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Job outlook for psychotherapists in the United States
Psychotherapist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected psychotherapist job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 11,300 new jobs for psychotherapists are projected over the next decade.
Psychotherapist salaries have increased 11% for psychotherapists in the last 5 years.
There are over 31,866 psychotherapists currently employed in the United States.
There are 20,520 active psychotherapist job openings in the US.
The average psychotherapist salary is $69,921.
Are psychotherapist jobs in demand?
Psychotherapist job and salary trends over time
Psychotherapist jobs over time
Psychotherapist job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 31,866 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 33,728 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 33,801 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 31,492 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 29,932 | 0.01% |
Average psychotherapist salary over time
Psychotherapist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $69,921 | $33.62 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $67,284 | $32.35 | +1.0% |
| 2023 | $66,609 | $32.02 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $64,607 | $31.06 | +2.1% |
| 2021 | $63,265 | $30.42 | +1.2% |
Psychotherapist jobs by state
Most common states for psychotherapists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 56 | 5% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 50 | 5% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 36 | 5% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 254 | 4% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 39 | 4% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 31 | 4% |
| 7 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 29 | 4% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 363 | 3% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 345 | 3% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 242 | 3% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 181 | 3% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 178 | 3% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 121 | 3% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 62 | 3% |
| 15 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 55 | 3% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 20 | 3% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 886 | 2% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 168 | 2% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 59 | 2% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 28 | 2% |
Most common cities for psychotherapists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inver Grove Heights | 3 | 9% | $72,313 |
| 2 | West Bloomfield | 3 | 5% | $65,900 |
| 3 | Framingham | 3 | 4% | $94,904 |
| 4 | Rockville | 3 | 4% | $88,732 |
| 5 | Abington | 2 | 4% | $90,052 |
| 6 | Grand Rapids | 4 | 2% | $63,949 |
| 7 | Worcester | 4 | 2% | $94,928 |
| 8 | Chicago | 14 | 1% | $72,491 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $89,741 |
| 10 | Detroit | 4 | 1% | $66,053 |
| 11 | Bellevue | 2 | 1% | $67,085 |
| 12 | New York | 9 | 0% | $77,019 |
| 13 | Philadelphia | 7 | 0% | $89,925 |
| 14 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $88,088 |
| 15 | Houston | 3 | 0% | $68,867 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $84,621 |
| 17 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $90,030 |
| 18 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $66,954 |
Psychotherapist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of psychotherapist experts
Fairleigh Dickinson University College at Florham
University of Baltimore
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Saint Peter’s University
Florida Institute of Technology
New York University
San Diego State University
Framingham State University
Xavier University of Louisiana
University of Alabama in Huntsville
California Lutheran University
Springfield College
Springfield College
Montclair State University
Montclair State University
What Psychotherapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Oblad: With technology continue to advancing I think it's especially important that we 'keep up' with the virtual realms, data that becomes available and with that another look into ethical decisions. As speed becomes a factor (in how quickly we can receive data/information from clients or databases other important factors such as quality, source could become less important and so quality and trustworthiness remain important and should not be forgotten. Another point with technology is that psychologists will have many different career paths so being open and adaptive to tech will really help with attitude and willingness to try new things. Psychologists should think of their skills and activities as living and active entities that are built for these changes.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
Timothy Oblad: For starters, prior to graduation I ask our students to start researching jobs, what jobs are available and where? Many students find career paths and job titles they didn't know existed which can be exciting for students to start imaging themselves in these different roles. This conversation has come up with a few students who have asked me to help them negotiate their salary and we have seen some success. I recommend also that graduates go into their new roles with an eager willingness to 'learn hard' be driven and focused and extremely responsible. This helps graduates become more prepared in their field and will impress people that you work with which also leads to having a strong reputation and really builds the beginnings of a networking system.
