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Ren
Student
Flemington, New Jersey
1
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How do I become a therapist ?
How do I become a therapist specifically a child therapist
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2 answers
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Becoming a child therapist, also known as a child psychologist or child and adolescent therapist, involves several steps, including education, training, and licensure. Here's a general guide on how to become a child therapist:
Bachelor's Degree:
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, counseling, or a related field. While a bachelor's in psychology is a common choice, other degrees with a focus on child development or counseling can also provide a strong foundation.
Gain Experience:
During your undergraduate years, gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that involve working with children and adolescents. This experience can be invaluable in building your skills and understanding of child psychology.
Master's Degree:
Pursue a master's degree in a mental health field. Common options include Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Counseling, or Master of Psychology programs that offer specialized tracks in child and adolescent counseling or therapy.
Licensing:
After completing your master's degree, you will need to become licensed to practice as a therapist. Licensing requirements vary by state and typically involve passing a licensing exam and completing a specified number of supervised clinical hours. Be sure to check the requirements in your state.
Supervised Experience:
As part of your licensure process, you will likely need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, which can range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours or more, depending on your state's regulations.
Certification:
While not always required, obtaining certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the American Psychological Association (APA), can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
Continuing Education:
Stay current in the field by engaging in continuing education courses and workshops. Child therapy is an evolving field, and ongoing learning is essential.
2 / 2
Becoming a child therapist, also known as a child psychologist or child and adolescent therapist, involves several steps, including education, training, and licensure. Here's a general guide on how to become a child therapist:
Bachelor's Degree:
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, counseling, or a related field. While a bachelor's in psychology is a common choice, other degrees with a focus on child development or counseling can also provide a strong foundation.
Gain Experience:
During your undergraduate years, gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that involve working with children and adolescents. This experience can be invaluable in building your skills and understanding of child psychology.
Master's Degree:
Pursue a master's degree in a mental health field. Common options include Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Counseling, or Master of Psychology programs that offer specialized tracks in child and adolescent counseling or therapy.
Licensing:
After completing your master's degree, you will need to become licensed to practice as a therapist. Licensing requirements vary by state and typically involve passing a licensing exam and completing a specified number of supervised clinical hours. Be sure to check the requirements in your state.
Supervised Experience:
As part of your licensure process, you will likely need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, which can range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours or more, depending on your state's regulations.
Certification:
While not always required, obtaining certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the American Psychological Association (APA), can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
Continuing Education:
Stay current in the field by engaging in continuing education courses and workshops. Child therapy is an evolving field, and ongoing learning is essential.
Specialization:
Consider specializing in a specific area of child therapy, such as play therapy, art therapy, family therapy, or trauma therapy. Specialization can make you more competitive in the job market and allow you to work with specific populations or issues.
Build a Network:
Connect with professionals in the mental health field, including child therapists, counselors, and psychologists. Building a network can provide valuable support and career opportunities.
Obtain Licensure to Practice Independently:
After completing the required supervised hours and passing the licensing exam, you can apply for licensure to practice independently as a child therapist.
Job Search and Practice:
Start your career by applying for positions in mental health agencies, schools, private practices, or hospitals that serve children and adolescents. You may work as a child therapist, family therapist, school counselor, or in another related role.
Continued Growth:
Continue your professional development by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and seeking opportunities for supervision or mentorship.
Becoming a child therapist is a rewarding but challenging path that requires dedication and ongoing commitment to learning. It's important to check the specific requirements and regulations in your state, as they can vary significantly. Additionally, consider pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., if you wish to conduct research, teach, or work in more specialized areas of child therapy.
Bachelor's Degree:
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, counseling, or a related field. While a bachelor's in psychology is a common choice, other degrees with a focus on child development or counseling can also provide a strong foundation.
Gain Experience:
During your undergraduate years, gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that involve working with children and adolescents. This experience can be invaluable in building your skills and understanding of child psychology.
