18 Types of Therapy Careers: Salaries, Education & Outlook 2025
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Therapy careers span 16+ specializations requiring different education levels and offering varied earning potential. Entry-level positions like psychiatric technicians need associate degrees ($36,930 median), while licensed roles require master's degrees: Mental Health Counselors ($59,190), Marriage and Family Therapists ($63,780), and Clinical Psychologists ($96,100). Most licensed therapy careers require 2,000-4,000 supervised hours and state licensure exams, with the complete process taking 6-10 years.
The field of therapy offers a meaningful calling for those drawn to helping others navigate life's challenges. Whether addressing mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, physical rehabilitation, or personal growth, therapists use evidence-based techniques to facilitate healing and positive change.
Therapy encompasses a diverse range of specializations, each requiring specific educational pathways and professional credentials. From entry-level support roles to doctoral-level clinical practice, the field provides opportunities at various career stages. The growing recognition of mental health's importance has fueled demand across all therapy disciplines, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average growth through 2034.
Exploring therapy and counseling careers can lead to fulfilling opportunities helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges and life transitions.
This comprehensive guide explores 18 distinct therapy career paths, detailing education requirements, salary expectations, job responsibilities, and specialization options. Whether you're considering your first psychology degree or planning advanced training, understanding the full spectrum of therapy careers helps you make informed decisions about your professional future.
Table of Contents
Quick Therapy Career Comparison
Understanding how different therapy careers compare helps you identify the path that aligns with your educational goals, timeline, and financial expectations. The table below summarizes education requirements, median salaries, and growth projections for major therapy professions.
Wondering if therapy is the right career for you? Learn about 12 things therapists wish they knew before starting, including the realities of building a practice, managing burnout, and work-life balance.
| Therapy Career | Education Required | Median Salary (2024) | Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Technician | Associate Degree | $36,930 | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Mental Health Counselor | Master's Degree | $59,190 | 18% (Much faster than average) |
| Marriage & Family Therapist | Master's Degree | $63,780 | 15% (Much faster than average) |
| Clinical Social Worker | Master's Degree (MSW) | $60,060 | 7% (Faster than average) |
| Clinical Psychologist | Doctoral Degree (PhD/PsyD) | $96,100 | 6% (Faster than average) |
| Psychiatrist | Medical Degree (MD/DO) | $249,760 | 7% (Faster than average) |
| Physical Therapist | Doctoral Degree (DPT) | $99,710 | 12% (Much faster than average) |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | Master's Degree | $84,140 | 19% (Much faster than average) |
Associate Degree Therapy Careers
Associate degree programs provide the fastest entry point into therapy-related careers, typically requiring two years of study. These roles offer valuable clinical experience and can serve as stepping stones to advanced positions.
Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric technicians provide essential support to individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals. Working primarily in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health centers, these professionals monitor patient conditions, assist with daily living activities, and help implement treatment plans.
The role requires strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience, as technicians work directly with patients experiencing crisis situations. They document patient behavior, administer prescribed medications under supervision, and facilitate therapeutic activities. Many psychiatric technicians gain experience in this role before pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in mental health fields.
Education Requirements: Associate degree in psychiatric or mental health technology, though some positions accept relevant experience with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
Median Salary (2024): $36,930 annually
Work Settings: Psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment programs
Bachelor's Degree Therapy Careers
While most licensed therapy positions require graduate education, bachelor's degree holders can pursue entry-level counseling and support roles. These positions provide valuable experience and clarify career direction before committing to advanced degrees.
Life Coach
Life coaches help clients identify and achieve personal, professional, and social goals. Unlike licensed therapists who treat mental health conditions, life coaches focus on forward-looking goal achievement, helping clients overcome obstacles and develop strategies for success. They work with individuals navigating career transitions, relationship challenges, personal development, or life balance issues.
