Q: Can a nurse become a physical therapist?

Yes, a nurse can become a physical therapist. Becoming a physical therapist can be a great transition as nurses already have a strong background in the medical field and, therefore, can have a higher chance of succeeding as physical therapists.

Q: Do therapists get paid well?

Yes, therapists get paid well. As most jobs go, location, company, and experience can determine your salary, but you typically earn more with some of the top-paying states like New Jersey, Alaska, and New Hampshire, offering average salaries above $61,000.

Q: How hard is it to become a therapist?

It is difficult to become a therapist. The process involves years of education, licensure, and certification. Earning a bachelor's degree in a field of study relevant to one of the core areas of therapy is the first step. Mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners represent three of the five core areas of therapy.

Question 1

How long does it take to become a Therapist?

Accepted Answer

It takes 6 years of professional experience to become a therapist. That is the time it takes to learn specific therapist skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 9 to 11 years years to become a therapist.

Question 2

Can a nurse become a physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a nurse can become a physical therapist. Becoming a physical therapist can be a great transition as nurses already have a strong background in the medical field and, therefore, can have a higher chance of succeeding as physical therapists.

Question 3

Can a radiology technician become a radiation therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a radiology technician can become a radiation therapist. The process of doing so is fairly simple.

If you have already graduated from an associate degree program in radiologic technology, which you must have done to become a radiology technician, you can just complete a certification program in radiation therapy to become a radiation therapist.

Question 4

Child Therapist vs Child Psychologist

Accepted Answer

A child therapist is a mental health professional who focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of disturbed children, while a child psychologist is a professional that can diagnose and treat many different mental health problems and syndromes in children.

Question 5

Clinical psychologist vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A clinical psychologist is an academically trained researcher and clinician able to diagnose and treat patients, while a therapist is trained to work with patients to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.

Question 6

Clinical social worker vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A clinical social worker is a specific practice within social work that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances, while a therapist is a mental health professional focused on helping others using various practices and treatments.

Question 7

Counselor vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A counselor is someone who tends to offer superficial or more short-term mental health care, while a therapist provides longer, more customized mental health treatment plans.

There is a lot of overlap between counselors and therapists since both professions occupy much of the same professional space. Even within the industry, you can find the terms used interchangeably in some contexts.

Question 8

Do therapists get paid well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapists get paid well. As most jobs go, location, company, and experience can determine your salary, but you typically earn more with some of the top-paying states like New Jersey, Alaska, and New Hampshire, offering average salaries above $61,000.

Question 9

How hard is it to become a therapist?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to become a therapist. The process involves years of education, licensure, and certification.

Earning a bachelor's degree in a field of study relevant to one of the core areas of therapy is the first step. Mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners represent three of the five core areas of therapy.

Question 10

How many years does it take to become a therapist?

Accepted Answer

To become a therapist, it takes about six to ten years due to the required college education. Most employers ask for a master's degree, experience, and license.

Commonly, therapists have a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology or related fields like social work, school counseling, and counseling psychology, which can take around six years. Some employers may also prefer a doctoral degree, which can take three to four years.

Question 11

How to become a therapist without a degree

Accepted Answer

To become a therapist without a degree, follow these steps:

Determine which type of therapy that doesn't require a degree you want to pursue; these include peer counselors, life skills counselors, and drug and alcohol counselors
Do some research on available certification options, these can be obtained through universities or professional institutions
Determine which certification program fits your needs
Think about working or volunteering in a related position during your certification program
After completing your certification, apply to entry-level therapy positions in your field

Question 12

How to become a therapist without a psychology degree

Accepted Answer

To become a therapist without a psychology degree, follow these steps:

Determine which type of therapy that doesn't require a psychology degree you want to pursue. These include peer counselors, life skills counselors, and drug and alcohol counselors.
Do some research on available certification options; these can be obtained through universities or professional institutions.
Determine which certification program fits your needs.
Think about working or volunteering in a related position during your certification program.
After completing your certification, apply to an internship or entry-level therapy position in your field.