Master's Degree:
Pursue a master's degree in a mental health field. Common options include Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Counseling, or Master of Psychology programs that offer specialized tracks in child and adolescent counseling or therapy.
Licensing:
After completing your master's degree, you will need to become licensed to practice as a therapist. Licensing requirements vary by state and typically involve passing a licensing exam and completing a specified number of supervised clinical hours. Be sure to check the requirements in your state.
Supervised Experience:
As part of your licensure process, you will likely need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, which can range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours or more, depending on your state's regulations.
Certification:
While not always required, obtaining certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the American Psychological Association (APA), can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
Continuing Education:
Stay current in the field by engaging in continuing education courses and workshops. Child therapy is an evolving field, and ongoing learning is essential.
2 / 2
Becoming a child therapist, also known as a child psychologist or child and adolescent therapist, involves several steps, including education, training, and licensure. Here's a general guide on how to become a child therapist:
Bachelor's Degree:
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, counseling, or a related field. While a bachelor's in psychology is a common choice, other degrees with a focus on child development or counseling can also provide a strong foundation.
Gain Experience:
During your undergraduate years, gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that involve working with children and adolescents. This experience can be invaluable in building your skills and understanding of child psychology.
Master's Degree:
Pursue a master's degree in a mental health field. Common options include Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Counseling, or Master of Psychology programs that offer specialized tracks in child and adolescent counseling or therapy.
Licensing:
After completing your master's degree, you will need to become licensed to practice as a therapist. Licensing requirements vary by state and typically involve passing a licensing exam and completing a specified number of supervised clinical hours. Be sure to check the requirements in your state.
Supervised Experience:
As part of your licensure process, you will likely need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, which can range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours or more, depending on your state's regulations.
Certification:
While not always required, obtaining certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or the American Psychological Association (APA), can enhance your credibility and career prospects.
Continuing Education:
Stay current in the field by engaging in continuing education courses and workshops. Child therapy is an evolving field, and ongoing learning is essential.
Specialization:
Consider specializing in a specific area of child therapy, such as play therapy, art therapy, family therapy, or trauma therapy. Specialization can make you more competitive in the job market and allow you to work with specific populations or issues.
Build a Network:
Connect with professionals in the mental health field, including child therapists, counselors, and psychologists. Building a network can provide valuable support and career opportunities.
Obtain Licensure to Practice Independently:
After completing the required supervised hours and passing the licensing exam, you can apply for licensure to practice independently as a child therapist.
Job Search and Practice:
Start your career by applying for positions in mental health agencies, schools, private practices, or hospitals that serve children and adolescents. You may work as a child therapist, family therapist, school counselor, or in another related role.
Continued Growth:
Continue your professional development by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and seeking opportunities for supervision or mentorship.
Becoming a child therapist is a rewarding but challenging path that requires dedication and ongoing commitment to learning. It's important to check the specific requirements and regulations in your state, as they can vary significantly. Additionally, consider pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., if you wish to conduct research, teach, or work in more specialized areas of child therapy.
Nichole I.
Therapist
2
Answers
Highland Park, New Jersey
Updated
Nichole’s Answer
There are a few different paths that you can take. I'll tell you about the path that I took as an LCSW. I previously worked as a child therapist in a school setting and later provided in-home therapy to youth in crisis. My undergraduate, four year degree was in psychology. For graduate school, I earned a Master degree in Social Work (MSW). It took me two years to earn this degree. After earning my degree I took an exam to be a Licensed Social Worker. Following that, I worked towards earning what is called a clinical license which would allow me to work independently as a therapist. To do this, I found a job that would allow me to provide therapy with a supervisor. I worked in a school to get the clinical, direct therapy experience while also training under a therapist who was already clinically licensed. After two years of work I had the required hours to become clinically licensed.
Earn a Bachelor's degree (psychology, social work...)
Earn a higher level degree (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology)
Sit for state licensing exam in field
Clinical Supervision for further training
Nichole recommends the following next steps: