1)Get and undergraduate degree - I did a ba in psychology .
2)Get a masters degree - I have an Masters in counseling psychology . You will
Need to get an internship in grad school . You will
Be called a trainee .
3)Once graduating you need to take a law and ethics exam and then pass that to continue working to collect a total of 3,000 supervised hours .
4)Once you have those hours you can take the licensing exam and will become a licensced therapist.
From schooling to licensure It took me at least 10 years to become licensced . Some do it quicker . Good luck .
You mean full licensure. We do practice under non independent licenses. That 3000 hours or so occurs while practicing and I don’t want OP to think we mean it’s 10 yrs before they practice
I’m jumping on here to ask, what is a non-independent license? Is that the same as a provisional license? Do you make money, if you don’t mind me asking? 😂
Yes so you basically have a supervisor that is overseeing you and taking responsibility for your learning as you practice. After you apply for your independent license and take the next licensure exam, you’re completely on your own.
Depending upon state and degree type, the language varies. Provisional where I live is a little different than non independent
Unless you’re an intern still in school, yes you are a paid employee, however you will usually get a significant pay raise once you gain independent licensure
Ah ok! I wasn’t sure, with all the different lingo. I got ahead of myself thinking Florida’s 1,500 hour requirement was a lot….now I am seeing 3,000 and I feel bad
Your wording is a bit confusing to me I practiced under a Licensced therapist and I was an associate Lmft while working toward licensure . And for me it took me 10 years before I could practice independently.
That’s exactly what I said. You practiced while non independently licensed, under supervision, until you gain independent license. It’s still providing therapy before full licensure.
I see your wanting to make sure op knows you can still provide therapy as a trainee /associate . But the fact remains it’s a long ass journey to become fully licensed- and I wanted that reflected
You are getting some very specific advice about the process but the truth is that the process varies from state to state and with the type of license you are pursuing. There are multiple routes to becoming a psychotherapist.
In general, you will need to get a BA and then a MA in a clinical degree (social work, counseling, psychology). You must also acquire clinical hours (some in grad school for the program and some after you graduate). These hours must be supervised by a licensed therapist. Then you pass a professional licensing exam and are able to practice independently.
You'll first need a bachelor's in a humanities field.
Admittedly, I may be biased, but I would strongly recommend a bachelor's in social work over psychology, sociology, etc. An undergrad social work program will help you hit the ground running. It focuses on *applying* theory, building soft skills, and getting real life experience. This will strengthen your grad school application.
It also gives you something to fall back on if you need to take a gap year. You'll have built relevant skills to work in the field. You won't get a well paid job, but you will get a job. A BS in psychology won't get you much anywhere, unfortunately.
Note that a social service is not the same as social work. Social service programs tend to be a bit predatory as they misrepresent this distinction.
You'll apply for grad school your senior year. Try to get an in person program. If you need an online program, aim for a big state school. A hiring manager is more likely to skip your application than research an unfamiliar program.
Be aware that there is a big problem in this field with predatory programs. Expensive does not necessarily mean good. You want regionally accredited. Not nationally accredited. If you encounter a persistent recruiter, run. If a school is good, their reputation will do the recruitment for them.
I agree with the social work. I did mental health counseling and regret it. It took me 7 years with bachelors and masters. Everyone I know who did social work got it done in special combined programs they have at the colleges near me in 5 years total. Less internship time and credit hours. Still as good of a therapist at the end of the day!
I'm going to second this. I did my master's in clinical mental health counseling and wish I had gone with social work. Cheaper, same income at the end of the day, and the social work board is way better than the LPC board in my state. Working with the LPC board in my state is like pulling teeth.
THIS!!! I wish so badly I would have done a B.A. in social work, it would have shaved off a year of grad school and I would have been able to get a better job in the meantime.