Question 13

How to reduce therapist burnout

Accepted Answer

Practice self-care, leave your work at work, and connect with colleagues for support in order to reduce therapist burnout. For a more detailed look at these strategies and others, reference this guide:

Question 14

LCSW vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who helps clients by focusing on their overall social and socioeconomic circumstances, while a therapist is a mental health professional who helps others using mental health treatments and emotional healing.

Question 15

Licensed vs Unlicensed Therapist

Accepted Answer

A licensed therapist is a professional with extensive psychological and mental health training that is licensed by the state in which they reside to serve as such, while an unlicensed therapist is someone who provides counseling without state licensure.

Question 16

Life coach vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A life coach is an individual who helps others by focusing on setting and achieving goals, while a therapist is a healthcare professional who helps others using various mental health treatments and emotional healing. In other words, therapists focus on "why" certain behavioral patterns occur, and life coaches work on "how" to work toward a goal.

Question 17

Psychiatrist vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist is someone who is qualified to use medical treatments, including prescription drugs, to treat various mental health disorders, while a therapist is someone who uses psychotherapy and other behavioral or cognitive-based therapies to treat various mental health disorders.

Question 18

Psychologist vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A psychologist is someone who works to improve mental health practices through education and research, while a therapist is someone who works with patients using mental health practices to comprehensively improve their mental health.

Question 19

Psychotherapist vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A psychotherapist is someone who uses specific forms of talk therapy to treat people for emotional problems and mental illnesses, while a therapist may practice a wide range of mental therapy techniques, including talk therapy, in order to treat the mental health and well-being of their patient.

Question 20

Social worker vs Therapist

Accepted Answer

A social worker is a trained professional who helps clients by focusing on their overall social and socioeconomic circumstances, while a therapist is a mental health professional that helps others using mental health treatments and emotional healing.

Question 21

Therapist vs Coach

Accepted Answer

A therapist is focused on helping others through cognitive or behavioral therapies and intense introspection, while a coach focuses more on setting present and future goals and reaching them.

Question 22

What are the three types of therapy?

Accepted Answer

The three types of therapy typically refer to common psychotherapy types such as psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In general, there are many specialized therapies used to help patients.

Question 23

What degree do you need to be a child therapist?

Accepted Answer

You need a master's degree in counseling to be a child therapist. First, you should seek to obtain your bachelor's degree in psychology, behavioral science, or social science. Some universities offer majors in child therapy, while others do not.

Question 24

What degree do you need to be an equine therapist?

Accepted Answer

You need a bachelor's degree in animal science to be an equine therapist. This is the minimum requirement, and many employers in the field prefer candidates with a master's degree in animal science.

Question 25

What does it take to become a therapist?

Accepted Answer

It takes postsecondary education and licensure to become a therapist. Most employers ask for a master's degree, and some may even ask for a doctoral degree, especially if it's in the research area.

Question 26

What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a therapist and a psychologist is generally what they focus on when dealing with patients. Overall, they are sometimes used interchangeably and have similar credentials, usually a master's degree or even a doctoral degree.

Question 27

What should I study to become a therapist?

Accepted Answer

You should study psychology or a related field to become a therapist. Therapists need to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in psychology or a related field.

You can also choose to study social work for your bachelor's degree. A master's degree in psychology is strongly recommended for people who want to become therapists, as this can give you the clinical experience you need to get a license, and it gives you options for high-paying therapy work.

Question 28

What is a good starting salary for a Therapist?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a therapist is $40,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a therapist in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for therapists is $52,984, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a therapist can vary by state.

Question 29

Do therapists make good money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapists make good money. Depending on how advanced their degree is, therapists can make up to $10,770 per month, and that is nearly three times what the average American worker makes.

Question 30

How much do therapists make an hour?

Accepted Answer

Therapists make about $24.67 hourly or about $51,000 yearly. As most jobs go, location, company, and experience can determine your salary.

