Existential Therapist Careers 2025: Salary, Outlook & How to Start
Existential therapists help clients explore fundamental questions about meaning, freedom, authenticity, and life's purpose. These professionals typically earn between $53,710 $56,570 annually, depending on credentials and setting, with a strong 18% projected job growth through 2032. Most positions require a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, plus state licensure. Career opportunities span private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and veterans' facilities.
Existential therapy represents a unique and philosophically grounded approach to mental health treatment. This therapeutic method explores life's most profound questions—confronting concerns about death, freedom, responsibility, isolation, and meaning. Unlike approaches that focus primarily on symptom reduction, existential therapy helps clients live more authentically and find purpose amid life's inevitable challenges.
For those drawn to philosophical inquiry and deep human connection, a career as an existential therapist offers the opportunity to guide others through life's most significant transitions and existential concerns. This comprehensive guide explores what it takes to enter this meaningful field, from educational requirements to salary expectations and career advancement opportunities.
What is Existential Therapy?
Existential therapy is a philosophical and humanistic approach to psychotherapy that helps clients examine their relationship with fundamental aspects of human existence, including freedom, responsibility, isolation, mortality, and meaning.
This therapeutic approach emerged from existential philosophy, drawing on the works of philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Rather than focusing exclusively on past traumas or cognitive distortions, existential therapists work collaboratively with clients to explore present choices and future possibilities.
The existential perspective addresses symptoms such as anxiety, depression, shame, avoidance, addiction, and anger not merely as disorders to eliminate, but as meaningful responses to life's inherent challenges. Therapists help clients transform these struggles into opportunities for growth, authenticity, and deeper self-awareness.
Common issues addressed through existential therapy include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, major life transitions, relationship difficulties, and questions about life purpose. While research on existential therapy's effectiveness continues to develop, the approach is increasingly recognized for helping clients facing significant life changes, existential crises, or those seeking deeper meaning beyond symptom management. It's often used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments to provide comprehensive care.
Existential Therapist Salary & Employment Outlook
National Salary Averages (2024)
Existential therapists typically work under broader occupational categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compensation varies based on specific role, credentials, and work setting.
| Occupation Category | Median Annual Salary | Entry Level (10th Percentile) | Experienced (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselors | $53,710 | $37,960 | $86,650 |
| Marriage & Family Therapists | $56,570 | $39,780 | $90,880 |
Salaries depend significantly on factors including education level (master's vs. doctoral degree), years of experience, geographic location, employment setting, and whether the therapist maintains a private practice versus working for an organization.
Top-Paying States for Mental Health Counselors (2024)
Location significantly impacts earning potential. The highest-paying states for mental health counselors reflect both the cost of living and demand for mental health services.
| State | Median Annual Salary | Comparison to National Average |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $67,880 | +26% above national |
| Utah | $65,430 | +22% above national |
| Oregon | $63,140 | +18% above national |
| Washington | $62,010 | +15% above national |
| California | $60,740 | +13% above national |
Employment Growth Projections
The career outlook for existential therapists remains strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 42,000 new job openings annually.
Several factors drive this strong demand. Increasing public awareness about mental health, reduced stigma around seeking therapy, growing interest in holistic treatment approaches, and expanded insurance coverage for mental health services all contribute to robust job prospects. The aging population and increased need for services addressing trauma, addiction, and life transitions further strengthen employment opportunities.
Salary by Employment Setting
Where you work significantly affects compensation and the work environment.
| Employment Setting | Typical Salary Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $55,000 - $120,000+ | Earnings vary widely by location, clientele, business skills, and years established |
| Hospitals | $52,000 - $75,000 | Structured environment, comprehensive benefits |
| Mental Health Clinics | $48,000 - $68,000 | Community-focused, varied clientele |
| Schools/Universities | $46,000 - $65,000 | Academic calendar, student-focused |
| Veterans Facilities | $50,000 - $72,000 | Federal benefits, specialized training |
Note on private practice: Earnings in private practice depend heavily on location, the therapist's ability to attract and retain clients, insurance versus cash-pay models, business management skills, and years of experience building a reputation. Starting income can be significantly lower than established practitioners.
