“It goes without saying that people who are drawn to the social work field have an abundance of compassion for others.”
If you’re thinking about becoming a licensed therapist, you’re joining a community of compassionate and dedicated professionals who make a positive difference in people’s lives.
“It goes without saying that people who work in the social work field have an abundance of compassion and strong desire to help people improve their quality of life,” says Sarah Presson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Clinical Supervisor with Handel Behavioral Health.
As an aspiring therapist, your ability to listen and empathize with others, while helping them find meaning and purpose in their lives, will not only make a difference in the individual client, but in the world as a whole.
We spoke with Sarah Presson, LICSW and Clinical Supervisor with Handel Behavioral Health about how to become a licensed therapist while taking care of your wellbeing along the way.
How does someone become a licensed therapist?
- Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a therapist is earning a Bachelor’s degree.
People start their journey in the mental health field from various educational and professional backgrounds. If you’ve already completed your undergraduate degree and you’re looking to make a career transition in the mental health field, you don’t need to have majored in psychology, sociology, social work, or a related field.
“I didn’t major in psychology, sociology, or any related field during my undergraduate studies. I worked a lot of different jobs, but I always had this deep longing to help people. People of all different ages, stages, and backgrounds go into their master’s program to become a therapist. There was such a wide array of people in my cohort, it was really inspiring,” says Sarah.
Many graduate programs encourage or even require students to engage in internships or volunteer work prior to starting their graduate program. For instance, you might choose to volunteer at a crisis hotline or intern at a social services agency to gain professional experience in real-world settings.
“For several years during and after high school, I volunteered and worked at an overnight summer camp for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. It was such a rewarding experience that really solidified my passion for supporting people to reach their fullest potential,” says Sarah. “The children brought so much joy into my life, they were my role models.”
- Pursue a Master’s Degree
You’ll need to earn a master’s degree to become a licensed therapist. The type of degree you pursue depends on the kind of therapist you want to become.
For instance, you may choose to pursue your Master’s in Counseling (MA or MSW), Master’s in Social Work (MSW), or Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
“I pursued my Master’s of Social Work (MSW) from Springfield College. I knew that I wanted to support people’s wellbeing by helping them address challenging situations, not limited to mental and physical health conditions. I wanted to understand how the systems within which we live impact individuals, families, and communities,” says Sarah.
- Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
You’ll need to complete supervised clinical experience, or practicum through your graduate program to become a licensed therapist. The hands-on training that you gain from practicum will allow you to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings under the supervision of a licensed therapist or clinical social worker.
- Pass Licensing Exams and Obtain State Licensure
To practice as a licensed therapist, you need to gain licensure in the state where you plan to work. Generally speaking, a variety of students complete their Master’s Programs, and work under a licensed professional for a certain amount of time, and subsequently pass a clinical examination to obtain licensure. It’s important to note that each state has its own requirements for licensure, which may include additional exams, proof of supervised experience, and background checks. You’ll want to carefully review your state’s requirements to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
Once you’ve passed your state licensure exam, you can officially begin your career as a licensed therapist!
What makes a good therapist?
“It goes without saying that people who go into the social work field have an abundance of compassion for others, and steadfast dedication to helping people improve their quality of life,” says Sarah. “People who are dependable, good listeners, strong communicators, and who are genuinely curious and compassionate towards others make for excellent professionals in the field.”
Why is it important for mental health professionals to prioritize self-care while supporting others?
“People who are drawn to the social work field have so much to give others, but you can’t give 110% of yourself to others without filling your own cup. For the first six years of my career, I was bringing my work home with me and sacrificing a good night’s sleep. It’s taken a lot of self-awareness to take care of my wellbeing while supporting others,” says Sarah.
“For me, balance looks like spending time with my family and friends, getting outside, exercising, sleeping well, and really enjoying the activities that recharge my battery,” Sarah adds.
Start Working with a Therapist to Navigate Career Transitions and Life Changes
Career transitions and life decisions, such as deciding to become a therapist is both exciting and daunting experience.
With the right guidance and support your journey can lead to incredible opportunities and unforeseen growth.
Our therapists at Handel Behavioral Health are here to support you through the exciting life decisions and changes that you’re embarking on.
To start working with one of our therapists online in Massachusetts or in-person from our Amherst, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Franklin, or Natick offices call us today (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.
About The Author
Nettie Hoagland