The profession doesn't require state licensure, though professional certification from organizations like the International Coach Federation enhances credibility. Many life coaches specialize in specific areas such as executive coaching, health and wellness coaching, or relationship coaching. The field offers flexibility, with many practitioners maintaining private practices or working remotely.
Education Requirements: While not legally required, a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or related fields strengthens professional credibility. Professional coaching certification programs provide specialized training.
Median Salary (2024): $62,760 (varies significantly based on specialization and client base)
Work Settings: Private practice, corporate consulting, wellness centers, remote/online coaching
Master's Degree Therapy Careers
Master's-level therapy careers represent the most common entry point for licensed clinical practice. These positions require 2-3 years of graduate education followed by extensive supervised clinical hours and state licensure examinations.
Mental Health Counselor
Licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs or LPCs) assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders using evidence-based psychotherapy techniques. They work with individuals, families, and groups addressing conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties. Mental health counselors develop treatment plans, conduct therapy sessions, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
The profession requires completing a CACREP-accredited master's program in clinical mental health counseling, accumulating 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours (requirements vary by state), and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). Most states require continuing education for license renewal.
Education Requirements: Master's degree in clinical mental health counseling or related field (typically 60 credit hours), 2,000-4,000 supervised hours, state licensure
Median Salary (2024): $59,190 annually
Work Settings: Private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, substance abuse treatment facilities, schools, correctional institutions
Marriage and Family Therapist
If you're drawn to helping couples and families navigate relationship challenges, marriage and family therapy offers a median salary of $63,780 with 14% projected growth, making it one of the faster-growing mental health professions. Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) specialize in treating relational and family dynamics using systems-based approaches. Rather than focusing solely on individual psychology, MFTs examine how relationships, communication patterns, and family structures contribute to mental health and behavioral issues. They help couples navigate relationship challenges, assist families in resolving conflicts, and address issues like infidelity, divorce, blended family dynamics, and parent-child relationships.
Becoming an MFT requires completing a COAMFTE-accredited master's program specifically in marriage and family therapy, which emphasizes relational theory and family systems approaches. Licensure requirements include 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours working with couples and families, plus passing the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national examination.
Education Requirements: Master's degree in marriage and family therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited program (typically 60 credit hours), 2,000-4,000 supervised hoursand , state licensure
Median Salary (2024): $63,780 annually
Work Settings: Private practice, family service agencies, hospitals, employee assistance programs, religious organizations
Explore online MFT degree programs if you're interested in flexible graduate education options.
Clinical Social Worker
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) provide psychotherapy and case management services while addressing social, environmental, and systemic factors affecting mental health. Unlike counselors and psychologists who focus primarily on individual psychology, social workers take a holistic approach that considers housing stability, economic resources, family dynamics, and community support systems.
Clinical social workers conduct therapy sessions, develop treatment plans, coordinate services across agencies, and advocate for clients within healthcare and social service systems. They work with diverse populations, including children in foster care, individuals with severe mental illness, hospital patients navigating healthcare systems, and families experiencing poverty or homelessness.
Beyond traditional therapy roles, you can combine clinical skills with advocacy and case management. Review social work career options that blend therapy with systems-level support.
Education Requirements: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with clinical concentration, 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours, passing the ASWB Clinical Examination,and state licensure
Median Salary (2024): $60,060 annually (Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers)
Work Settings: Hospitals, community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment programs, child welfare agencies, schools, private practice
Music Therapist
Music therapists use musical interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Working with populations ranging from premature infants to elderly hospice patients, music therapists design and implement music-based interventions that support therapeutic goals. They may help stroke patients regain speech through singing, assist children with autism in developing social skills through musical interaction, or provide pain management and emotional support for medical patients.
The profession requires completing an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved program and obtaining the Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential through the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Music therapists must maintain proficiency in multiple musical instruments and understand both music theory and therapeutic applications.
Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree from an AMTA-approved program, 1,200 clinical training hours, MT-BC certification
Median Salary (2024): $52,480 annually (Recreational Therapists category)
Work Settings: Hospitals, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, private practice
Art Therapist
Art therapists help clients express and process emotions through creative visual art processes. The therapeutic relationship develops as clients create art while discussing thoughts, feelings, and experiences with their therapist. This approach proves particularly effective for individuals who struggle with verbal expression, including trauma survivors, children, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Art therapists integrate knowledge of human development, psychological theory, counseling techniques, and artistic media. They create safe spaces for self-expression and use the creative process itself as a therapeutic tool. Treatment may involve drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, or digital media, with the process often more important than the final artistic product.
Education Requirements: Master's degree in art therapy from an American Art Therapy Association (AATA) approved program, post-master's supervised experience, Art Therapist Registered (ATR) credential
Median Salary (2024): $52,480 annually (Recreational Therapists category)
Work Settings: Psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, community programs, private practice
Dance/Movement Therapist
Dance/movement therapists use body movement as a primary therapeutic tool, recognizing the connection between physical movement and emotional expression. This approach helps clients integrate mind and body, process trauma held in the body, and develop greater self-awareness through movement. The therapy proves particularly effective for individuals with eating disorders, trauma histories, or those who respond better to kinesthetic rather than verbal processing.
Practitioners guide clients through structured movement exercises, improvisational dance, and body awareness activities while processing emotional responses and patterns. The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) oversees professional standards and credentials, including the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) designation.
Education Requirements: Master's degree in dance/movement therapy froman ADTA-approved program, 700 supervised clinical hours, R-DMT credential
Median Salary (2024): $52,480 annually (Recreational Therapists category)
Work Settings: Mental health centers, rehabilitation facilities, schools, community programs, private practice
Sex Therapist
Sex therapists specialize in treating sexual dysfunction, intimacy issues, and relationship concerns related to sexuality. Contrary to misconceptions, sex therapy involves traditional talk therapy focused on sexual health, communication, and relationship dynamics rather than physical demonstrations. Sex therapists help individuals and couples address concerns, including low desire, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, mismatched libidos, and the impact of trauma or medical conditions on sexual function.
The field requires underlying licensure as a mental health professional (counselor, psychologist, or social worker) plus specialized certification through organizations like the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Sex therapists must complete extensive specialized training in human sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and relationship dynamics.
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in the mental health field, state licensure, AASECT certification requiring specialized sexuality education, and supervised clinical hours
Median Salary (2024): $59,190 annually (Mental Health Counselors category)
Work Settings: Private practice, medical centers, relationship counseling centers
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Cognitive behavioral therapists specialize in CBT, an evidence-based approach addressing how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interconnect. CBT helps clients identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier cognitive frameworks and coping strategies. The approach has demonstrated effectiveness for treating anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
While CBT represents a therapeutic modality rather than a separate profession, many licensed mental health counselors, psychologists, and social workers pursue specialized CBT training and certification. Organizations like the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies provide advanced certification for practitioners demonstrating CBT expertise.
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in the mental health field, state licensure, specialized CBT training, and certification
Median Salary (2024): $59,190 annually (Mental Health Counselors category)
Work Settings: Private practice, hospitals, outpatient clinics, community mental health centers
Doctoral Degree Therapy Careers
Doctoral-level therapy careers require the most extensive education but offer an expanded scope of practice, higher earning potential, and opportunities for research, teaching, and specialized clinical work.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat complex mental health disorders using psychotherapy and psychological testing. Doctoral-level training enables psychologists to conduct comprehensive psychological assessments, provide specialized treatment for severe mental illness, supervise other mental health professionals, and, in some states, prescribe psychotropic medications after additional training.
Becoming a clinical psychologist requires completing a doctoral program (PhD emphasizing research or PsyD emphasizing clinical practice), typically requiring 5-7 years beyond the bachelor's degree. Programs include coursework, clinical practica, comprehensive examinations, dissertation research, and a one-year predoctoral internship. After graduation, candidates must complete 1,500-3,000 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) plus state jurisprudence exams.