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Psychotherapist?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: When starting your career in counseling psychology, look for opportunities to diversify your practice wherever possible. For example, even if you are working full-time in some sort of mental health context as a psychologist, look for opportunities to take on additional, smaller pieces of work that branch outside of your primary work responsibilities. This may include adjunct teaching or serving as a clinical supervisor in a doctoral training program, consulting with human resources or executive recruiting firms, or many other types of industry that would benefit with the expertise and skills you have as a counseling psychologist.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Graduates in counseling psychology have a great number of different skills, and they shouldn't limit themselves to traditional clinical practice settings only. The doctoral degree in counseling psychology--and the license as a psychologist--allows these professionals to practice in many different areas. The most obvious ones, such as private practice clinical work, doing clinical work in clinics and hospitals, or going into academia as researchers and faculty, are a great fit for many graduates. However, all the skills gained in a doctoral program in counseling psychology transfer seamlessly to many other areas and industries, as understanding human behaviors, emotional development, and wellness are applicable widely.
Dr. Anthony Tasso Ph.D., ABPP
Professor and Deputy DirectorFairleigh Dickinson University College at Florham
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Psychotherapist?
Dr. Anthony Tasso Ph.D., ABPP: I believe versatility is key to maximize a psychotherapist's income potential, especially at the start of a career. Most psychotherapists implicitly or explicitly develop areas of expertise, which is great for marketing as well as for cultivating a strong skillset with a particular population or diagnostic category. The challenge for some, especially at the start of a career, is that if one's developing area of expertise is too niche it can be challenging to develop a patient caseload. Therefore, it behooves clinicians to also develop a broad skillset. In addition to what populations or conditions with whom you work, the mental health field often allows for flexibility in where you work. Therefore, another meaningful way to maximize your income is to, for example, work in a clinic but also start a part time private practice. Or, consider adjunct teaching in addition to your clinical work. These approaches can add to your income in addition to enriching your excitement for the field.
What Psychotherapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Anthony Tasso Ph.D., ABPP: Conducting psychotherapy and counseling via technology. Teletherapy, though already in existence pre-COVID, unquestionably accelerated since the pandemic. Therefore, I think thus use of technology will remain prevalent. With that, I encourage therapists to, if possible, develop an in-person practice as well. Psychotherapy and counseling is a human and relational experience, and patients or clients' preferences in their therapeutic experience varies. Therefore, I think it is important for therapists to be skilled in both.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Anthony Tasso Ph.D., ABPP: The best advice I can give entering the field of psychotherapy or counseling is that it is a field that deals with humans. Therefore, curiosity about why people do what they do and how they developed healthy and unhealthy propensities is crucial. Additionally, it’s important to understand that the only way to grow as a psychotherapist is to continue to learn. The clinician who graduates and never reads a professional book or article again will become stagnant. Alternatively, the psychotherapist who continues to read to acquires knowledge through other means will get even better with time.
Dr. Christopher Robinson
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Psychology Program CoordinatorWhat Psychotherapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Christopher Robinson: Some psychologists spend their days working with individuals with emotional, psychological, or neurological problems. Other psychologists spend their days in research, from studying basic sensation to complex animal and human behavior. Some, such as myself teach and mentor students.
Starting out, you would most likely major in psychology at either a bachelor's level or higher. I would also recommend trying to find an internship or other opportunity to begin working in areas that interest you. For example, if you are interested in working with individuals with autism, you might find possibilities with places such as the Marcus Autism Center.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Christopher Robinson: I like psychology because it stands at the intersection of many fields. I've been able to study everything from how the brain converts sounds into music to cross-cultural variations in music preference. I study everything from how brains work normally, to how they fall apart, and how we can repair them. We get to work with a wide range of people, and usually I finish my days feeling like I have been helpful. What do I hate? Everyone asking me if I am analyzing them when they find out I am a psychologist.
What general advice would you give to a Psychotherapist?
