What Degree Do I Need to Become a Counselor or Therapist?

Educational Pathways to Becoming a Therapist

Bachelor’s Degree (First Step) While you cannot practice therapy with just a bachelor’s degree, it provides a strong foundation. Common majors include:

• Psychology (BA or BS)
• Social Work (BSW)
• Human Services or Sociology

Entry-level mental health roles, such as case management or substance abuse counseling, may be available with a bachelor's degree.

--

Master’s Degree (Required for Licensure) To become a licensed therapist, you typically need a master’s degree in a counseling-related field:

• Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (LPC, LMHC) – For general mental health therapy in private practice, clinics, or hospitals.
• Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) – Specializing in couples and family therapy.
• Master’s in Social Work (MSW, LCSW) – For those providing therapy through social work frameworks.
• Master’s in School Counseling – Focusing on therapy and emotional support for students.

--

Doctoral Degree (For Specialization & Research) A PhD in Clinical Psychology or PsyD in Psychology is not required for most therapists but can lead to specialized clinical roles or academic positions.

--

Licensing & Certification for Therapists To practice therapy, you must complete:

• Supervised Clinical Experience (2,000-4,000 hours, varies by state)
• Licensing Exam (e.g., National Counselor Examination (NCE) for LPCs, Exam in Marital and Family Therapy (EMFT) for LMFTs)
• Ongoing Continuing Education to maintain licensure

Career Trends and Emerging Fields in Counseling & Therapy

The field of counseling and therapy is evolving rapidly. With increasing awareness about mental health, the demand for counselors is expanding across various sectors, with the fields expected to grow by 33% by 2030. Here are some notable trends and emerging fields:

1. Telehealth and Online Counseling: The rise of digital platforms for therapy, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped mental health care, with online therapy usage increasing by over 5,000% between 2019 and 2021 (American Psychological Association, 2022). Online therapy provides greater flexibility and accessibility, particularly benefiting the 57 million Americans living in rural or underserved areas who may struggle to access in-person mental health care.
2. Behavioral Health: As the focus on behavioral health grows, demand for specialists in addiction, trauma recovery, and PTSD is rising sharply. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we’ve seen a 22% increase in job openings for behavioral health counselors between 2020 and 2030. Many people meet diagnostic criteria while only a tiny minority are able to receive treatment; for instance, in 2022, over 46 million Americans met the criteria for a substance use disorder,yet only 6% received treatment (SAMHSA, 2023). 
3. Youth and Adolescent Counseling: Rising stress, anxiety, and depression levels among youth have created an urgent demand for youth and adolescent therapists. The number of school-based mental health professionals has increased by 65% since 2019, but demand continues to outpace availability (American School Counselor Association, 2023). In 2023 alone, 42% of high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness, and 22% seriously considered suicide (CDC, 2023). 
4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Companies are also driving the demand for counseling and therapy services, with many recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace. 98% of large employers now offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) (National Business Group on Health, 2023), since workplace mental health services have been shown to reduce absenteeism by 40% and improve productivity by up to 25% (APA, 2023). In fact, workplace stress costs U.S. businesses an estimated $300 billion annually in lost productivity. Because of this, demand for workplace mental health professionals is expected to increase by 17% by 2030 (BLS, 2023).
5. Social Justice Counseling: With increasing awareness of mental health disparities, demand for social justice-focused therapists is rising. People of color are 20-50% less likely to receive mental health care than white individuals, despite having comparable rates of mental illness (NIMH, 2023). Therapists specializing in racial trauma, LGBTQ+ mental health, and community advocacy are helping bridge these gaps, leading to a 29% rise in community-based mental health programs since 2020 (SAMHSA, 2023).

Trauma & Behavioral Health Therapy: The demand for therapists specializing in PTSD, trauma recovery, and addiction is rapidly increasing. Over 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health, and many of those individuals will seek treatment.