On the lower end of the salary range, you can make about $39,000, such as working for the state of South Carolina. On the higher end, you can earn around $67,000. Some of the top-paying states are New Jersey, Alaska, and New Hampshire, offering average salaries above $61,000.

Question 31

What is the highest-paid therapist?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid therapist is a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained in psychiatric therapy and earns an average salary of $217,798 a year. This is significantly higher than the average salary for a regular therapist who earns around $75,000 a year.

Question 32

Can a therapist make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a therapist. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a therapist because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $70,000 per year. The average annual salary for a therapist is $52,984.

Question 33

Are therapists happy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapists are happy in most cases. They have important jobs that help people in need and also tend to make high salaries, so it is not a surprise that most of them are happy in their field. Here are reasons that most therapists are happy:

Question 34

How much do therapists make starting out?

Accepted Answer

Therapists make around $52,000 yearly starting out. As most jobs go, location and company can determine your salary.

On the lower end of the salary range, you can make about $39,000, such as working in the state of South Carolina. On the higher end, you can earn around $67,000.

Question 35

Is it hard to become a therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is hard to become a therapist due to the required postsecondary education and license, taking time and money. It can take about six to ten years as most employers ask for a master's degree, several years of experience, and a license.

Question 36

What makes a good therapist?

Accepted Answer

A good therapist has incredibly evolved listening skills, has the desire to work with and help others, and is willing to be flexible. Good therapists are extremely important as they can do many great things and help their clients in many different ways.

Question 37

What types of therapists are there?

Accepted Answer

The types of therapists typically refer to how you perform your services: marriage and family therapy, counseling or individual therapy, and clinical mental health counseling.

Within each area, therapists usually have specialization and employ a variety of methods to help their patients. For example, marriage and family therapists work with couples and families as a whole to address and treat mental and emotional disorders.

Question 38

What are the qualifications of a therapist?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications of a therapist are usually a master's degree in a related field, and clinical experience. However, depending on the type of therapy being practiced, a Ph.D. may be necessary.

Question 39

What percentage of Therapists are female?

Accepted Answer

74.0% of therapists are female in the United States. This is -1.0 percentage points lower than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female therapists has increased by 0.4 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 147,120 female therapists in the U.S. and 51,691 male therapists in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 198,811 people with the specific job title of therapist and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 40

Why did I quit being a therapist?

Accepted Answer

I quit being a therapist because I was burned out. This is the most common reason given by therapists for leaving the business. Therapists are at high risk of burnout due to their high caseloads, high client counts, and lower pay, which was even more prevalent during the pandemic.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and manage this type of stress, including leaving work at work. It can help therapists to have rituals when they transition from work time to personal time. This can be especially important when working from home.

For example, therapists can get to a stopping point with current tasks and write down a list of the things that need to be taken care of the next morning. If commuting, it might help to identify a boundary like a river or a highway and consider leaving work on the other side once that boundary is crossed.

It is also important to avoid answering emails or looking at messages outside of work hours. This can help you focus on activities and enjoy your time off work. Another great way to leave work at work is to schedule a time to do what you enjoy.

This may include engaging in hobbies like crafting, solving puzzles, or spending time with your family. If you often bring work devices home, consider storing them in a bag or drawer to help you focus on enjoyable activities. This may also help improve your mood, increasing your motivation when it's time to work again.

If you're interested in reducing your stress levels, consider engaging in low-stakes hobbies to help you return to work feeling relaxed. Yoga and meditation are great hobbies that can leave you feeling calmer and more focused.

In addition to finding ways to leave work at work, keeping an open dialogue with your boss, coworkers, and loved ones is important. Employers frequently will say that they are blindsided when they find out an employee is struggling with burnout, and they have no idea.

It is a good idea for therapists to talk to their employers about their concerns before burnout becomes more serious. Like everyone else, therapists need support from people who care about them. Since they are often the ones helping, it can be a struggle to ask for support.

Try scheduling a regular date with a friend or family member to help you stay connected. Find ways to laugh, be silly, and have fun, but also make time to vent when you need to. It is important to have support and the freedom to express frustrations or other emotions you have been holding back.

Keeping an open dialogue can help you unburden yourself and free your mind from the isolation and struggles you may feel. Peer consultation groups can also be a great way to process work stress with others who understand what you are going through while still protecting confidentiality.

Lastly, you need to practice self-care both physically and emotionally. Therapists must be able to recharge their batteries. After all, "you can't pour from an empty cup." Physical and mental health are directly related, so you must take care of both.

Eating healthy foods will help give you more energy to get through your day. You should also keep a full water bottle handy daily to stay hydrated. Try to stand up and stretch between clients or go for a short walk and get some fresh air. This can help you reset.

Whenever possible, remember to take time off. A vacation is the best way to get away, unplug, and leave the stress behind.

Question 41

How do I write a resume for a mental health worker job?

Accepted Answer

You write a resume for a mental health worker job by highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and accomplishments. The goal of writing a resume for a mental health worker job is to demonstrate vital skills and talents, like knowledge and experience in physiology, the ability to handle complicated patients, strong people skills, and a pleasing personality.

Question 42

How do you list counseling licensure on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You list a counseling license on a resume in several ways - such as adding your credential abbreviations as part of your name, touching on your certification in your professional summary, and adding it to the certifications section or under work experience.

Question 43

What should be included in a therapist's resume?

Accepted Answer

Highlights of skills, experience, and accomplishments in the mental health field are what should be included in a therapist's resume. As a therapist, you're focused on helping others reach their mental health goals.

Question 44

What skills should I put on my resume for a counseling job?

Accepted Answer

Skills that you should put on your resume for a counseling job are a mixture of technical skills such as cognitive behavioral therapy or addiction recovery and soft skills such as interpersonal skills, communication, and compassion.

Question 45

Counselor vs. Psychiatrist

Accepted Answer

A counselor can be a social worker, guidance counselor, or mental health counselor, while a psychiatrist is a doctor of mental health.

Counselors can take many forms but, in most cases, focus on one specific issue that a client is facing, and for a limited amount of time. Guidance counselors, for example, help prepare students for college. Drug counselors work to help their clients recover from addiction, and mental health counselors see clients for conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Question 46

How many hours do therapists work?

Accepted Answer

The number of hours a therapist works is around 40 hours a week. The number of hours a therapist works comes down to how many clients they are seeing in a given day or week.

They see around 20 to 30 clients a week and will spend around 10 hours a week writing up notes and completing paperwork. Anything more than 30 clients makes a 40-hour work week difficult, if not impossible.

Question 47

Is being a therapist a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a therapist is a good job. A career in therapy can be an incredibly rewarding job for someone who likes to interact with and help people. It does require significant schooling and training; however, it pays well, and there are opportunities to start your own therapy business.

Question 48

What are the best gifts for a therapist?

Accepted Answer

The best gifts for a therapist are coffee or tea-related items, books, and white noise machines. There are also other great gift ideas that help therapists relax and focus on themselves for a change.

Most therapists drink coffee or tea. That's why getting them a coffee or tea-related gift is a pretty safe bet. If you know them to be avid coffee drinkers, you can get them a new coffee machine for their office or even just a bag of specialty coffee beans.

There are also many tea-related items, such as an assortment of tea bag sets, personalized tea mugs, and gift cards to their favorite tea shop.

Another great gift in this area is mug warmers. Mug warmers are small plug-in or chargeable devices that they can have in their office space. Your therapist simply places their mug on the saucer-shaped device, and it keeps their favorite hot beverages warm.

Books are another great option for therapists. There are so many good books on therapy, psychology, and other related subjects; you'll have plenty to choose from. Try to find one that fits into the niche of the type of therapy they perform. Most therapists are avid readers, so you really can't go wrong with a book as a present.