Madeline Stenersen: There are several specific things people can do to maximize salary but it will depend on which area of the field you are in. In the clinical are, ensuring that you're compensated at a Ph.D. level and if you are looking to maximize salary I would recommend looking into positions not only as a clinician but also into administrative positions like clinic director, program coordinator, etc. Assessment administration and getting on insurance boards can also increase compensation. In teaching/faculty positions I would recommend getting a research focused postdoc before going on the job market to stay competitive and then negotiating a salary consistent with the cost of living but also with what you know others at the institution make. These positions expect negotiation so go for higher than your ideal and come down if necessary. In adjunct positions there is little power to negotiate and I would recommend finding an institution that also provides other benefits such as access to the library, mentorship, etc.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
Madeline Stenersen: I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of counseling psychology is to explore and think broadly about all of the possibilities that this degree can bring. With a PhD in this field you can be a full time clinician, a teacher at a university, a director of a clinical center, a full time researcher, or any of the combination of the above! Because all of these opportunities can be exciting and scary at the same time I would recommend that they look to the people in the field that are doing the things that they would love to do and reach out! Don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may seem out of reach. Sometimes Counseling Psychology is compared to Clinical Psychology and students are told that Clinical Psychology positions are out of reach. This is simply not true. I have worked alongside Clinical Psychologists and other wonderful mental health providers throughout my career and currently am a faculty member in a Clinical Psychology program. The sky's the limit and it really is an opportune time for this degree as the field of psychology broadly recognizes the increasing need to focus on cultural humility, DEI, and cross-cultural work - practices that Counseling Psychology has focused on throughout the history of the field.
John Donahue Psy.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Baltimore
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Psychotherapist?
John Donahue Psy.D.: I recommend continuing your training and education so that you can develop specialty areas. What areas of mental health practice are most meaningful to you? Perhaps it is working with a certain problem area (e.g., anxiety disorders); perhaps it is working with a particular group of people (e.g., children, military veterans, etc.); perhaps it is a type of therapeutic modality (e.g., Prolonged Exposure for PTSD). Whatever it may be, by continuing to train in specific areas such as these, you can develop the necessary expertise to become a specialist that is sought after because of the particular skills and abilities you bring to the table.
What Psychotherapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
Dion Porter Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Department Chair Coordinator-Online Educational Specialist ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Psychotherapist?
Dion Porter Ph.D.: Strong counseling and empathy skills of course are important, but also one must possess strong interpersonal skills that will assist them in relating and collaborating well with other people. It is very important that one possess the right personality as well as character in order for them to become an effective and competent counselor. They also need to have strong multicultural counseling skills in order to effectively and efficiently counsel persons from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. Finally, one must possess the skills associated with professionalism related to their personal mannerisms, speech and communication, dress and interpersonal awareness. Of course for anyone to be competitive in this day and age, they will need to be well versed and trained in the specific technology and social-media tools needed to effectively perform the proper functions of their job.
What Psychotherapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dion Porter Ph.D.: The first thing to keep in mind is that in order to receive promotions and salary increases, one needs to always continue to improve themselves, their counseling skills and their overall knowledge and proficiency related to their specific job. Not only do we need to keep practicing self-improvement and growing as a counseling professional, but we also need to remember to continue obtaining the licenses and certifications needed for them to remain qualified to be able to maintain their positions. Finally, we want to consistently and effectively market ourselves and never be afraid to take professional chances and risks that may benefit us and our careers in the long run.
What will help Psychotherapists increase their earning potential?
Dion Porter Ph.D.: I would first convey to students how important it is to first know exactly what type of counseling they want to engage in so that they do not get engaged in a job or career that they have no real interest in. I would also discuss with them the importance of not only getting their degrees in counseling, but obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications needed for them to be successful. It is very important that they obtain all that they can get out of the opportunity that is provided to them. Finally, I would strongly recommend that they seek out and find a mentor who they are familiar with and who will assist them in making important career decisions, and even alert them to the pitfalls that may be encountered as well.
Debra Frame Ph.D.
Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Behavioral Science Department
What skills will help Psychotherapists earn the most?