Education Requirements: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in clinical psychology, predoctoral internship, postdoctoral supervision, and state licensure requiring EPPP passage
Median Salary (2024): $96,100 annually
Work Settings: Private practice, hospitals, universities, research institutions, government agencies
Learn more about starting a career in counseling and related psychology fields.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health who can prescribe medications, order medical tests, and provide psychotherapy. Their medical training allows them to understand how physical health, medications, and brain chemistry affect mental health. Psychiatrists treat severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression, often working with patients requiring medication management.
The path to psychiatry requires completing medical school (4 years), followed by a 4-year psychiatry residency. Some psychiatrists complete additional fellowship training in subspecialties like child psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry. The extensive medical training results in the highest earning potential among therapy careers but requires 12+ years of education and training.
Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree (pre-med), medical school (MD or DO), 4-year psychiatry residency, board certification, state medical license
Median Salary (2024): $249,760 annually
Work Settings: Private practice, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, academic medical centers
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain following injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They design customized treatment plans incorporating exercises, manual therapy, and assistive devices to restore function and improve quality of life. Physical therapists work with diverse populations from athletes recovering from sports injuries to elderly patients regaining mobility after strokes.
The profession now requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which takes 3 years beyond a bachelor's degree. Programs include extensive anatomy, kinesiology, and clinical education. Graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain state licensure. The field offers strong job security with a projected 12% growth through 2033.
Education Requirements: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree (3 years post-bachelor's), clinical internships, NPTE passage, state licensure
Median Salary (2024): $99,710 annually
Work Settings: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports medicine facilities, home health, nursing homes
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. They work with children who have articulation difficulties or language delays, stroke survivors regaining speech abilities, individuals with stuttering or voice disorders, and patients with swallowing difficulties affecting nutrition and safety.
SLPs complete a master's degree in speech-language pathology, including supervised clinical experience. After graduation, they complete a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) of supervised practice before obtaining the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The field offers excellent job prospects with 19% projected growth.
Education Requirements: Master's degree in speech-language pathology, Clinical Fellowship Year, ASHA CCC-SLP certification, state licensure
Median Salary (2024): $84,140 annually
Work Settings: Schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice, skilled nursing facilities
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) provide comprehensive mental health services, including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management. With nursing backgrounds, PMHNPs bring a holistic health perspective to mental health treatment, considering how physical health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors affect mental wellness.
The career path begins with becoming a registered nurse (RN), then completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a psychiatric-mental health focus. PMHNPs can prescribe psychiatric medications in all states, providing an alternative to psychiatrists in areas with physician shortages. The role combines clinical skills, prescriptive authority, and often greater accessibility for patients.
Education Requirements: RN licensure, MSN or DNP with psychiatric-mental health specialization, national board certification, state APRN licensure
Median Salary (2024): $128,490 annually (Nurse Practitioners category)
Work Settings: Private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, correctional facilities
Specialized Therapy Approaches
Beyond degree-specific careers, therapists often specialize in particular theoretical approaches or populations. These specializations typically require foundational licensure plus additional training and certification.
Existential Therapist
Existential therapy explores fundamental questions about meaning, freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Rather than focusing on symptom reduction, existential therapists help clients confront life's inherent challenges, find personal meaning, and make authentic choices aligned with their values. This philosophical approach proves particularly relevant for individuals facing mortality, major life transitions, or questions about purpose and meaning.
Practitioners typically hold master's or doctoral degrees in counseling or psychology, plus specialized training in existential-humanistic approaches through programs like the Existential-Humanistic Institute. The approach requires deep philosophical understanding and comfort with ambiguity and fundamental life questions.
