How Much Money Does a Child Therapist Make?
A child therapist in the United States earns a mean salary of $70,190 a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008). A child therapist is a broad term that covers occupations such as family counselor, school psychologist, school counselor and juvenile clinical psychologist. Child therapists help juveniles deal with depression, anxiety, abuse, mental illness and disorders and an array of family situations.
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Types of Therapy
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There are many types of therapy available to help children. All are designed to help the counselor and patient to learn more about the issue(s) at hand and how to cope with them. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common way to help children who are anxious, depressed and those who are having trouble coping with stress. It teaches patients new skills such as stress management and relaxation techniques, as well as ways to better communicate. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to retrain negative behavior and thinking. Therapy sessions can take place individually or in groups. Family therapy brings in other members of the family to help a therapist learn more about the patient. Play therapy is useful with younger patients. The therapist works with the patient through role playing, music and art, rather than language. Pharmacology uses medicine to treat behavioral issues and is often used in conjunction with other therapy.
Typs of Therapists
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Therapists can be psychiatrists, clinical psychologists or clinical social workers. The difference lies in the training and education.
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Skills Needed
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If you have an interest in helping children and families, are attentive to details, a problem solver, objective and a good communicator, a career as child therapist could be for you.
Education
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Psychiatrists are medical doctors. Not only do they have advanced training in therapy, but they also are trained in pharmaceuticals, so they can prescribe medications. Clinical psychologists have a doctorate degree and advanced training in therapy for children and teens. A clinical social worker has a master's degree and many are trained in psychotherapy. To help prepare for graduate school, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy advises students interested in family therapy to get clinical experience through internships and research experience (research and statistics classes, helping professors) while they are undergraduates.
Where They Work
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Child therapists work in in-patient facilities, mental health centers, schools, Head Start programs, private practice and social agencies.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Marios Vontas
