Aspiring therapists should earn a bachelor’s degree that fulfills admission requirements to a master’s degree that can lead to licensure as a therapist. They may earn a bachelor’s in mental health counseling or a related field, for example. Aspiring therapists must then earn a master’s degree and doctorate in some instances in their chosen mental health field. Research the degree program before you enroll to ensure it meets the licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
Internships
Master’s degrees in this field typically include practicum/field experience hours, which provide supervised clinical training. Therapists will also typically complete post-degree supervised clinical training. These experiences are similar to internships in that they provide field-specific training.
Professional Certifications
All states require marriage and family therapists to obtain licensure, although specific requirements can vary from one state to the next. The general requirements usually include meeting the therapist education requirements, completing supervised clinical work and passing a state licensure exam.
Degrees for Aspiring Therapists
8 Matching Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Counseling
with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
with an Emphasis in Trauma
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Skills
What Skills Does a Therapist Need?
Along with knowledge and skills pertaining to mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, therapists can benefit from a strong blend of soft skills. Soft skills such as communication and interpersonal skills can help therapists work well with clients from a range of backgrounds.(See disclaimer 5)
Some of the most important skills for a therapist include:(See disclaimer 5)
Interpersonal Skills
Therapists need to develop rapport with their clients and be able to work well with all sorts of people.
Communication Skills
Therapists need active listening skills and clear, expressive communication skills.
Compassion
Clients with mental health issues are experiencing difficult circumstances, and therapists must exhibit compassion within professional boundaries.
Organization
Therapists need to maintain detailed documentation for each client, and those in private practice must handle office paperwork pertaining to billing.
Find Your Path
The mental and behavioral health field offers various career paths, including social worker, addiction counselor or marriage counselor.
Career Fit
Is Therapy Right for Me?
Therapy may be a good fit for you if you enjoy working closely with people and empowering them to enjoy healthier relationships and better quality of life. Therapy can be an ideal career field for individuals who are empathetic and good listeners.(See disclaimer 5) However, it isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone interested in a mental health career. There are other career pathways to consider. Explore your counseling degree options.
Explore Related Counseling Degrees
Explore the World of Therapy
Before making a decision about your future, learn more about working in the therapy field.
Mental Health Careers: Exploring Your Options
Discover some of the many career options that may await you in the mental health field.
Counseling Techniques for Aspiring Counselors
Learn how evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT and narrative therapy combine empathy and professionalism to foster healing.
Alternative Careers for Therapists To Consider
From life coaching to corporate wellness consulting, there are plenty of alternative careers for therapists to consider.
Pursue Your Career in Therapy
If your future lies in the mental health field, you can explore your degree options at GCU. Apply online today!
- Fagan, A. (2023, April 12). Psychologist vs. Therapist vs. Counselor: What Are the Differences? Psychology Today. Retrieved May 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Marriage and Family Therapists, retrieved May 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Marriage and Family Therapists as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as marriage and family therapists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Marriage and Family Therapists: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 2026.
- Illinois WorkNet Center. (n.d.). Marriage and Family Therapists - Helpful High School Courses. Illinois Career Information System. Retrieved May 2026.