A Day in the Life of an Existential Therapist
The daily experience of an existential therapist blends deep philosophical inquiry with practical therapeutic intervention. A typical day varies based on practice setting but generally includes several core activities.
Client sessions form the heart of the work. Most existential therapists conduct 4-8 individual therapy sessions daily, each lasting 45-60 minutes. During sessions, therapists create a safe space for clients to explore fundamental concerns about existence, meaning, freedom, and responsibility. Rather than directing treatment, therapists facilitate client self-discovery through thoughtful questioning and reflection.
Between sessions, therapists engage in documentation and case notes. Accurate record-keeping ensures continuity of care, meets legal and ethical requirements, and helps track client progress. This administrative work typically consumes 1-2 hours daily.
Consultation and supervision remain essential throughout one's career. Therapists regularly meet with peers or supervisors to discuss challenging cases, explore counter-transference issues, and ensure they're providing optimal care. This collaborative process helps prevent burnout and maintains clinical effectiveness.
Many existential therapists also engage in continuing education and professional development. Reading current research, attending workshops on existential-phenomenological theory, and participating in professional organizations keep skills sharp and knowledge current.
For those in private practice, business management tasks add another dimension. This includes scheduling appointments, managing billing and insurance claims, marketing services, and maintaining the practice infrastructure. Some therapists hire administrative support to handle these responsibilities.
Required Skills & Knowledge for Existential Therapists
Success as an existential therapist requires a unique blend of philosophical understanding, psychological expertise, and interpersonal skills. The role demands both intellectual rigor and emotional attunement.
Essential Knowledge Areas
Psychology foundations provide the scientific basis for practice. This includes a deep understanding of abnormal psychology (unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought), developmental psychology (how humans develop across the lifespan), experimental psychology (memory, learning, cognition), and personality theories (psychoanalytic, trait, humanistic, and social-cognitive perspectives).
Philosophy and existential thought distinguish this specialization. Therapists must understand existential philosophy, phenomenology, and hermeneutics. Familiarity with key existential thinkers—Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Buber, and contemporary existential psychologists like Rollo May, Irvin Yalom, and Emmy van Deurzen—provides the conceptual framework for practice.
Research methods and statistics enable evidence-based practice. Understanding descriptive and correlational research methods, natural and laboratory observations, and statistical analysis helps therapists critically evaluate research and contribute to the field's knowledge base.
Holistic and integrative approaches complement existential work. Knowledge of how mind, body, and spirit interact enhances treatment effectiveness. Many existential therapists incorporate elements from psychosynthesis, mindfulness practices, or somatic therapies.
Critical Clinical Skills
Empathy and neutrality create the foundation for a therapeutic alliance. Existential therapists must listen without judgment, honoring each client's unique individuality while helping them explore difficult existential concerns. This requires setting aside personal biases and truly meeting clients where they are.
Facilitating rather than directing embodies the existential approach. Instead of positioning themselves as experts who fix problems, effective therapists ask questions that help clients reach their own understanding. This collaborative stance respects client autonomy and supports authentic self-discovery.
Communication excellence ensures ideas resonate with clients. Therapists must translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible language, matching their communication style to each client's needs and background.
Complex problem-solving addresses intimate and sometimes tragic concerns. Clients bring profound questions about meaning, death, isolation, freedom, and responsibility. Therapists must help clients navigate these concerns with clarity and compassion, building trust through consistent presence and genuine care.
Personal authenticity and alignment model the existential ideal. Therapists must continually work to align their own behavior with their values, beliefs, and personal philosophies. This ongoing self-examination prevents therapists from projecting unresolved issues onto clients and maintains therapeutic integrity.
How to Become an Existential Therapist
The path to becoming an existential therapist involves substantial education, supervised clinical experience, and professional licensure. While the journey requires significant commitment, the rewards of this meaningful career make the investment worthwhile.
Educational Pathway
Bachelor's degree provides the foundation. Most aspiring therapists earn a bachelor's degree in psychology, philosophy, counseling, or a closely related field. Coursework should include abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, and introduction to counseling theories. Some programs offer specific courses in existential psychology or phenomenological research methods.
