Can You Be a Therapist With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?

Therapists play a crucial role in the field of healthcare, helping others to:

• navigate life transitions
• mental health struggles
• substance abuse
• the complexities of daily life

According to the American Psychological Association, or APA, 75% of those who participated in therapy had experienced improvement after six months, and 50% had improved in only eight weeks.

Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general field of psychologists, which includes a variety of career options, has an average salary that exceeds the national average, and there is a strong job outlook over the next decade. But what exactly does it take to become a therapist? Let's explore what therapists do and what is required to become one.

Can You Be a Therapist With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology?

To become a licensed therapist, typically more training and qualifications than an undergraduate degree are required. Therapists usually hold a master's degree or even a doctoral degree, and they must meet the licensure requirements of the state in which they are practicing. You cannot become a therapist with only a bachelor's degree in psychology, although, this can be a step in the journey of becoming a therapist.

What Is a Therapist?

Therapists are licensed individuals who take on clients and help them navigate personal and relationship needs. This usually involves talk therapy utilizing a variety of methods to explore various elements of the client's life, such as:

• their past
• current behaviors
• struggles
• traumas

Therapists teach clients how to manage all of these things in daily life. Some responsibilities of therapists include:

• regularly meet with patients and provide counseling
• maintain records and adhere to client confidentiality
• consider patient needs and develop an individual treatment plan
• adjust treatment plan as needed
• maintain a positive and safe environment for clients
• diagnose and treat mental health disorders
• refer to outside specialists as needed

Skills Required of Therapists

As the primary goal of therapists is to help people, interpersonal skills are a must. They must be able to listen to their clients and communicate with them effectively. Not only that, but they must be capable of building a trusting rapport to discuss the often difficult topics that come up in therapy. Beyond interpersonal skills, therapists must be extremely detail-oriented. They must also be able to document and recall important information about all of their clients, as well as manage and organize their time efficiently.

There is another important skill required of therapists that often goes along with positions in healthcare and public service. This is the ability to maintain separation between work and day-to-day life. Therapists more often than not are helping individuals navigate extremely troubling topics like:

• trauma
• substance abuse
• mental health conditions
• disabilities
• family therapy

Taking this on every day can be overwhelming, and therapists must be able to mentally separate their personal lives from their daily work to maintain their stability.

Benefits of Being a Therapist

There are many benefits to being a therapist, and they are varied. The most straightforward benefits are that the job outlook for the occupation is strong and often provides a good salary. It is also not only a position that is considered respectable, but therapists are also often able to set their hours, which offers extreme flexibility, particularly with a private practice.

Perhaps more significantly, people are usually drawn to become mental health professionals out of a desire to help people. The job satisfaction working as a therapist is often high because the individuals drawn to the field find the work rewarding.

How To Become a Therapist

Positions in the therapy field typically require at least a master's degree. Those hoping to enter the profession must complete a bachelor's and master's degree, pursue clinical experience, and get state licensure.

Complete a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a therapist is to complete a bachelor's degree. A major in psychology or a related field is the most common. There are many different psychology programs students can pursue, including online programs.

Decide on a Specialization

While completing their coursework, students often get an idea of what specialization they would like to pursue. There are several different specializations to choose from when becoming a mental health counselor. They include things like:

• marriage and family therapist
• school counselor
• substance abuse counselor
• career counselor
• rehabilitation counselor

Consider an Advanced Degree

Earning a graduate degree will be necessary, as they are often required to work as a therapist. These degree programs are typically in counseling, psychology, social work, or the area of specialization being pursued. This can include things like family counseling, school counseling, and more. Some even choose to complete a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).

Earn Clinical Experience

During a graduate program, students often gain clinical experience in a supervised environment. Graduates can also utilize internship programs to gain real-world experience in clinical mental health counseling, social service, and more.

Gain Licensure in Your State

After completing graduate school, state requirements for licensure for professional counselors must be met. Several different options for licenses exist. They include:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

FAQs About a Therapy Career With a Psychology Degree

There are many frequently asked questions that come to mind when considering a therapy career. Here are the answers to the most common ones.

Is It Necessary To Get a Master's Degree To Work as a Therapist?

Yes, it is typically necessary to get a master's degree to work as a therapist. There may be some positions in social service that require only a bachelor's degree, but to become a therapist, a master's degree is essential.

What Resources or Tools Are Available To Help Me Explore Different Career Paths in Therapy?

Exploring career paths in therapy during your undergraduate degree is a good idea if you're unsure. You can complete a degree in another field and still go on to study psychology, social work, and more as a graduate student. For high school students, dual enrollment programs to explore psychology may give them an idea of what a career in therapy is for them.

Can You Become a Therapist With an Unrelated Degree?

It is possible to become a therapist with an unrelated undergraduate degree. However, your graduate degree should be in psychology, social work, or some other related field.

What Is the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Psychology?

BA and BS degrees usually involve the same classes, but there are some differences. Bachelor of Science degrees in psychology are typically more focused on research and social science. Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology have a more liberal arts slant and involve things like foreign language study.