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree inthe mental health field, state licensure, specialized training in existential-humanistic approaches
Median Salary (2024): $59,190 annually (Mental Health Counselors category)
Work Settings: Private practice, university counseling centers, hospice programs
Transpersonal Therapist
Transpersonal therapists integrate spiritual dimensions into psychological healing, recognizing that psychological growth and spiritual development interconnect. This approach helps clients explore consciousness, peak experiences, meditation practices, and meaning-making beyond the individual ego. Transpersonal therapy draws from Eastern philosophies, mindfulness practices, and humanistic psychology.
Practitioners complete traditional mental health training plus specialized education in transpersonal approaches through institutions like the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. The approach requires cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse spiritual traditions while maintaining professional boundaries.
Education Requirements: Master's or doctoral degree in psychology or counseling, state licensure, specialized training in transpersonal methods
Median Salary (2024): $59,190 annually (Mental Health Counselors category)
Work Settings: Private practice, holistic health centers, retreat centers, university counseling centers
Exercise Therapist
Exercise therapists (or clinical exercise physiologists) design therapeutic exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases, disabilities, or recovering from injuries. They understand how exercise affects cardiovascular health, metabolic disorders, mental health, and physical rehabilitation. Exercise therapists create customized programs addressing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression.
The field requires understanding both exercise science and clinical applications. Certification through organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) demonstrates professional competency. Exercise therapists often work alongside physical therapists, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in exercise science or kinesiology, ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification
Median Salary (2024): $52,480 annually (Exercise Physiologists category)
Work Settings: Hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation programs, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs
Choosing Your Therapy Career Path
Selecting the right therapy career involves weighing multiple factors, including educational commitment, earning potential, work-life balance, and personal interests. Consider these key decision points:
Education Timeline and Cost: Associate degrees offer quick entry but limited advancement, while doctoral programs require 8-12 years and a $100,000-$200,000+ investment. Master's-level careers provide the best balance for most aspiring therapists, requiring 6-7 years total education.
Licensure Requirements: Most clinical therapy roles require state licensure involving supervised hours (2,000-4,000 hours typical) and national examinations. Research your state's specific requirements early in your planning process.
Scope of Practice: Doctoral-level providers can prescribe medications (psychiatrists, nurse practitioners) and conduct psychological testing (psychologists). Master's-level therapists provide psychotherapy within their scope but refer for testing and medication management.
Work Settings: Consider whether you prefer private practice autonomy, community agency collaboration, hospital medical settings, or school environments. Different therapy careers cluster in particular settings.
Specialization Interests: If you're drawn to specific populations (children, elderly, couples) or issues (trauma, addiction, eating disorders), research which therapy careers most commonly work in those areas.
Many aspiring therapists begin with bachelor's degrees in psychology or related fields, gain experience through entry-level positions, and then pursue graduate education after clarifying their career direction. This approach prevents costly education pivots while building relevant experience.
All therapists, regardless of specialization, face similar challenges in maintaining work-life balance. One common struggle is resisting the urge to therapize family members and friends —an important skill for protecting personal relationships and professional effectiveness.
Explore online psychology degree programs to find flexible education options that fit your schedule and goals.
For those interested in helping others without pursuing clinical licensure, life coaching offers an alternative career path focused on goal achievement and personal development rather than mental health treatment.
Regardless of which therapy specialty you pursue, all mental health professionals must understand how to maintain appropriate relationships with clients. Establishing clear professional boundaries protects both your clients and your license across all therapy modalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of therapy career pays the most?
Psychiatrists earn the highest median salary at $249,760 annually, followed by nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatry ($128,490), physical therapists ($99,710), and clinical psychologists ($96,100). However, these careers also require the most extensive education and training, ranging from 8-12 years beyond high school.
Can I become a therapist with just a bachelor's degree?
While you can work in therapy-related support roles with a bachelor's degree (such as life coach, case manager, or behavioral health technician), most licensed therapy positions require master's or doctoral degrees. Licensed Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers all require master's degrees plus 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours.
