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What are the standard qualifications for becoming a therapist?

I'd like to know the Amount of schooling/ any other training necessary for becoming a therapist, Thanks.

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Jason’s Answer

Hi Eian,

Assuming you're referring to becoming a therapist in Iowa, it typically requires 6-10+ years of education and training, plus licensure and supervised experience.

<General Requirements>
Bachelor’s Degree (Psychology, Social Work, or related field) – 4 years
Master’s Degree (Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field) – 2-3 years
Supervised Clinical Experience – 2+ years (varies by license type)
State Licensure Exam – Must pass required exams for specific license

<Additional Requirements>
Background check
Continuing education for license renewal

<Common Therapist Licenses in Iowa>
1. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Master’s in Counseling or related field
3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
Pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE)

2.Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
Master’s in Social Work (MSW)
4,000 hours of supervised clinical work
Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam

3. Doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) – 4-6 years
1-year internship + postdoc supervised experience
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
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Dr’s Answer

Hey Eian, so here’s the scoop on becoming a therapist—it’s kind of like training to become a superhero for mental health! 😌First up, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or something similar, which is about four years of college-level brain fuel. Then, you'll often go on to a master’s program in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work, which adds another two to three years.🤔
Once you've got those degrees, you'll need to clock in some supervised clinical hours—think of it as your internship in the world of feelings and human behavior—before you can finally snag that sweet license. And hey, if you’re feeling super ambitious, some folks even chase a doctorate to dive deeper into research or advanced practice. 😉

It might seem like a long journey, but every step is setting you up to help people unlock their potential and understand themselves better. Plus, you’ll learn a ton about life, including a few things about yourself along the way. You've got this, future therapist! 😊 Good luck and all the best! 🙌🤗
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