White noise machines provide calming ambient noise for a therapist's office or even their home. They will be super appreciative of this gift because it has the ability to bring a soothing, peaceful atmosphere to their office that will benefit them as well as their patients.

Along these same lines, another excellent gift is a diffuser. Diffusers use essential oils and vaporize them into the air. They can be used as air purifiers or just to create a calm and inviting atmosphere for a therapist's clients.

Aromatherapy candles are another great option. These can help your therapist relax at home or in the office with their clients.

Another great purchase for your therapist's office is some sort of decoration. This can come in the form of artwork, desktop items, or inspirational posters. Be sure you know your therapist's taste well before making this purchase, though.

Therapists usually take notes during sessions, so a light therapy lamp makes a perfect addition to a therapist's office. It's called a therapy lamp because it's also useful during the winter months when we can experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This light is an excellent way to combat the winter blues caused by shorter days with unchanged working hours.

A very safe decorative item is a small office plant; just be sure to choose a plant that has maintenance that is relatively easy, like a Peperomia Obtusfolia, which only needs to be once every one to two weeks and can still thrive in low light conditions.

Plant terrariums are also a good option. These mini sets come in stylish cases and can be purchased as a single item or as a set. They are small, so your therapist won't have any trouble finding a proper space for them, whether it's their desktop, a shelf, or hanging from a rope in the corner of their office.

As was mentioned earlier, therapists generally love books. Oftentimes their offices are filled with useful and informative texts they reference from time to time. But instead of a book, you could also get them a set of bookends for their bookshelf. These come in so many different styles so it won't be hard to find a pair that fits your therapist's tastes perfectly.

A simple but practical gift for your therapist is an hourglass. They come in many classy forms, like traditional ones with sand, as well as other styles. These help therapists keep track of their sessions without checking their phones or the clock on the wall, and they can simply be placed on a table between themselves and the client.

Therapists need to unwind and do a fair amount of self-care. That's why getting them a massage package is a great idea.

Massage packages can be purchased in the form of gift cards, and you have many different places you can get them, such as gyms, spas, health clubs, massage parlors, and more. Give them some relief from the sometimes stressful demands of their job with this thoughtful gift.

In this same area, back massage chairs or neck massagers are also great options. These gifts can be used every day after they get home from work.

If you are truly struggling to try to determine the best gift, you can always purchase them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store. This may seem more impersonal; however, you can be sure they will appreciate it and use it.

Question 49

What are the pros and cons of being a therapist?

Accepted Answer

The pros of being a therapist are competitive pay and rewarding work, while the cons are extensive educational requirements and potential loneliness. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a therapist:

Pros:

Competitive Pay. Therapists can make great money. You can also undergo more specialization and training to make even more money. Along with competitive pay, therapists often have great benefits.
Flexible Work Hours. If you start your own practice, you will be able to choose which hours work best for you. You can choose to take specific days off or work less than normal business hours.
Rewarding Work. As a therapist, you are able to help people work through difficulties in their lives. You are helping people feel better and be better. This can be an incredibly rewarding feeling and many therapists feel extremely satisfied with their work.

Cons:

Emotionally Draining. Helping people work through their issues is extremely rewarding, but it can also be extremely emotionally draining. You will also have to be open to clients who are often angry or disrespectful.
Lots of Requirements. Therapists will often hold doctorate degrees, which require lots of time, commitment, and money to finish. There are also licensing requirements that can be difficult to obtain.
Loneliness. Although you are working constantly with your clients, you are often working by yourself. Many people thrive in an environment working with coworkers, and your interactions with colleagues will be limited.

Question 50

What is a typical day like for a therapist?

Accepted Answer

A typical day for a therapist involves working on paperwork, answering emails and phone calls, and seeing patients. Depending on the type of therapist, their days begin very similarily, but can greatly differ when it comes to patient care.

Frequently asked questions about therapists

Questions About Becoming a Therapist