Do You Need a Psychology Degree To Be a Therapist?

Psychology

Therapists play a crucial role in supporting mental health and emotional well-being across communities. From one-on-one counseling to family therapy and group support, these professionals often provide care in hospitals, private clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and nonprofit settings.

While the desire to help others is a powerful motivator, becoming a licensed professional counselor or therapist typically requires a significant educational commitment. A degree in psychology forms the foundation for clinical practice, but the exact route can vary depending on location, specialization and long-term goals.

Understanding the Role of a Licensed Therapist

A licensed therapist is a mental health professional trained to assess, diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral disorders. These individuals support clients in managing many different issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles and substance use, often using evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

According to Dr. Kelly Renner, program chair of psychology and social sciences at ��app, the profession attracts individuals with a strong curiosity about human nature.

“If you're fascinated by human behavior, mental health and understanding how individuals think, feel and act, becoming a therapist can allow you to delve deeper into these areas,” she explains. “It can also provide a sense of fulfillment by allowing you to make a positive impact on people's lives.”

With this in mind, therapists often choose to focus on specific areas within therapy, including individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, and marriage and family therapy. Each area may have distinct licensing requirements, which vary from state to state.

It’s important for future therapists to understand the regulatory landscape where they plan to practice, as licensure typically governs the scope of practice in providing therapy services.

The Importance of a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

To become a therapist, one must first earn a bachelor's degree, a minimum requirement to apply for graduate school in counseling or therapy. While psychology is a common major for aspiring therapists, related fields such as sociology, social work and human development can also provide a solid foundation.

Dr. Renner says an undergraduate degree helps students build both technical knowledge and transferable skills. She goes on to note that “Students will further develop their communication skills, research skills, critical thinking skills, analytical skills and soft skills throughout a psychology bachelor’s program.”

These competencies are important in later stages of training, especially when providing mental health services to vulnerable populations in clinical settings.

A strong undergraduate education also introduces students to foundational theories, abnormal psychology, developmental stages and methods of assessment, which can help them prepare them for more specialized study at the master’s level, if that’s the intended pathway.

Earning a Master’s Degree in Psychology

A master’s degree is non-negotiable for most therapist roles. Graduate degree programs in marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, or social work offer the clinical training and theoretical frameworks necessary for licensure and practice.

Some master's programs, like a master’s in arts in marriage and family therapy, focus specifically on interpersonal dynamics. Others, such as a Master’s in Psychology, offer broader training with the option to specialize in clinical counseling.

Choosing the right master’s degree depends on the population one hopes to serve and the licensing path being pursued.

Dr. Renner notes that a master's degree can also be a stepping stone to doctoral-level education.

“If you're considering pursuing a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology later, a master’s is an excellent way to prepare,” she says. “It allows you to explore different areas of psychology, refine your interests and build a solid foundation for more advanced study. Additionally, a master's degree will strengthen your application for a doctoral program by providing research experience and a deeper understanding of the field.”

Why Clinical Work and Clinical Experience Matter

Academic training is only part of the journey. Hands-on experience, usually in the form of supervised clinical practice, is a key requirement for licensure in all therapy disciplines.

During a graduate program, students complete practicum placements and internships under the supervision of licensed professionals.

These experiences allow future therapists to apply their skills in real-world environments, build therapeutic relationships with clients and receive constructive feedback on their techniques. Clinical hours also count toward the supervised experience required for post-graduate licensing.

Whether working in a school, addiction center, mental health services clinic or private practice, the practical training gained during graduate school is critical in shaping confident, competent therapists ready to meet the challenges of clinical work.

How To Become a Licensed Therapist

Licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction but generally include a combination of education, supervised clinical hours and successful completion of state exams.

For example, those pursuing careers as licensed professional counselors (LPCs) or licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) may need to pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) often take the MFT exam administered by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

In addition to exams, aspiring therapists must complete a set number of postgraduate supervised hours, typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 hours, depending on the state and license type. After completing these steps, candidates can apply for full licensure and legally practice independently.

It’s worth noting that ongoing professional development is typically required to maintain licensure. Therapists attend regular workshops, trainings or pursue coursework to stay current with best practices and ethical standards.

Higher Education Pathways for Therapists

Although a master’s degree is the most common route to becoming a licensed therapist, some individuals pursue doctoral degrees in psychology. This is particularly relevant for those interested in clinical psychology, academic research or teaching doctorate degree programs at the university level.

Clinical psychologists often hold a Ph.D. or Psy.D., which involves more intensive research training and a dissertation component.

In contrast, those aiming to provide direct therapy services to individuals, couples or families typically find that a master’s degree is typically sufficient (depending on the state) and more time-efficient.

Still, many therapists pursue continuing education or advanced certifications after licensure to specialize in areas like trauma, child therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.

These education pathways offer flexibility based on personal goals. Whether the aim is to enter clinical practice, conduct psychological research or teach, there are programs designed to support each stage of a therapist’s career.

Careers You Can Pursue With the Right Education

As demand for mental health support grows, the need for trained therapists continues to expand across sectors.

“Mental health is no longer as stigmatized as it once was, and this trend is likely to continue,” notes Dr. Renner. “In this context, psychology degrees can be seen as more valuable because the need for psychologists, counselors and mental health professionals has expanded.”

Career opportunities for those with the appropriate education and licensure include:

Social Service Assistant. Often requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or a related field. According to 2024 labor statistics from Lightcast, the median annual advertised earnings in the U.S. for those holding an undergraduate degree were approximately $41,412.
Marriage and Family Therapist. Requires a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field. Licensure is often required, but parameters vary depending on the state. Recent Lightcast data (2024) shows that, in the U.S., the median advertised annual earnings of master’s holders in this position were $59,800.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Requires a minimum of a master's degree and licensure. Median advertised annual earnings in the U.S. in 2024 were $97,801, according to Lightcast. This data is specific to those holding a master’s degree.
Substance Abuse Case Worker. Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Lightcast reports that the median advertised annual earnings in the U.S. for this position as of 2024 were $56,617 for undergraduate degree holders.

Start Your Psychology Education at ��app

��app offers a flexible, online Bachelor's in Psychology program designed to help aspiring professionals take the next step toward a rewarding career in therapy.

With supportive faculty and accessible coursework, Franklin is a strong choice for students looking to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Request more information about this flexible, online program today or to get started.