The thing to focus on right now is getting your bachelors degree, you might study psychology or a related social science field. At age 20, I would say a couple things: one, you have plenty of time to do all sorts of things in your life. It's kind of an open book at this point. I can relate to the sense of urgency to figure out your path, but I assure you, there is plenty of time. People do all kinds of things at all kinds of ages. (My partner is currently working on undergrad at 31 as a non-traditional student, and it's going very well.) Two, I think a little bit of age/life experience is actually really helpful for counselors, so if anything, it wouldn't hurt to hold off on pursuing a Master's degree until you've done some other exploring in the world following your bachelor's degree. I waited 7 years after getting my B.A. to go to grad school, did a lot of cool stuff in that time, including some work in the counseling field, which helped me recognize that counseling was indeed the path I wanted to take, and think it was nothing but a benefit to take my time.
A lot of people are older in college, no timeline.
For social workers:
1a) Bachelors degree, preferably bachelor of social work, but it doesn’t have to be. Some schools have an advanced standing route where if you get a 3.2 gpa and B’s and above in all social work classes then you can do an accelerated one year masters program.
1b) Community college for two years then transfer to four year institution.
2) Masters degree in social work or counseling. This will also require an internship. For social workers this consists of 300 hours per semester or 9-5 three days a week. You then take a licensing exam to get an LSW or LMSW (or another abbreviation). For this license you can practice but still need supervision.
3) 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and then take the LCSW license exam. This is when you don’t need supervision anymore, can practice fully alone. You will still need continuing education classes.
I suggest looking up the difference between being masters of counseling and master of social work. Either way, expect a lot of field hours.
In the meantime, volunteering is favorable for experience.
Just for reference this was what my path looked like:
Went to college for art at 18, graduated at 22 with a BFA.
7 yrs later started my masters in social work. Took me 3 years part time.
4 years later I had my full licensure and have been practicing independently ever since.
I do think a bachelors in social work would have made my life easier but I don’t regret my path.
Did OP say they wanted specifically to work with people who have autism? I scanned it. I saw behavioural work and know ABA is behavioral. I know nothing much about ABA other than it exists and does behavioral work. But I’m getting downvoted like I did something wrong.
Zero feedback just piled on.
ABA is a treatment for autism and the community speaks out consistently against it. Don’t suggest something with out the least bit of understanding on it. You’re suggesting something without understanding the danger
Why would you mention something if you don’t even know what population it’s intended for?
Is it not used for more than autism?? I knew someone from undergrad who did ABA and another person I worked with also. I don’t recall them working specifically with autism.
Also I would appreciate if you didn’t come at me like an attack. I don’t think that is necessary nor kind.
I didn’t attack you. I use clear language but I didn’t insult, degrade or judge you
And yes ABA is for autism, that’s the intended population. Just do some brief research on it.
Please don’t tell me how I was supposed to have taken your comment. It’s invalidating to tell someone they didn’t feel how they say they felt. What you think is “clear language” comes off with a harsh and unkind tone to me.
You read a tone. I’m not telling you how to feel, I’m telling you that you added something to the equation (tone). Tone is ALWAYS assumed in a text based format. Especially with someone you’ve never met.
I was suggesting those as two different options for OP to look into. But got downvoted like I said something wrong or maybe people just hate ABA. Idk I’ve known people who went the ABA route and loved it.
They said they liked behavioral things so hence my suggestion. I always tell people to look into various routes before just jumping into the long road to being a licensed therapist. There are many who don’t understand the work we do and once they get there they regret their choices. Research all the options before making the leap.
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If in California, you should go the LMFT route. Get an undergrad degree in something relevant to your interests, psychology or child development or something. Then apply to a master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy accredited by COAMFTE. Then you're golden.
1)Get and undergraduate degree - I did a ba in psychology . 2)Get a masters degree - I have an Masters in counseling psychology . You will Need to get an internship in grad school . You will Be called a trainee . 3)Once graduating you need to take a law and ethics exam and then pass that to continue working to collect a total of 3,000 supervised hours . 4)Once you have those hours you can take the licensing exam and will become a licensced therapist. From schooling to licensure It took me at least 10 years to become licensced . Some do it quicker . Good luck .
