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How do people become therapists/counselors/psychologists Are they hired by companies or clinics? How financially comfortable are they typically?
I want to go into counseling or therapy but am worried about not making enough to be financially comfortable/well-off, since therapy isn't a priority for everyone.
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4 answers
Updated
Amrita’s Answer
Psychologists have a broad spectrum of opportunities waiting for them. They can explore rewarding careers in diverse areas such as schools, hospitals, substance abuse recovery, social services, and even as applied psychologists in the corporate world. Remember, your income will be influenced by your level of education and the experience you bring to the table. You're on the path to success, so keep going strong!
Thank you!
Kimi
Updated
becky’s Answer
In the early stages of my career, I served as a Child and Family Therapist. My journey began right after high school when I pursued a four-year college degree and obtained a bachelor's in social work, with a special focus on the Psychology of Human Development. Following a year of experience in social services, I decided to further my education and applied to graduate school, where I earned a master's degree in social work.
As you navigate your way through school, you'll find numerous opportunities to volunteer and engage in practicums that align with your interests, be it working with children, adults, seniors, or choosing between Micro or Macro tracks. I urge you to contemplate and identify the area you would love to concentrate on. My personal preference leaned towards older adults, but due to a lack of practicum placements in that field, I ended up working with children. Consequently, my job search after graduation was heavily influenced by my practicum and volunteer experience with children, leading to job offers in the same domain.
Upon completion of your college education, it's advisable, though not obligatory, to seek licensure. The type of license you choose to pursue can significantly impact your job prospects. You might consider becoming a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), which requires a bachelor's level exam, or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), necessitating a master's level exam. As a general rule, the more advanced the license, the higher the potential earnings.
When it comes to salary expectations, you can easily research the average pay scales for your chosen career based on your level of experience. It's worth noting that the therapy/counseling field is not typically associated with high pay. In fact, during the initial years of my career in social work, I had to work a second job to supplement my income.
As you navigate your way through school, you'll find numerous opportunities to volunteer and engage in practicums that align with your interests, be it working with children, adults, seniors, or choosing between Micro or Macro tracks. I urge you to contemplate and identify the area you would love to concentrate on. My personal preference leaned towards older adults, but due to a lack of practicum placements in that field, I ended up working with children. Consequently, my job search after graduation was heavily influenced by my practicum and volunteer experience with children, leading to job offers in the same domain.
Upon completion of your college education, it's advisable, though not obligatory, to seek licensure. The type of license you choose to pursue can significantly impact your job prospects. You might consider becoming a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), which requires a bachelor's level exam, or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), necessitating a master's level exam. As a general rule, the more advanced the license, the higher the potential earnings.
When it comes to salary expectations, you can easily research the average pay scales for your chosen career based on your level of experience. It's worth noting that the therapy/counseling field is not typically associated with high pay. In fact, during the initial years of my career in social work, I had to work a second job to supplement my income.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and advice with me! This was really helpful!
Kimi
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kimi !
Basically, I would say, if you are concerned about a salary for a specific field of work don't go into that field of work until you have resolved the issue. Also, there's no real point in worrying about salary while you're not looking for jobs in those fields right now. In addition, I have personally known people in those fields who have made a substantial living, on their own or with another wage earner in their household. New York City is one of the best places to obtain a career in the work you have mentioned, all the more reason not to worry about financial stability right now.
To begin with, clinical social workers are the ones that do clinical therapy. Counseling has a variety of venues such as drug and rehab counseling, high school counselor, university academic counselor, etc. Psychologists in New York cannot prescribe medication but evaluate and treat patients with therapy. They can administer psychological testing which social workers don't do. You can also go into research with this career. It has been possible for psychologists to earn a six figure salary as of just a couple of years ago. Clinical Social Workers can make between $50,000.00 to $80,000.00 a year - however, I know some social workers that make more than that in New York. Your specific salary is going to depend on where you apply for work and what that company is offering.
The typical places that hire for this field of work are hospitals, social service organizations, rehab clinics, local, city, state and government agencies, schools, nursing homes, and besides all this after a while, you can open your own practice once you have years of experience. My suggestion is that if the salary is a strong concern, aim for a job in the hospitals as from my observation, they seem to pay the best. Along with all of this information, keep in mind that the length or time, course of study is different for all three fields and you can compare that when you look at schools and decide which career path you'd want to take. Regardless of which one you choose, it is a demanding course of study and it is also that way once you obtain the job.
Again, try to ease your concern over salary. You have the interest and motivation now and that is a starting point. I hope this may have helped and wish you all the best !
Basically, I would say, if you are concerned about a salary for a specific field of work don't go into that field of work until you have resolved the issue. Also, there's no real point in worrying about salary while you're not looking for jobs in those fields right now. In addition, I have personally known people in those fields who have made a substantial living, on their own or with another wage earner in their household. New York City is one of the best places to obtain a career in the work you have mentioned, all the more reason not to worry about financial stability right now.
To begin with, clinical social workers are the ones that do clinical therapy. Counseling has a variety of venues such as drug and rehab counseling, high school counselor, university academic counselor, etc. Psychologists in New York cannot prescribe medication but evaluate and treat patients with therapy. They can administer psychological testing which social workers don't do. You can also go into research with this career. It has been possible for psychologists to earn a six figure salary as of just a couple of years ago. Clinical Social Workers can make between $50,000.00 to $80,000.00 a year - however, I know some social workers that make more than that in New York. Your specific salary is going to depend on where you apply for work and what that company is offering.
The typical places that hire for this field of work are hospitals, social service organizations, rehab clinics, local, city, state and government agencies, schools, nursing homes, and besides all this after a while, you can open your own practice once you have years of experience. My suggestion is that if the salary is a strong concern, aim for a job in the hospitals as from my observation, they seem to pay the best. Along with all of this information, keep in mind that the length or time, course of study is different for all three fields and you can compare that when you look at schools and decide which career path you'd want to take. Regardless of which one you choose, it is a demanding course of study and it is also that way once you obtain the job.
Again, try to ease your concern over salary. You have the interest and motivation now and that is a starting point. I hope this may have helped and wish you all the best !
Thank you so much for all of your advice! This was really helpful!
Kimi
You are very welcome, Kimi !
Michelle M.
Updated
Shahneela’s Answer
To become a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, you need to follow these steps: First, complete the necessary education, which usually involves a master's or doctoral degree. Next, secure the required licensure. Lastly, gain practical experience through internships or supervised practice. You can choose to work in different environments such as private practices, mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, or even corporate wellness programs. Your financial stability as a therapist or psychologist can greatly vary. It depends on factors like your location, area of specialization, and the amount of experience you have. While some professionals in this field earn a good income, others might struggle financially, particularly at the beginning of their careers.