What's the difference between a counselor, therapist, and psychologist?
These terms often overlap, but distinctions exist. "Counselor" typically refers to master's-level licensed professional counselors (LPCs). "Therapist" is a general term encompassing anyone providing therapy, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. "Psychologist" specifically refers to doctoral-level professionals (PhD or PsyD) licensed to provide therapy and conduct psychological testing.
How long does it take to become a licensed therapist?
For master's-level licensure (LPC, LMFT, LCSW), expect 6-7 years total: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree, then 2-3 years accumulating required supervised clinical hours while working under supervision. Doctoral-level careers require 8-12 years, including undergraduate, graduate, internship, and postdoctoral training.
Do all therapy careers require supervised hours after graduation?
Yes, virtually all licensed therapy careers require post-graduate supervised clinical practice. Requirements vary by state and license type, but typically range from 1,500-4,000 hours. During this period, you work as an associate or intern under a licensed supervisor while accumulating hours toward full licensure.
Which therapy career has the best work-life balance?
Work-life balance varies more by work setting thanby career type. Private practice offers maximum flexibility but requires business management. School-based positions (school counselors, speech-language pathologists) typically follow academic calendars with summers off. Hospital and agency positions usually involve more structured schedules. Many therapists report a good work-life balance once established in their careers.
Can I specialize in multiple therapy approaches?
Yes, many therapists develop expertise in multiple approaches. For example, a licensed counselor might specialize in both trauma-focused therapy and couples counseling, or incorporate art therapy techniques into clinical mental health counseling practice. Additional certifications and training enable practitioners to expand their specializations throughout their careers.
What therapy careers are most in demand?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2033, mental health counselors (18% growth), speech-language pathologists (19% growth), and marriage and family therapists (15% growth) show the strongest demand. The COVID-19 pandemic increased mental health awareness, accelerating demand across all mental health professions. Rural and underserved areas face particular shortages.
Do I need to choose my therapy specialization before starting my degree?
Not necessarily. Many students begin with bachelor's degrees in psychology or related fields, gaining exposure to different areas before selecting graduate specializations. However, some specialized master's programs (like MFT or art therapy) require specific preparation. Research graduate program prerequisites early to ensure you complete the necessary coursework.
Can therapy careers be pursued online or remotely?
Many therapy degree programs now offer online or hybrid formats, particularly at the master's level. Clinical practice increasingly includes telehealth options, with many therapists maintaining partially or fully remote practices. However, licensure still requires in-person supervised clinical hours, and some positions (hospital-based roles, physical therapy) require in-person work.
Key Takeaways
- Therapy careers span five education levels from associate degrees ($36,930 median) to medical degrees ($249,760 median), with master's-level positions offering the most common entry point for licensed practice at $59,000-$84,000 salaries.
- Licensed therapy positions require extensive post-graduate training, including 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours and passing national licensure examinations, with the complete process taking 6-10 years depending on degree level.
- Mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and speech-language pathologists show the strongest job growth (15-19% through 2033), all significantly faster than the national average across all occupations.
- Specialization options extend beyond degree types to include therapeutic approaches (CBT, existential, transpersonal), populations (children, couples, elderly), and modalities (art, music, dance/movement therapy).
- Educational investment ranges from $20,000-$40,000 for associate degrees to $100,000-$200,000+ for doctoral programs, with most master's programs costing $30,000-$80,000 for in-state public institutions.
- Work settings vary significantly by career type, from private practice autonomy to hospital medical teams, school systems, community agencies, and corporate wellness programs, each offering different work-life balance dynamics.