Debra Frame Ph.D.: Higher incomes go to individuals with higher degrees. Experience also counts with many staff psychology positions requiring at least two years of experience as a minimum. A specialty area is a plus; for example, neuropsychology, child psychology, and clinical health psychology are more often specifically mentioned in job advertisements and may bring additional salary should a graduate meet a specific need.
While salaries for individuals with doctorate degrees in psychology are projected to outpace inflation, psychologists earn higher incomes, especially when working in the business environment, followed by governmental agencies, non-profits groups, and health education. A staff psychologist working in the corporate environment needs to have the technical skills to develop assessments that meet the company's needs to make effective employee selection and placement decisions, design training techniques to enhance employee skills, assess employee performance, and develop plans to ensure healthier work-life balance.
More recently, clinical services have been increasingly delivered in a virtual world. Therefore, knowledge of technologies and appropriate strategies for remote mental health services will help graduates stand out and earn additional income. Telehealth services will expand treatments to previously inaccessible areas and will provide additional income streams.
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Andrea Bubka Ph.D.: Expertise in statistical skills.
What soft skills should all Psychotherapists possess?
Andrea Bubka Ph.D.: Communication-verbal and written, able to work independently and collaboratively, flexibility, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are just as important as technical skills.
What skills will help Psychotherapists earn the most?
Andrea Bubka Ph.D.: Statistical skills and presentation skills.
Patrick Aragon
Licensed Psychologist, Assistant Professor & Assistant Director of Clinical TrainingFlorida Institute of Technology
School of Psychology
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Patrick Aragon: Any area of specialization or specific training is very helpful for your resume. One example of this is training in the ADOS, a specific assessment for determining if a child may have Autism. This is a good thing to achieve while in grad school, if you can, to be more marketable when you graduate.
In a more academic setting, showing up with a good list of publications and presentations is very helpful. Particularly it is not easy to do while in graduate school, or even as an early psychologist, given the time it takes to accomplish.
All psychologists need to have a good foundation in psychological testing. Demonstrating your resume is important and necessary as well.
Lastly, extended certifications, degrees, or licenses can add to your resume overall. This may include things like being board certified: American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Unlike the medical profession, psychologists do not need to be board certified, but it does show a higher level of training, and only about 10% of psychologists in the country are board-certified.
What skills will help Psychotherapists earn the most?
Patrick Aragon: Earning potential varies a lot. Many presenters speaking to psychology students will often say, "we don't get into this for the money." However, I find that to be a bit of a misnomer. Depending on the area you work in, salaries can be quite competitive. Anytime you can find a specific niche and be categorized as an expert, there is potential for consultation. This may be in the form of phone calls when the firm has questions, training, or talks to the whole staff. So finding a direction that helps you stand out and getting enough on your resume to prove that can be quite helpful.
Anil Chacko Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of Counseling Psychology Doctoral ProgramNew York University
Department of Applied Psychology
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Anil Chacko Ph.D.: Training in a variety of evidence-based therapies.
What soft skills should all Psychotherapists possess?
Anil Chacko Ph.D.: Cultural competence.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychotherapists?
Anil Chacko Ph.D.: Use and interpretation of validated assessments.
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSan Diego State University
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Formal training and/or experience using one or more evidence-based Interventions.
Deborah McMakin Ed.D., M.A., MSW, LICSW
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Counseling PsychologyFramingham State University
Department of Psychology and Philosophy
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Deborah McMakin Ed.D., M.A., MSW, LICSW: -Language proficiency (i.e., bilingual, trilingual)
-Training in all aspects of telehealth, including the ethical implications, therapeutic benefits, and drawbacks from a patient/client perspective
-Case management experience
-Training and awareness of racism, privilege, cultural self-awareness
-Training or experience in electronic record keeping and documentation
What soft skills should all Psychotherapists possess?
Deborah McMakin Ed.D., M.A., MSW, LICSW: -Soft skills are central to clinicians' work. For example, communication skills are an integral part of clinicians' work with clients, colleagues, and supervisors. Communication skills include non-verbal and verbal skills of attending, active listening, attending to the client, and contextual factors. I see active listening as a skill set that is crucial to all aspects of clinical work, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, developing rapport with clients, and engaging in group and individual supervision.