During undergraduate studies, seek opportunities for research assistance, volunteer work at mental health facilities, or positions as crisis hotline counselors. These experiences clarify whether the field aligns with your interests and strengthen graduate school applications.
Master's degree is the minimum requirement for clinical practice. To work directly with clients and pursue licensure, you'll need a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, or social work. Programs should be accredited by relevant bodies like CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) or COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education).
Look for programs offering coursework or specialization tracks in existential-humanistic approaches. Core courses typically include counseling techniques, psychopathology, ethics, group counseling, career counseling, and practicum/internship experiences. Graduate programs generally require 60 credit hours and 2-3 years of full-time study.
To deepen your existential therapy expertise, consider additional training through specialized institutes like the Existential-Humanistic Institute, the Society for Existential Analysis, or the International Association for Existential Psychotherapy. These organizations offer workshops, certificate programs, and advanced training.
Doctoral degree opens doors to teaching, research, and advanced clinical positions. A PhD in Counseling Psychology or Clinical Psychology with an existential focus, or a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, typically requires 5-7 years beyond the bachelor's degree. Doctoral training includes extensive research, comprehensive examinations, advanced clinical work, and a dissertation. While not required for independent practice, doctoral degrees enhance career opportunities in academia and research.
Learn more about how to start an existential therapy career and the specific training pathways available.
Licensure Requirements
All states require licensure to practice independently as a professional counselor or therapist. Requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree from an accredited program, 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (typically 2-3 years), and passing a national examination.
Common licenses include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). A master's degree is sufficient for independent practice in all U.S. states. Doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) are optional and primarily pursued by those interested in research, university teaching, or specialized psychological assessment and testing. Check your state's specific requirements through your state licensing board.
For those interested in mental health counseling careers, understanding the full scope of licensure requirements ensures you can practice legally and ethically in your jurisdiction.
Continuing Education and Specialization
Professional development doesn't end with licensure. Most states require continuing education credits (typically 20-40 hours every two years) to maintain licensure. Use these requirements to deepen your existential therapy expertise through specialized workshops, conferences, and training programs.
Consider pursuing additional certifications in areas complementing existential work, such as trauma treatment (EMDR), mindfulness-based therapies, or specific populations (veterans, adolescents, substance abuse). Reading widely in existential philosophy and contemporary existential psychology maintains theoretical grounding.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Existential therapists can advance their careers through multiple pathways, each offering unique rewards and challenges.
Private practice represents the pinnacle of clinical independence. After gaining experience and building a professional reputation, many therapists establish their own practices. This path offers maximum flexibility in choosing clients, setting schedules, and focusing on existential approaches without institutional constraints. However, it requires business acumen, marketing skills, and comfort with financial uncertainty, especially during the startup phase.
Clinical supervision and training allow experienced therapists to shape the next generation. After accumulating sufficient clinical hours and obtaining appropriate credentials, therapists can supervise provisionally licensed clinicians. Many also teach part-time at counseling or psychology graduate programs, sharing their expertise with students.
Specialization in specific populations builds expertise and reputation. Some existential therapists focus on particular client groups—veterans dealing with moral injury, cancer patients facing mortality, executives experiencing success crises, or individuals navigating major life transitions. Specialization can command higher fees and attract ideal clients.
Writing and thought leadership extend influence beyond individual clients. Experienced therapists may write books, develop online courses, contribute to professional journals, or speak at conferences. These activities establish authority in the field while generating additional income streams.
Program development and administration appeal to those interested in organizational leadership. Clinical directors of mental health programs, directors of training at clinics, or founders of specialty treatment centers can shape how existential approaches are delivered at scale.
Those interested in broader therapy career options should explore therapy career paths to understand the full landscape of opportunities.
Existential Therapy vs. Other Therapeutic Approaches
Understanding how existential therapy differs from other modalities helps clarify whether this specialization aligns with your therapeutic philosophy and interests.