Job Outlook for Therapists & Counselors

The job outlook for counselors and therapists is strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting growth for mental health professionals. Here are some key statistics:

• Mental Health Counselors: Employment is projected to grow 16% from 2023 to 2033. The increasing need for mental health services and the recognition of the importance of mental well-being contribute to this demand.
• Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs): Job growth is expected to increase by 16% between 2023 and 2033, driven by the increased recognition of the importance of mental health and family therapy services.
• Substance Abuse Counselors: Employment in this field is projected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, largely due to the ongoing opioid crisis and rising demand for substance abuse treatment.
• School and Career Counselors: The employment of school and career counselors is expected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, driven by the increasing focus on mental health support in schools and career development programs.

Education and Career Pathways in Counseling

There are several educational pathways one can take to become a counselor or therapist, each leading to distinct career options. The path you choose depends on your career goals, preferred client population, and the type of counseling you wish to practice.

--

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or a Related Field: A bachelor's degree is typically the first step in a counseling career. While you cannot practice as a licensed counselor with just a bachelor's, it provides the foundational knowledge needed for further study in psychology or counseling. Common undergraduate degrees include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)
• Bachelor’s in Sociology or Human Services
  
  These programs offer introductory courses in psychology, mental health disorders, human development, and counseling techniques. If you plan to work in roles like a substance abuse counselor or mental health technician, you may be able to secure an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree. However, licensed professionals generally earn 30-50% more than those with only bachelor's degrees.

--

Master’s Degree in Counseling: For most counseling careers, a master’s degree is required. Fortunately, the investment into a master’s degree typically pays for itself within 3-5 through increased earnings. A Master’s in Counseling is one of the best degrees for those aiming to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs), marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), or mental health counselors. Some of the most common master’s degree options include:

• Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This degree prepares students for counseling careers in mental health clinics, private practice, schools, and hospitals.
• Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): If you're interested in working with couples and families, an MFT program focuses on therapeutic interventions in family dynamics and relationship counseling.
• Master’s in Social Work (MSW): An MSW is essential for those who want to pursue a career in social work, and it can also be applied to counseling positions. Many social workers provide therapy to individuals, families, and communities.
• Master’s in School Counseling: For those interested in working in educational settings, this degree focuses on supporting students in their academic, social, and emotional development.

--

Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD): While a PhD or PsyD is not required to become a counselor, pursuing these advanced degrees can be beneficial for those interested in specialized clinical roles or academic positions. A PhD in Clinical Psychology typically involves extensive research training, while a PsyD focuses more on clinical practice. You can also pursue a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision. These degrees are typically pursued by those wishing to become psychologists or professors.

--

Licensing and Certification Requirements: Licensing is a critical step in becoming a practicing counselor or therapist. Licensing requirements vary by state and specialization but generally include the following:

• Postgraduate Supervised Experience: After earning a master’s degree, most counseling careers require a period of supervised clinical experience. This could range from 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised work, depending on the state and specialty.
• Examinations: Many states require counselors to pass a national or state-specific exam. For example, the National Counselor Examination (NCE) is common for LPCs, while the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (EMFT) is for marriage and family therapists.

--

Continuing Education: Counselors must maintain their license by completing continuing education courses, which help them stay updated on the latest therapeutic techniques and ethical practices.

Comparison of Counseling Degrees

Here’s a quick-reference chart to help you compare common counseling degrees, their duration, licensing, and career paths:

Conclusion: Which Counseling Degree is Right for You?

The best degree for a counseling career depends on your interests, goals, and the type of therapy you want to provide. Whether you're aiming for a Master's in Counseling, an MSW, or a PhD in Clinical Psychology, each path offers unique opportunities and challenges. Additionally, keeping up with licensing requirements and being aware of emerging fields will help you stay competitive in a growing and evolving industry.

Additional Resources:

• 8 In-Demand Career Paths for a Master's Degree in Counseling
• What's the Difference Between Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors?
• The Thoughtful Counselor podcast

By understanding the degrees, career paths, and licensing requirements, you can make an informed decision about the best route for your counseling career.

Discover the ways a graduate degree from Palo Alto University can help you prepare to become a counselor or therapist.