- Written communication skills are essential for documenting services, assessment, and treatment planning. As a faculty member, supervisor and clinician, I teach and have students practice active listening skills, including attending to the client and contexts, receiving and sending messages. Clinicians must also have excellent communication skills as they communicate ethical guidelines (e.g., informed consent, limits of confidentially) to clients so that the client can understand while simultaneously developing a therapeutic alliance with the client, which may be an individual family or group.
-Finally, written communication skills are also essential to a clinician's work. Writing clearly and succinctly is essential as clinicians must document the assessment process, engagement, and interventions with clients and collateral contacts. Documentation requires the clinician to describe situations, clients' thoughts, and behaviors and distinguish their observations from interpretations. Documentation is essential for the advocacy of clients who are often marginalized. Finally, clinicians often collaborate with colleagues to write grants and/or conduct program evaluations.
-Critical thinking, perspective-taking, and self-monitoring inform and support clinicians' communication skills as described above. Clinicians identify and critically evaluate sources of information when conducting assessments and considering systemic forces that may support or oppress populations. Clinicians utilize perspective-taking to consider clients and systemic forces that may support or challenge their well-being. Perspective-taking is essential to effectively communicating across differences, supporting cultural humility, and motivating for change. Clinicians are continually assessing their internal states, behaviors, and social identities. They consider how their attitudes, life experiences, and current life circumstances affect how they assess and engage with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
-Finally, clinicians are open to learning and constructive feedback. In the past decade, mental health providers have moved to electronic record-keeping and
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychotherapists?
Deborah McMakin Ed.D., M.A., MSW, LICSW: -Familiarity with electronic recording keeping
-Ethical sensitivity and collaborative decision making
-Technical writing/documentation skills that in medical record-keeping platforms (incorporating multiple data sources, writing diagnostic formulations, documentation on time)
Brian Turner Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology | Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Moments of Truth, LLCXavier University of Louisiana
Department of Psychology
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Brian Turner Ph.D.: The biggest skills are probably not skills per se. They are the accomplishments, certifications/licensures, and training a person may have. Clearly, earning degrees would mean a person has met a minimum educational expectation. Having completed an APA accredited graduate program, an APA accredited Internship, and/or Post doctoral training shows the normal path has been met. Licensure as a psychologist is huge as it shows a person has met expectations to practice psychology, and further certifications will demonstrate additional formal training in specific areas of interests, practice, or competency. Training is both finite and ongoing. Having current licensure ensures that a person is maintaining ongoing expectations to meet professional practice requirements. Training is also specific to learning more specifics of therapy, professionalism, theories, etc. that all increase a person's ability to be a highly qualified professional.
What soft skills should all Psychotherapists possess?
Brian Turner Ph.D.: Soft skills are hard to predict because these skills are based on what consumers/patients will report back about their experiences. Soft skills that tend to be most useful, in my opinion, are 1. clear forms of communication, expressing and receiving being most important, 2. Sensitive to cultural differences: the consummate professional must recognize when they are outside of their cultural area so that they can become more aware in regards their needs to understand the client's culture of origin, and the third soft skill would be being in touch with one's own humanity so that the psychologist is keenly engaged in making sure to not offend, upset, or misconstrue what is going on with the client.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychotherapists?
Brian Turner Ph.D.: The most obvious hard skill is that a psychologist must have the therapeutic acumen to meet the client's needs. Answering the phone, completing paperwork, keeping appointments, etc., are all the things that meet the expectations of a professional. In all, however, the job is to assist people with meeting their mental health needs. So all of the hard/technical skills can be labeled. As supportive skills of being a psychologist must lead to a person being a highly effective therapist, clinician, mental health care practitioner.