Existential therapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying and changing problematic thought patterns and behaviors. It's highly structured, often time-limited, and emphasizes practical coping skills. Existential therapy, in contrast, explores deeper questions about meaning and existence rather than targeting specific symptoms. Where CBT asks "What thoughts and behaviors maintain this problem?" existential therapy asks "What does this problem mean for how you're living your life?"
Existential therapy vs. Psychodynamic therapy: Both approaches value depth and complexity, but psychodynamic therapy emphasizes unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and transference dynamics. Existential therapy focuses more on present choices, future possibilities, and conscious awareness of existential concerns. Psychodynamic work explores "How did your past create this pattern?" while existential work asks "How are you choosing to live in the face of life's givens?"
Existential therapy vs. Person-Centered therapy: These approaches share common roots in humanistic psychology and both emphasize the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and client autonomy. However, existential therapy more directly confronts difficult aspects of existence—death, isolation, meaninglessness—while person-centered therapy maintains a more consistently supportive, non-confrontational stance. Both trust clients' inherent capacity for growth.
When existential therapy excels: This approach works particularly well for clients facing major life transitions, existential crises, questions about purpose and meaning, grief and loss, or those seeking personal growth beyond symptom relief. It resonates with philosophically inclined clients who appreciate exploring deeper questions about human existence.
Pros and Cons of an Existential Therapy Career
Like any career path, specializing in existential therapy comes with distinct advantages and challenges.
Advantages
Deeply meaningful work tops the list of rewards. Existential therapists engage with clients' most profound concerns—helping people find meaning, live authentically, and navigate life's inevitable struggles. This work provides a sense of purpose that transcends typical employment.
Intellectual stimulation keeps the work engaging. The integration of philosophy and psychology means continually grappling with fundamental questions about human existence. For intellectually curious individuals, this prevents career stagnation.
Strong job growth and stability provide economic security. The 18% projected growth rate exceeds most occupations, and mental health services remain essential regardless of economic conditions.
Flexibility and autonomy increase with experience. Many therapists eventually establish private practices, setting their own hours and choosing their client load. Even therapists in organizations typically enjoy significant autonomy in how they conduct therapy.
Continuous personal growth accompanies professional development. The self-examination required for existential practice promotes ongoing personal development, making practitioners more authentic and self-aware.
Challenges
Emotional demands can lead to burnout without proper self-care. Regularly engaging with clients' suffering, existential angst, and life crises requires emotional resilience. Therapists must develop robust self-care practices and seek their own therapy when needed.
Extensive education and training require significant time and financial investment. The minimum of 6-7 years beyond high school, plus supervised hours for licensure, means delayed entry into full practice and potential student loan debt.
Income variability affects those in private practice. Building a caseload takes time, and income fluctuates based on client retention, insurance reimbursement rates, and economic conditions. Starting salaries in community mental health settings may be modest relative to education level.
Administrative burdens detract from clinical time. Documentation, insurance paperwork, and (for private practitioners) business management consume significant energy. Many therapists find these tasks drain their enthusiasm for the work.
Limited understanding of the approach means educating clients and referral sources. Existential therapy remains less known than CBT or psychodynamic approaches, requiring therapists to explain their orientation and demonstrate its effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become an existential therapist?
Most existential therapists hold a master's degree in counseling, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work. While no specific "existential therapy" degree exists, you specialize through focused coursework, workshops with existential training institutes, supervision from existential practitioners, and extensive reading in existential philosophy and psychology. A bachelor's degree in psychology or philosophy provides the foundation, but licensure typically requires a master's degree. Doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) are optional and primarily pursued by those interested in research, university teaching, or specialized psychological assessment.
How much do existential therapists make?
Salary varies based on credentials, experience, location, and employment setting. Mental health counselors specializing in existential approaches earn a median of $53,710 annually, while those working as marriage and family therapists earn a median of $56,570. Entry-level positions start around $37,960-$39,780, while experienced therapists in the top 10% earn $86,650-$90,880 or more. Private practice therapists may earn significantly higher incomes, but earnings vary widely based on location, clientele, business acumen, and years established. Geographic location dramatically impacts salary, with states like New Jersey, Utah, and Oregon offering the highest compensation.
Is existential therapy in demand?
