4 answers
Nicole
Student
Toccoa Falls, GA
1
Question
Updated
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When I am in the process of getting my bachelors degree in counseling/psychology how can I gain work experience in my chosen field?
I am a second semester freshman working on my bachelors in counseling/psychology, my plan is to get my therapists license and open my own therapy ranch and recovery center. However, I would like to start gaining some work experience in the field and I have no idea where to start.
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4 answers
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Nicole 👋🏻...
It’s amazing that you’re thinking about gaining experience this early, That mindset alone will take you far in counseling.
Since you’re still a freshman, no one expects you to have clinical experience yet, but there are plenty of ways to start building the foundation:
• Look for volunteer opportunities in places like crisis hotlines, youth centers, community support programs, or shelters. These roles give you real exposure to people and their stories, even if you’re not doing therapy.
• See if your university offers assistant roles in psychology labs. Research experience is a huge plus, and it helps you understand how behavior and mental health are studied.
• Join student organizations related to mental health. You’ll get training, workshops, and connections that can lead to future internships.
• Don’t underestimate jobs that involve people-peer mentoring, resident assistant roles, tutoring, or working at disability services. They all build empathy, communication, and emotional awareness.
The goal right now isn’t to “be a therapist.” It’s to slowly grow the skills and confidence that will make you a great one later. You’re already ahead because you’re thinking long-term, and that’s the kind of mindset that builds a strong career.
It’s amazing that you’re thinking about gaining experience this early, That mindset alone will take you far in counseling.
Since you’re still a freshman, no one expects you to have clinical experience yet, but there are plenty of ways to start building the foundation:
• Look for volunteer opportunities in places like crisis hotlines, youth centers, community support programs, or shelters. These roles give you real exposure to people and their stories, even if you’re not doing therapy.
• See if your university offers assistant roles in psychology labs. Research experience is a huge plus, and it helps you understand how behavior and mental health are studied.
• Join student organizations related to mental health. You’ll get training, workshops, and connections that can lead to future internships.
• Don’t underestimate jobs that involve people-peer mentoring, resident assistant roles, tutoring, or working at disability services. They all build empathy, communication, and emotional awareness.
The goal right now isn’t to “be a therapist.” It’s to slowly grow the skills and confidence that will make you a great one later. You’re already ahead because you’re thinking long-term, and that’s the kind of mindset that builds a strong career.
Thank you Yasmine and Amanda! Yasmine I live in a small town and go to a small Christian school but I will ask some of the professors if they know of any of those oppurtunities. Amanda, I do agree experiencing therapy from the client said is beneficial and I am already in therapy. My therapist has given me some tips and stuff as well.
Nicole
Amanda Busker
Learning & Development
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Trying to think on how to add to the response above (agree with all of it!) and my first thought would be to recommend you try therapy yourself. While completing my Psychology degree at UT Austin, one of my counseling professors highly recommended experiencing therapy from the client side to help us better build empathy for our patients & ultimately serve them better. Investing in therapy for yourself will also help illuminate any blind spots you might have too, which may be helpful down the line.
Our business is a service, so the more you can grow and invest in yourself, the better your practice will be. Put on your oxygen mask first before helping someone else do so ;)
Our business is a service, so the more you can grow and invest in yourself, the better your practice will be. Put on your oxygen mask first before helping someone else do so ;)
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Nicole,
You'll be shocked at how much you can accomplish long before you're licensed, so it's fantastic that you're considering gaining experience at this early stage. Since you're still pursuing your bachelor's degree, entry-level positions that allow you to gain experience in the field of mental health without having a degree or certification are the best place to start. Many students begin as behavioral health technicians, psychiatric aides, recovery support staff, or direct care workers at treatment centers, group homes, or residential programs. These positions provide you with practical experience with clients, crisis management, and therapeutic settings, and they usually accommodate your class schedule.
Additionally, you might look for volunteer opportunities in community mental health facilities, youth programs, domestic violence shelters, and crisis hotlines. Hotlines especially are wonderful training grounds, they’ll teach you active listening, empathy, and de-escalation, all qualities you’ll need as a therapist. If you’re interested in eventually establishing your own therapy ranch, explore volunteering or working with equine-assisted therapy, animal-assisted programs, or outdoor behavioral health groups. Even if the work isn’t clinical yet, you’ll learn how these programs operate and what goes into running one.
Another alternative is to get active in research labs on campus. Research experience helps you learn assessment, data, and evidence-based practices, things that will support you as a future therapist and company owner. Psychology departments frequently accept motivated undergraduates.