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Human FactorsUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Psychology Department
What skills stand out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Strong analytical skills are a must. This includes both logic and reasoning skills, but also data analysis skills. For many jobs, the ability to collect and scientifically evaluate data will be vital, if not an absolute necessity. Similarly, a strong understanding of experimental methods can put a candidate in a great position to be able to help a company evaluate existing programs and chart a path forward for new ones. Finally, I would say that a strong ability to write is critical. Those graduates who are able to effectively and persuasively communicate in writing are setting themselves up for success at any company and allowing the company to leverage them for increasingly important tasks.
What soft skills should all Psychotherapists possess?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Students need to be able to read individual and group dynamics in order to act appropriately in any given situation. This includes not only the interactions with one's bosses but also peers and subordinates. Similarly, being comfortable with networking can help any company, but networking skills shine through in interviews.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Psychotherapists?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Technical skills like the ability to perform statistical analyses are critically important for most Psychology-related jobs. This allows a candidate to collect and analyze data but also to interpret and understand other existing data. A strong statistical background can also help set a candidate apart from their peers in the application process. This includes understanding when and how to use various parametric and nonparametric statistics to be able to answer questions regardless of the data one is working with.
What skills will help Psychotherapists earn the most?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: An understanding of a programming language, like Python or Javascript, can be a huge advantage in the job market. It will allow candidates to handle not only large datasets but also do rapid prototyping (in cases of UX work, for example) or even simply design a way in which to collect data for a customer. A student who knows how to code and who can apply those skills in their chosen career field is likely to differentiate themself over the competition.
What skills will help Psychotherapists earn the most?
Dr. Julie Kuehnel: Ability to engage students and a record of research especially involving students in meaningful ways in conducting research.
What soft skills should all Psychotherapists possess?
Dr. Julie Kuehnel: Communication, interpersonal skills! This is huge.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychotherapists?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: There seems to be the potential for a number of cross-cutting impacts on graduates from a variety of disciplines related to the coronavirus pandemic, including interruptions in their academic pursuits (e.g., taking more time to finish due to lack of internships, ability to complete coursework due to family obligations or health issues, or a lack of finances to pay for their education).
Once graduated, it is likely that they are encountering a shrinking marketplace for hiring, with companies enacting freezes due to economic uncertainty. Furthermore, more young adults are turning to live with parents, which might make it harder to find a job since they are tied to a residence (or because they may not need to work if parents are subsidizing them).
Related to Psychology in particular, graduates may find an increased need for mental health workers due to lasting effects from workplace instability, social isolation, and health fears. There will likely be enduring changes in the way human services are provided, including increased telehealth practices or services provided via webinars versus in-person programming that might require additional training or acquiring a new skill set on the job.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Psychotherapists to find work opportunities?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: One potential outcome of the pandemic is that place may matter less as jobs are created and sustained with remote work environments. For example, it might be possible to participate in education endeavors, community mental health, human services in general, or consulting remotely, which render geography less important.
In addition, there will likely be changes in the types of jobs available to graduates in Psychology as employers are rethinking employee productivity in the wake of the coronavirus and need human resources specialists or industrial/organizational psychologists to consult on organizational change. Individuals with training and experience in delivering services remotely may find themselves able to secure some of these new positions; recent graduates will have a leg up in that regard, since they experienced training in a remote environment.
How do you envision technology impacting Psychotherapists in the next 5 years?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: The forced use of technology to connect with others during the pandemic will likely encourage lasting change in education, counseling and human services, business and marketing endeavors, research, and other areas where graduates in psychology end up. This will create shifts in what the jobs look like, what training is needed, and even perhaps, the mental health and well-being of workers in general. As these technological changes are introduced, new graduates will need to learn and embrace them to keep up with the trends, as well as evaluate their effectiveness.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychotherapists?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: There seems to be the potential for a number of cross-cutting impacts on graduates from a variety of disciplines related to the coronavirus pandemic, including interruptions in their academic pursuits (e.g., taking more time to finish due to lack of internships, ability to complete coursework due to family obligations or health issues, or a lack of finances to pay for their education).