Yes, demand for existential therapists is strong and growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% job growth for mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032—faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 42,000 new positions annually. Growing public awareness about mental health, reduced stigma around therapy, increasing interest in holistic and meaning-centered approaches, expanded insurance coverage for mental health services, and an aging population facing existential concerns all drive demand. Therapists who can address existential issues find consistent work across various settings.
Can I practice existential therapy in private practice?
Yes, but you must first meet your state's licensing requirements. This typically includes earning a master's degree from an accredited program, completing 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (usually 2-3 years), and passing a national licensing exam. Once licensed as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or psychologist, you can establish your own practice specializing in existential therapy. Private practice offers the greatest freedom to practice existentially without institutional constraints but requires business management skills, marketing knowledge, and financial planning. Many therapists gain several years of experience in agencies before transitioning to private practice.
What's the difference between existential therapy and other types of therapy?
Existential therapy focuses on philosophical questions about human existence, meaning, freedom, and responsibility rather than specific symptoms or diagnoses. Unlike cognitive-behavioral therapy's emphasis on changing thoughts and behaviors, or psychodynamic therapy's focus on unconscious processes and past experiences, existential therapy explores clients' present choices and their relationship with life's fundamental givens—death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. It's particularly effective for people facing major life transitions, existential crises, loss and grief, or questions about purpose and authenticity. The approach works collaboratively, respecting client autonomy and emphasizing authentic self-discovery over therapist-directed solutions.
Do I need to study philosophy to be an existential therapist?
While a formal philosophy degree isn't required, deep engagement with existential philosophy significantly strengthens your practice. Successful existential therapists typically read extensively in existential and phenomenological philosophy—studying thinkers like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, and Buber. Many also study contemporary existential psychologists and therapists like Rollo May, Irvin Yalom, Emmy van Deurzen, and James Bugental. Some training programs offer specific courses in existential philosophy for therapists. Consider your philosophical interest and comfort with abstract thinking when deciding if this specialization fits your strengths and interests.
Where do existential therapists typically work?
Existential therapists work in diverse settings. Private practice offers the most autonomy to practice existentially without institutional constraints. Community mental health clinics serve diverse populations and provide experience with various presenting concerns. Hospitals and medical centers employ therapists to help patients facing serious illness, mortality, and life-altering diagnoses. Universities and colleges employ therapists for student counseling and sometimes for faculty positions. Veterans' facilities need therapists skilled in addressing moral injury, trauma, and existential concerns common among veterans. Some therapists work in specialized settings like hospice care, addiction treatment centers, women's shelters, or domestic violence programs where existential concerns are central to client experiences.
Key Takeaways
- Strong career growth: Mental health counselors are projected to see 18% employment growth from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 42,000 new positions annually—much faster than average for all occupations.
- Competitive salaries: Median earnings range from $53,710 for mental health counselors to $56,570 for marriage and family therapists, with experienced professionals earning $86,650-$90,880+ depending on location, setting, and specialization.
- Master's degree required: A master's degree in counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work is required for independent practice in all U.S. states, plus 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours and state licensure.
- Philosophical depth required: Success demands both psychological expertise and deep engagement with existential philosophy—understanding thinkers like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and contemporary existential psychologists.
- Diverse career pathways: Opportunities span private practice (with widely varying income potential), hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, veterans facilities, hospice care, and specialized treatment programs addressing trauma, addiction, and life transitions.
- Meaningful work with challenges: The career offers deep purpose, intellectual stimulation, and autonomy, but requires managing emotional demands, extensive education, income variability (especially in private practice), and administrative burdens.
- Unique therapeutic approach: Existential therapy addresses fundamental human concerns—meaning, freedom, death, isolation, and authenticity—making it particularly valuable for clients facing life transitions and existential crises, often used alongside other evidence-based treatments.
Ready to Start Your Existential Therapy Career?
If you're drawn to helping others find meaning and live authentically, existential therapy offers a deeply rewarding career path. The combination of philosophical depth, clinical skill, and human connection makes this specialization uniquely fulfilling. Explore accredited counseling degree programs to begin your journey toward making a profound difference in people's lives.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
