Can I Become a Therapist Online? 7 Steps To Complete Your Degree Online

1. Research Therapy Specializations

The key to starting a successful career in therapy is deciding which specialty area aligns with your interests. Here are some therapy specializations to consider:

• substance abuse
• social work
• marriage counseling
• family therapy
• mental health counseling
• school counseling
• trauma therapy

You can also determine whether you want to work for an organization or start a private practice. Making these decisions can help you take the most efficient path to a therapy career.

2. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Your next step is to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. You can find 100% online psychology programs that explore human behavior, social and clinical psychology, social science research, and mental healthcare.

An online degree in counseling prepares students to provide counseling services. Graduates are ready for careers as addiction counselors, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, social workers, or guidance counselors.

3. Pursue a Master's Degree in Counseling or Therapy

After completing a bachelor's program, you'll pursue a master's degree in counseling or therapy. An online master's program in counseling prepares students to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Coursework covers psychotherapy, neuropsychology, substance abuse, personality assessments, and more.

An online master's degree in therapy prepares students for careers as licensed therapists. They explore how to help clients from different backgrounds overcome family, marriage, substance abuse, or other life challenges. Coursework covers counseling techniques, diagnoses, and treatment plans.

When selecting a program, consider one that has been accredited by an organization like the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

4. Complete Required Internship or Practicum Hours

Graduate programs that prepare students for therapist or counseling licensure typically require students to participate in internships and practicums for face-to-face experiences in real-world settings. An internship is a supervised field experience that builds clinical and non-clinical skills through direct client interactions. A practicum also gives you practical experience in a supervised setting but might focus more on your area of interest.

These experiences are typically completed in person. However, you might be able to choose a clinical or mental health setting close to your home.

5. Pass State Licensing Exams

State licensure is required for most therapist and counseling roles. All states require marriage and family therapists to be licensed. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors operating private practices also require licensure. Public school counselors need a state-issued credential; however, career counselors don't always need licensure.

Contacting your state's licensing board can help you determine state licensure requirements for the type of counseling or therapy career you desire. This step can also guide you to the state licensing exams you must pass to become a licensed practitioner.

6. Fulfill State-Specific Licensing Requirements

Passing a state-recognized licensure exam is one part of fulfilling state-specific licensing requirements. Suppose you reside in California and want to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You must earn your master's or doctoral degree from an accredited program and register as an associate marriage and family therapist.

Completing fingerprint and criminal background checks, getting supervised experience, and passing California law and ethics and clinical exams are also required.

7. Apply for Licensure

Once you're sure that you've met all of your state's licensing requirements, your next step is to apply for licensure. Each state's application process is unique. In California, applying to become an LMFT involves submitting a completed application and paying an initial license fee within one year of passing the clinical exam.

Once the application is approved, the license will be issued online and the applicant will receive a certificate in the mail.

FAQs About Earning Your Counseling Degree Online

Want to learn more about earning a counseling degree online? Review the following frequently asked questions.

Can I Be an In-Person and Online Therapist With an Online Counseling Degree?

You can become an in-person and online therapist with your online counseling degree. Many online programs provide the same education and field experiences as on-campus degrees.

When you graduate, you will be prepared for the same career opportunities as traditional degree holders, including becoming an in-person and online therapist. Both careers involve treating clients; however, online therapists provide virtual therapy sessions via video conferencing and telehealth platforms.

Are Online Counseling Degrees Respected?

Many employers respect online degrees when they come from well-known academic institutions. Online degrees might have less value if they come from less popular schools or institutions not known for producing prepared graduates.

Employers may not always know which types of degrees candidates have earned since some schools choose not to disclose whether students earned their degrees online or in person. Diplomas and transcripts often only state the name of the school.

Are the Requirements for a Counseling Program Different Online?

Students earning an online degree in counseling often take the same courses and have the same graduate requirements as on-campus students. The same faculty members commonly teach online and in-person classes.

Online counseling programs are unique because they allow students to take courses without commuting to the campus. Enrollees might also be able to access classes and submit assignments whenever they choose.

What Are the Career Paths for an Online Therapy Degree?

Becoming a marriage and family therapist is common after earning an online therapy degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this career is projected to grow much faster than average at 16% from 2023 to 2033.

You could also become a school counselor, career counselor, mental health therapist, or social worker.

Become a Mental Health Professional Today

If you're ready to begin an exciting career as a mental health professional, explore the accredited degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact one of the colleges directly to discover how these programs can help you achieve your career goals.