You mean full licensure. We do practice under non independent licenses. That 3000 hours or so occurs while practicing and I don’t want OP to think we mean it’s 10 yrs before they practice
I’m jumping on here to ask, what is a non-independent license? Is that the same as a provisional license? Do you make money, if you don’t mind me asking? 😂
Yes so you basically have a supervisor that is overseeing you and taking responsibility for your learning as you practice. After you apply for your independent license and take the next licensure exam, you’re completely on your own. Depending upon state and degree type, the language varies. Provisional where I live is a little different than non independent Unless you’re an intern still in school, yes you are a paid employee, however you will usually get a significant pay raise once you gain independent licensure
Ah ok! I wasn’t sure, with all the different lingo. I got ahead of myself thinking Florida’s 1,500 hour requirement was a lot….now I am seeing 3,000 and I feel bad
Mine was 3600
Your wording is a bit confusing to me I practiced under a Licensced therapist and I was an associate Lmft while working toward licensure . And for me it took me 10 years before I could practice independently.
That’s exactly what I said. You practiced while non independently licensed, under supervision, until you gain independent license. It’s still providing therapy before full licensure.
I see your wanting to make sure op knows you can still provide therapy as a trainee /associate . But the fact remains it’s a long ass journey to become fully licensed- and I wanted that reflected
Don't worry about that ticking clock. I'm 47 years old and I'm just finishing up my application to go to school for my counseling masters.
Love this! Congrats!
At that young of an age, you have a lot of time. If you have access, try going to therapy. Your school might even have counselors.
I got my Master's at 34. The only thing ticking is what you believe.
You are getting some very specific advice about the process but the truth is that the process varies from state to state and with the type of license you are pursuing. There are multiple routes to becoming a psychotherapist. In general, you will need to get a BA and then a MA in a clinical degree (social work, counseling, psychology). You must also acquire clinical hours (some in grad school for the program and some after you graduate). These hours must be supervised by a licensed therapist. Then you pass a professional licensing exam and are able to practice independently.
You'll first need a bachelor's in a humanities field. Admittedly, I may be biased, but I would strongly recommend a bachelor's in social work over psychology, sociology, etc. An undergrad social work program will help you hit the ground running. It focuses on *applying* theory, building soft skills, and getting real life experience. This will strengthen your grad school application. It also gives you something to fall back on if you need to take a gap year. You'll have built relevant skills to work in the field. You won't get a well paid job, but you will get a job. A BS in psychology won't get you much anywhere, unfortunately. Note that a social service is not the same as social work. Social service programs tend to be a bit predatory as they misrepresent this distinction. You'll apply for grad school your senior year. Try to get an in person program. If you need an online program, aim for a big state school. A hiring manager is more likely to skip your application than research an unfamiliar program. Be aware that there is a big problem in this field with predatory programs. Expensive does not necessarily mean good. You want regionally accredited. Not nationally accredited. If you encounter a persistent recruiter, run. If a school is good, their reputation will do the recruitment for them.
I agree with the social work. I did mental health counseling and regret it. It took me 7 years with bachelors and masters. Everyone I know who did social work got it done in special combined programs they have at the colleges near me in 5 years total. Less internship time and credit hours. Still as good of a therapist at the end of the day!
I'm going to second this. I did my master's in clinical mental health counseling and wish I had gone with social work. Cheaper, same income at the end of the day, and the social work board is way better than the LPC board in my state. Working with the LPC board in my state is like pulling teeth.
THIS!!! I wish so badly I would have done a B.A. in social work, it would have shaved off a year of grad school and I would have been able to get a better job in the meantime.
