Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsClinical and Counseling PsychologistLicensed Social WorkerMarriage and Family TherapistLicensed Professional CounselorLicensed School PsychologistCreative Arts TherapistAdvanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
Licensed Social Worker
Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed School Psychologist
Creative Arts Therapist
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
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Some people always dreamed ofbecoming a therapistor working in the field of mental health. Whileclinical psychologyis the largest area of employment within the psychology fieldand an excellent career path for some students, it’s not the only therapy degree that one can pursue.
There are a variety of therapy degrees that can help prepare individuals to work in the field of mental health, and psychotherapy specifically. Some involve getting a doctorate while other therapy-based career options exist at the master’s degree level.
The traditional PhD in clinical orcounseling psychologyis one of the most common options for people interested in a career in mental health therapy. An alternative to the PhD is thePsyD degree.
The PsyD is a newer doctoral degree option with a greater focus on professional practice than the more research-focused PhD. Alternatively, psychiatrists are doctors who work with clients using a more medical or clinical approach.A psychiatrist has a medical degree (MD or DO).
Professionals in this type of role sometimes specialize in a particular area. Options includegeriatric psychology, learning disabilities,substance abuse, and adultmental health.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that themedian salary for clinical psychologistsas of May 2022 was $90,130.
People who work in asocial worker roleoften perform psychotherapy with a wide range of clients, although many choose to specialize in a particular area. For example, some prefer to work mainly with children while others work primarily with adult populations.
In addition to psychotherapy, social workers often act as advocates for their clients. They help connect their clients with available resources within the local community or get them in touch with programs offered on a state or national level.
Licensed social workerstypically hold at least a master’s degree in social work.Most master’s programs can be completed in two years, but some allow students to earn their degree with one year of post-undergraduate study.
The BLS reports that, as of May 2022, the median annual salary for social workers was $55,350 per year.
Marriage and family therapiststreat mental disorders and psychological issues. But instead of working with just the individual, they work within the context of families and relationships.
Most marriage and family therapy educational programs require two years of graduate study. This study is focused on a variety of topics, includingmarriage counseling,family therapy, child psychotherapy, andprofessional ethics.
The BLS reports that this profession has a “much faster than average” growth rate of 15%.This would equate to the addition of 10,600 new positions in this role before 2032.
The median annual salary for marriage and family therapists as of May 2022 was $56,570 per year, according to the BLS.
Licensed professional counselorsoften assess people experiencing mental distress, perform individual andgroup therapy, and assist clients who are facing crisis situations. Thus, these professionals can work in a variety of areas and settings within mental health.
Graduate programs for counselors usually include coursework inhuman development,counseling theories,counseling techniques, cultural andsocial issues, professional ethics, andassessment methods.
The BLS reports that the median annual salary for mental health counselors was $49,710 per year in May 2022.
Mental Health Counselor Training, Skills, and Salary
School psychologistsapply their knowledge of psychological principles to education-related issues and problems. They often work with students with academic, psychological, or social issues.
School psychologists also collaborate with other educational professionals as well as parents. They work together to manage thestudent’s classroom behavior, help students cope with crises, or counsel those experiencing substance use issues.
While the vast majority of school psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools, other options exist. State agencies, private clinics, and hospitals also sometimes employ these professionals.
According to BLS data, the mean annual salary for school psychologists as of May 2022 is $87,550 per year.
Training and requirements can vary depending upon the area of specialization. For example, dance/movement therapists must hold a master’s degree and document 2,400 hours of clinical employment (at least 1,800 of these hours need to be paid, while 600 can be volunteer) to become board certified.
The minimum requirement to become an art therapist is a master’s degree in art therapy or a master’s in counseling or a related field, along with additional coursework in art therapy.
Professionals in creative art therapy often work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, and schools. Salaries can vary depending on factors, such as experience, training, location, andspecialty areas.
The BLS does not provide salary information for creative therapists specifically. However, it does provide a mean annual wage for “other” therapists—which is where this type of role would fall—and it is $71,860 per year as of May 2022.
Advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APRNs) are trained to assess, diagnose, and treatmental illnesses. In many states, APRNs can also prescribe medications, similar to a nurse practitioner.
Most training programs require 2000 hours of clinical practice.Professionals are also expected to take ongoing continuing education to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date.
The BLS reports that nurse practitioners working in psychiatric facilities earn an annual mean wage of $134,540 as of May 2022.
15 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.A career in clinical or counseling psychology.
American Psychological Association.What is the difference between psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers?.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists: Pay.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Social workers.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Marriage and family therapists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
National Association of School Psychologists.School psychology: A career that makes a difference.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2022: 19-3034 school psychologists.Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
American Art Therapy Association.I want to become an art therapist! How do I know what education I need?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2022: 29-1129 therapists, all other.Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association.Common questions about advanced practice psychiatric nurses.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association.Frequently asked questions about psychiatric-mental health nurses.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Occupational employment and wages, May 2022: 29-1171 nurse practitioners.Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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