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How many years of college will it take overall to get the degrees i need to officially become a therapist?. What is the positive outcome to being a therapist?.
I wanna know for fact that I need to get ready for staying in college for more time that is needed for the my career choice because depending on the ages i choose to help that can determine how much school its gonna take.
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James’s Answer
As for the positivity, the difference in helping people and seeing the result. You change your life as well as their life, if their ready for it. But the joy of understanding the mind and helping people.
As for years of schooling, 8 maybe more.
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Erika’s Answer
I would suggest to first get an idea of what type of therapist you want to be, for example, a school counselor, addictions counselor, eating disorders, family therapist, couples therapist, etc. This can change how long you will need to go to school form. Also, keep in mind that the counseling board of each state has different requirements as far as college credits and hours of training that you need. You will also have to past a licensing test once you are done with college. Your state's board will provide details on all of the criteria that you need. In general, expect about 4 years for your Bachelor's and 2-3 years for your Master's Degree. You will likely need to at least have a Mater's Degree and then several hours for an internship.
As far as the positive outcome: I work mostly with kids and teens. I love being able to provide them with a safe space to talk about whatever is going on and help guide them with how to deal with their problems. Most of the kids/teens that I work with don't really have someone to talk to that they can trust or that can provide them helpful information.
Research your state's counseling board, or the board for the state you plan to live and work in as a therapist.
Research the state board's requirements for college, credits, etc.
Think about what type of therapist you want to be or the population you want to work with: kids, adults, families, couples, etc.
Try setting up a meeting with a local therapist that is able to share more info about becoming a therapist.
As far as the positive outcome: I work mostly with kids and teens. I love being able to provide them with a safe space to talk about whatever is going on and help guide them with how to deal with their problems. Most of the kids/teens that I work with don't really have someone to talk to that they can trust or that can provide them helpful information.
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Priya’s Answer
Hi Cheyenne,
This can vary largely on what route you take to become a therapist. I also am unsure if it will depend on the programs in your state. In Texas, you can be a therapist via psychology, counseling, rehab counseling and social work. Psychology in Texas requires a doctorate degree, while counseling and social work route require a Master degree. You may end up taking about 2-4 years for your Bachelor degree depending on the credits you already have, and 2-3 years for a Master degree. I am unsure regarding Doctorate, but perhaps 4 years is what I have heard, which you can apply right after your Bachelor's if your state allows. Then after schooling, the different boards may require a different amount of hours practicing so you can get a full license. I am unsure of the requirements through rehab counseling. So I would say you are looking at up to 8 years of schooling average between those routes, more or less. The positive outcome of the job to me is you will be doing something that changes people's lives on a daily basis. Some days it can be very hard, you may not get the respect you hope for, but it is very rewarding.
This can vary largely on what route you take to become a therapist. I also am unsure if it will depend on the programs in your state. In Texas, you can be a therapist via psychology, counseling, rehab counseling and social work. Psychology in Texas requires a doctorate degree, while counseling and social work route require a Master degree. You may end up taking about 2-4 years for your Bachelor degree depending on the credits you already have, and 2-3 years for a Master degree. I am unsure regarding Doctorate, but perhaps 4 years is what I have heard, which you can apply right after your Bachelor's if your state allows. Then after schooling, the different boards may require a different amount of hours practicing so you can get a full license. I am unsure of the requirements through rehab counseling. So I would say you are looking at up to 8 years of schooling average between those routes, more or less. The positive outcome of the job to me is you will be doing something that changes people's lives on a daily basis. Some days it can be very hard, you may not get the respect you hope for, but it is very rewarding.
Theresa Olguin
DBT Therapist, Director of DBT Training and Certification
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Theresa’s Answer
It takes about a total of 5-6 years. It took me 6 years - 4 years to get my undergraduate degree in psychology and 2 years to get my masters of clinical social work graduate degree. Some of my peers were able to get a bachelors degree in social work (again, a four year undergraduate program) and then apply for advanced standing to get their masters in social work in one year instead of two.