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| Professions | Job Responsibilities |
|---|---|
 Art Therapist | Quick Answer To become an art therapist, you'll need a master's degree in art therapy, counseling, or marriage and family therapy with an art therapy concentration. This requires approximately 7-9 years total, including supervised clinical experience. You must complete 1,500-4,000 supervised clinical hour,s depending on licensure path and state, then pass licensing exams to become an LPC or LMFT. Licensed Continue Reading |
 Cognitive Behavioral Therapist | Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that takes a practical and tangible approach to solving issues. CBT is designed to help people change the way they think and the way they behave in order to help ease or even solve someone's issues. It is used in a wide variety of cases including things like depression or relationship issues, but its effectiveness stems from its ability to help people think about how their attitudes and beliefs are affecting their behavior. Once that is understood, it can be used to help affect change in that behavior. |
 Dance / Movement Therapist | Quick Answer To become a dance movement therapist, you'll need a master's degree in mental health counseling or a related field, plus specialized training through an ADTA-approved program or alternative certification route. The R-DMT credential requires supervised clinical experience and typically takes 6-8 years, depending on your educational background and training path. Dance movement therapists earn a national median salary Continue Reading |
 Exercise Therapist | Learn how to become an exercise therapist. Explore education requirements, 2024 salary data ($59K median), certification, job outlook & work settings. |
 Existential Therapist | Quick Answer Existential therapy is a philosophical approach to psychotherapy that helps clients explore fundamental questions about meaning, freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Becoming an existential therapist typically requires a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or clinical psychology, state licensure (typically around 3,000 supervised hours, though requirements vary by state), and specialized training in existential-humanistic approaches. Mental health counselors who Continue Reading |
 Life Coach | Quick Answer To become a life coach, you don't need a license, but you should earn ICF or IAC certification through a training program. Most ICF-accredited programs require 60-200+ hours of training, with costs typically between $3,000 and $12,000. IAC has fewer rigid training hour requirements. Most successful coaches also pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, counseling, or Continue Reading |
 Marriage Family Therapist | Learn how to become an MFT with this complete guide covering education requirements, licensure steps, salary data, and career outlook for [xyz_school_year]. |
 Musical Therapist | Learn how to become a certified music therapist. Get details on AMTA programs, MT-BC certification, 1,200 clinical hours, salary, and career paths. |
 Physical Therapist | To become a physical therapist, you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which takes 3 years after earning a bachelor's degree. You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain state licensure. The entire process typically takes 7-8 years, with median salaries of $97,720 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022 data). |
 Psychiatric Nurse | Quick Answer Psychiatric nurses are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who specialize in mental health care. To become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (PMHN), you need a master's degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing (MSN), APRN licensure in your state, and national board certification. The median salary for nurse practitioners is $132,050 as of 2024, with psychiatric NPs earning among the highest Continue Reading |
 Psychotherapist | Psychotherapy careers include clinical psychologists (PhD/PsyD required, median $96,100), psychiatrists (MD required, median $249,760), marriage and family therapists (master's required, median $63,780), mental health counselors (master's required, median $59,190), and clinical social workers (MSW required, median $60,060). Most roles require 6-10 years of education, supervised training, and state licensure. Job growth ranges from 6% to 22% through 2034. |
 Sex Therapist | Quick Answer Sex therapists help individuals and couples overcome sexual difficulties through clinical counseling. To become a certified sex therapist, you'll need a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work (typically 6-8 years total education), complete 300+ hours of specialized sex therapy training, obtain AASECT certification, and secure state licensure. As of 2024, marriage and family therapists earn a Continue Reading |
 Speech Pathologist | Discover how to become a speech-language pathologist. Explore salary data ($95,410 median), education requirements, job outlook, and career pathways. |
 Transpersonal Therapist | Quick Answer Transpersonal therapists help clients explore spiritual dimensions of healing alongside mental and emotional health. This career requires a master's or doctoral degree in psychology or counseling, state licensure (with supervised hour requirements varying by state and license type—typically 2,000-4,000 hours), and specialized training in transpersonal methods. According to BLS data for the broader "Therapists, All Other" category, the Continue Reading |
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