Once graduated, it is likely that they are encountering a shrinking marketplace for hiring, with companies enacting freezes due to economic uncertainty. Furthermore, more young adults are turning to live with parents, which might make it harder to find a job since they are tied to a residence (or because they may not need to work if parents are subsidizing them).
Related to Psychology in particular, graduates may find an increased need for mental health workers due to lasting effects from workplace instability, social isolation, and health fears. There will likely be enduring changes in the way human services are provided, including increased telehealth practices or services provided via webinars versus in-person programming that might require additional training or acquiring a new skill set on the job.
How do you envision technology impacting Psychotherapists in the next 5 years?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: The forced use of technology to connect with others during the pandemic will likely encourage lasting change in education, counseling and human services, business and marketing endeavors, research, and other areas where graduates in psychology end up. This will create shifts in what the jobs look like, what training is needed, and even perhaps the mental health and well-being of workers in general. As these technological changes are introduced, new graduates will need to learn and embrace them to keep up with the trends, as well as evaluate their effectiveness.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychotherapists?
Dr. Michael Hannon Ph.D.: I definitely think there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates. Among the most immediate effects include how graduates - like all of us - have had to reconcile our experiences with it. We've all been touched by COVID-19 by having suffered from it directly or because people in our families and communities have been affected. It has been nothing short of traumatic. What the pandemic has required our newest graduates to do is harness a level of creativity, patience, empathy, and responsiveness that may not have occurred otherwise. New graduates have had practice - through their fieldwork experiences - helping their students and other members of the school community providing school counseling services virtually. They have done this by delivering classroom lessons, providing short-term individual and group counseling, responding to student and family crises while being sensible and flexible enough to know they have less environmental control than they've ever had in the past.
Another enduring impact of the virus for school counseling graduates is how crystal clear the pandemic has wreaked havoc on communities differently. All counselors - school counselors included - are consistently challenged to identify, articulate, and take action to disrupt inequities for students and their families. New graduates have an opportunity to advocate for justice as we all bear witness to how families and students are underserved, which many times is predictable by socioeconomic status, native language, race, and ethnicity. For new graduates serving students in disinvested communities, they will have a unique set of challenges to confront and will have to decide how much they will help create policies and organizational routines that help reduce disparities in levels of care and educational opportunities.
What type of skills will young Psychotherapists need?
Dr. Michael Hannon Ph.D.: New graduates do need a requisite set of skills to be effective school counselors. However, those skills mean nothing without a requisite set of dispositions while demonstrating those skills. Students and their families deserve school counselors to be effective communicators and listeners, possess empathy, know how to use school and other sources of data to support student success, have knowledge about federal and state laws governing school counseling practice, and be calculated risk takers. The dispositions, though, are equally important. New graduates have to balance being teachable and confident. They have to be willing to learn, be challenged constructively, and be willing to learn more.
New school counselors have to be unapologetically curious and willing to ask difficult questions. School counselors work to facilitate experiences that yield the desired outcomes for serving students and their families (e.g., access to rigorous courses, reducing disparate disciplinary practices) in ways that are responsive, informed, and valued by those stakeholders. New school counselors have to possess a leadership disposition; one that allows them to assume responsibility when things go right and when they go wrong. Finally, they have to be optimists and believe in the possibilities that exist when students get the range of services they deserve. Their perspectives must be strength-based and acknowledge all of the different forms of knowledge their students and school community members bring to the building and classroom every day.
What experience really stands out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Dr. Michael Hannon Ph.D.: The kinds of experiences that really stand out on resumes are those that demonstrate their added value. School counselors, like all school personnel, are tasked with providing evidence that students are better as a result of their work with them. School counselors must show how the range of school counseling services provided (e.g., individual counseling, small group counseling, career development interventions, individual advising, etc.) help students experience success. I encourage those looking for jobs to meticulously document the processes and outcomes that inform why they implement their programs and services. That way, potential employers clearly understand the value new school counselors will add to the school community and support student wellness.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Psychotherapists?
