What Kind of Degree Do You Need to Be a Therapist?
Those who aspire to help others often wonder what sort of training or education might be necessary. There are a number of educational paths leading to satisfying and rewarding careers in the helping professions, which differ in terms of length, focus and type of training. Depending on your personal goals and resources, one of these might be right for you.
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Counselors
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Counselors are required to obtain two years of full-time, supervised training in current theory, skills, and practice of helping others effectively. Whether they enter a master's-level counseling or clinical psychology program, graduates must also complete a supervised internship and apply for a license in the state in which they intend to practice. Although requirements vary from state to state, a license ensures that basic standards are met.
Social Workers
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Like counselors, those who study for their master's degree in social work must receive the equivalent of two years of continuous, supervised training and experience in helping others. However, whereas counselors tend to focus more on the individual, social workers are more oriented toward examining the person's connections to his or her social environment. The MSW, or Master's in Social Work, is somewhat more widely recognized than a Master's in Counseling, despite much of the overlap in the services they provide and in terms of expertise.
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Psychologists
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Psychologists have completed a Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy degree, in Counseling, Clinical or School Psychology. Generally, graduates have completed requirements for both a master's and a doctoral degree, completed a 2000-hour supervised internship, and also obtained his license to practice. Psychologists are also trained to provide effective, efficient service to clients, but have greater independence in the functions they perform, such as conducting unsupervised psychological assessment.
Psychiatrists
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Psychiatrists may prescribe medications as well as provide therapy to clients. They must complete four years of full-time medical school training and experience to receive their M.D. degree. All graduates are then required to complete four years of residency, which is on-the-job, supervised experience in general psychiatry. Additional years of training may be taken to specialize, but are not necessary.
Therapists
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"Therapist" is not a legally regulated term like "counselor" or "psychologist," so there is no minimum standard set for the level of training necessary. According to the American Psychological Association's Ethics Code, Section 3.04, psychologists are called upon to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to clients, or minimize it where it's unavoidable. Other helping professions encourage a similar stance. Without the necessary training, those who take advantage of this lack of regulation could potentially harm, or simply fail to assist, those seeking help.
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- Photo Credit Rebecca June: Flickr.com/creativecommons