It's quite common to be unclear of where to begin, but moving in the direction of a mental health setting will help you gain clarity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for graduate school and beyond.
Best wishes!
You'll be shocked at how much you can accomplish long before you're licensed, so it's fantastic that you're considering gaining experience at this early stage. Since you're still pursuing your bachelor's degree, entry-level positions that allow you to gain experience in the field of mental health without having a degree or certification are the best place to start. Many students begin as behavioral health technicians, psychiatric aides, recovery support staff, or direct care workers at treatment centers, group homes, or residential programs. These positions provide you with practical experience with clients, crisis management, and therapeutic settings, and they usually accommodate your class schedule.
Additionally, you might look for volunteer opportunities in community mental health facilities, youth programs, domestic violence shelters, and crisis hotlines. Hotlines especially are wonderful training grounds, they’ll teach you active listening, empathy, and de-escalation, all qualities you’ll need as a therapist. If you’re interested in eventually establishing your own therapy ranch, explore volunteering or working with equine-assisted therapy, animal-assisted programs, or outdoor behavioral health groups. Even if the work isn’t clinical yet, you’ll learn how these programs operate and what goes into running one.
Another alternative is to get active in research labs on campus. Research experience helps you learn assessment, data, and evidence-based practices, things that will support you as a future therapist and company owner. Psychology departments frequently accept motivated undergraduates.
It's quite common to be unclear of where to begin, but moving in the direction of a mental health setting will help you gain clarity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for graduate school and beyond.
Best wishes!
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Nicole!
It’s great that you’re thinking about gaining experience this early—this mindset will really help you long term.
At the bachelor’s level in counseling or psychology, most experience will be supportive, observational, or entry-level, and that’s completely appropriate. Here are some realistic and valuable ways to start:
1. Volunteer roles in mental health or recovery settings
Look for opportunities in community mental health centers, recovery programs, shelters, crisis lines, or nonprofit organizations. Even administrative or support roles help you understand how services work and expose you to real-world clinical environments.
2. Peer support or student assistant positions
Many colleges offer roles such as peer mentors, resident assistants, or wellness ambassadors. These positions help you develop communication skills, boundaries, and empathy—core competencies for future clinicians.
3. Research assistantships
If your university has psychology or counseling research labs, ask professors about becoming a research assistant. Research experience is especially helpful if you plan to pursue graduate school later.
4. Relevant entry-level jobs
Positions like behavioral health technician, mental health aide, or support staff in recovery centers can sometimes be accessible with a bachelor’s in progress, depending on the state and setting.
5. Intentional academic choices
Choose electives, internships, or practicum opportunities aligned with mental health, addiction, or recovery. Also, start networking early with professors and supervisors—they often become key references later.
Most importantly, remember that you are not expected to “do therapy” at this stage. The goal is exposure, learning, and building a solid foundation. Graduate training and licensure are where the clinical work truly begins.
You’re asking the right questions at the right time—keep going.
Wishing you the best as you continue building your path in this field!
It’s great that you’re thinking about gaining experience this early—this mindset will really help you long term.
At the bachelor’s level in counseling or psychology, most experience will be supportive, observational, or entry-level, and that’s completely appropriate. Here are some realistic and valuable ways to start:
1. Volunteer roles in mental health or recovery settings
Look for opportunities in community mental health centers, recovery programs, shelters, crisis lines, or nonprofit organizations. Even administrative or support roles help you understand how services work and expose you to real-world clinical environments.
2. Peer support or student assistant positions
Many colleges offer roles such as peer mentors, resident assistants, or wellness ambassadors. These positions help you develop communication skills, boundaries, and empathy—core competencies for future clinicians.
3. Research assistantships
If your university has psychology or counseling research labs, ask professors about becoming a research assistant. Research experience is especially helpful if you plan to pursue graduate school later.
4. Relevant entry-level jobs
Positions like behavioral health technician, mental health aide, or support staff in recovery centers can sometimes be accessible with a bachelor’s in progress, depending on the state and setting.
5. Intentional academic choices
Choose electives, internships, or practicum opportunities aligned with mental health, addiction, or recovery. Also, start networking early with professors and supervisors—they often become key references later.
Most importantly, remember that you are not expected to “do therapy” at this stage. The goal is exposure, learning, and building a solid foundation. Graduate training and licensure are where the clinical work truly begins.
You’re asking the right questions at the right time—keep going.
Wishing you the best as you continue building your path in this field!