Dr. Nancy Chae Ph.D.: More than ever, there is a critical need for school counselors to support students, families, and school personnel in response to the known and unknown effects of the pandemic--academically, socially, and emotionally. Graduates of school counseling programs will be expected to serve as trained mental health professionals who will lead and advocate as systemic change agents, transforming the future of education and mental health for our children and families. Future school counselors will benefit from learning about the potential effects of trauma as a result of the pandemic, and will need to be prepared to engage in crisis counseling, grief and loss counseling, and trauma-informed care.
Graduates may also be expected to educate parents/guardians and teachers about mental health crises, grief, and trauma to promote a wrap-around approach of proactive and responsive services for students. Graduates also need to be aware of the growing cultural diversity of students and families in schools today. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted historical disparities and inequities in education, including access to rigorous academic and extracurricular experiences and college and career readiness opportunities. Future school counselors must be prepared to work with, learn from, and advocate for diverse students and value the strengths of their cultural backgrounds and experiences, while also identifying and dismantling the barriers that affect students' and families' access to educational programs and mental health services.
What type of skills will young Psychotherapists need?
Dr. Nancy Chae Ph.D.: School counselors will need to collaborate with teachers, families, school staff, and community providers to respond to students' growing social, emotional, and academic needs. Be proactive about connecting with and learning from teachers to deliver your school counseling program and seek their input on how to support students in classrooms. Consider partnering with other service providers, like school psychologists, social workers, and speech pathologists, to collaboratively respond to students' needs. Further, be intentional about involving students and families when developing your school counseling program goals. This might include conducting a needs assessment for students and families as well as inviting them to share their experiences both in public formats and in individual meetings. Ultimately, when students' and families' voices are heard and valued in your program, they are more likely to engage in your services.
School counselors also need to think critically and creatively at the systems level. School counselors will need to not only become comfortable with using data to respond to students' needs, but also move away from solely individualized services (still an essential skill and role of school counselors to address students' unique needs) and expand their reach creatively and strategically. This can include:
-identifying strengths and areas for support;
-understanding how the system (i.e., school, district, state, nation) may sustain inequitable access to educational opportunities and mental health services for students;
-implementing evidence-based and data-driven interventions to impact students and change systems via group counseling, classroom lessons, and school-wide initiatives; and
-transforming the system by advocating for equitable policies and interventions that serve the ever-changing needs of our students and families.
Another critical skill of counseling practice is ongoing self-reflection. Self-reflection occurs at a professional level in which counselors have an awareness of their assets as school counselors as well as an understanding of their limits and areas for continued growth and training. School counselors are lifelong learners, consistently seeking learning opportunities to strengthen their capacities and skills. Self-reflection also occurs at a personal level, reflecting upon their own identities and privileges and how to use their positions to address inequities and advocate for their students.
Lastly, school counselors must prioritize their own health and wellness by engaging in self-care. Because of the often emotionally demanding nature of school counseling, we must care for ourselves in order to effectively care for others. Self-care is both a deliberate practice and unique to the needs of each person. I encourage school counselors to find self-care activities that work for them, connect with supportive personal and professional communities, and set boundaries (as best as possible) to "leave work at work."
What experience really stands out on Psychotherapist resumes?
Dr. Nancy Chae Ph.D.: In resumes and during interviews, be sure to highlight the different ways you responded to and impacted student and school needs during your practicum and internship experiences. You could share examples of small group or classroom lessons that you developed to address identified needs for students or develop specific skill sets. Demonstrate how you have used data to inform your research-based interventions and programs, how you collected and analyzed data after conducting your interventions, and how the outcome data inform your next steps in the school counseling program. Provide examples of meaningful connections you made with students, families, school staff, and community partners when facilitating school counseling programs. Highlight initiatives you led or collaborated with others to address social justice issues in the school and community. Altogether, most importantly, describe what you learned from these experiences and how you plan to apply these learning experiences in your future work as a school counselor and advocate.