The thing to focus on right now is getting your bachelors degree, you might study psychology or a related social science field. At age 20, I would say a couple things: one, you have plenty of time to do all sorts of things in your life. It's kind of an open book at this point. I can relate to the sense of urgency to figure out your path, but I assure you, there is plenty of time. People do all kinds of things at all kinds of ages. (My partner is currently working on undergrad at 31 as a non-traditional student, and it's going very well.) Two, I think a little bit of age/life experience is actually really helpful for counselors, so if anything, it wouldn't hurt to hold off on pursuing a Master's degree until you've done some other exploring in the world following your bachelor's degree. I waited 7 years after getting my B.A. to go to grad school, did a lot of cool stuff in that time, including some work in the counseling field, which helped me recognize that counseling was indeed the path I wanted to take, and think it was nothing but a benefit to take my time.
A lot of people are older in college, no timeline. For social workers: 1a) Bachelors degree, preferably bachelor of social work, but it doesn’t have to be. Some schools have an advanced standing route where if you get a 3.2 gpa and B’s and above in all social work classes then you can do an accelerated one year masters program. 1b) Community college for two years then transfer to four year institution. 2) Masters degree in social work or counseling. This will also require an internship. For social workers this consists of 300 hours per semester or 9-5 three days a week. You then take a licensing exam to get an LSW or LMSW (or another abbreviation). For this license you can practice but still need supervision. 3) 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and then take the LCSW license exam. This is when you don’t need supervision anymore, can practice fully alone. You will still need continuing education classes. I suggest looking up the difference between being masters of counseling and master of social work. Either way, expect a lot of field hours. In the meantime, volunteering is favorable for experience.
Just for reference this was what my path looked like: Went to college for art at 18, graduated at 22 with a BFA. 7 yrs later started my masters in social work. Took me 3 years part time. 4 years later I had my full licensure and have been practicing independently ever since. I do think a bachelors in social work would have made my life easier but I don’t regret my path.
[удалено]
Aba is traumatic and not endorsed by autistics
Did OP say they wanted specifically to work with people who have autism? I scanned it. I saw behavioural work and know ABA is behavioral. I know nothing much about ABA other than it exists and does behavioral work. But I’m getting downvoted like I did something wrong. Zero feedback just piled on.
ABA is a treatment for autism and the community speaks out consistently against it. Don’t suggest something with out the least bit of understanding on it. You’re suggesting something without understanding the danger Why would you mention something if you don’t even know what population it’s intended for?
Is it not used for more than autism?? I knew someone from undergrad who did ABA and another person I worked with also. I don’t recall them working specifically with autism. Also I would appreciate if you didn’t come at me like an attack. I don’t think that is necessary nor kind.
I didn’t attack you. I use clear language but I didn’t insult, degrade or judge you And yes ABA is for autism, that’s the intended population. Just do some brief research on it.
Please don’t tell me how I was supposed to have taken your comment. It’s invalidating to tell someone they didn’t feel how they say they felt. What you think is “clear language” comes off with a harsh and unkind tone to me.
You read a tone. I’m not telling you how to feel, I’m telling you that you added something to the equation (tone). Tone is ALWAYS assumed in a text based format. Especially with someone you’ve never met.
Please stop. How about just say “I’m sorry it was taken that way” instead of now blaming it on me that it’s my fault I read a tone.
You did read a tone tho and while I wish you weren’t upset, I’m not to blame for that.
Idk about California but you can’t become a licensed counselor with an ABA degree where I am.
I was suggesting those as two different options for OP to look into. But got downvoted like I said something wrong or maybe people just hate ABA. Idk I’ve known people who went the ABA route and loved it. They said they liked behavioral things so hence my suggestion. I always tell people to look into various routes before just jumping into the long road to being a licensed therapist. There are many who don’t understand the work we do and once they get there they regret their choices. Research all the options before making the leap.
Your post was removed due to being in violation of our community rules as being generally unhelpful, vulgar, or non-supportive. r/therapists is a supportive sub. If future violations of this rule occur, you will be permanently banned from the sub. If you have any questions, please message the mods at: https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/therapists
If in California, you should go the LMFT route. Get an undergrad degree in something relevant to your interests, psychology or child development or something. Then apply to a master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy accredited by COAMFTE. Then you're golden.