As mental health awareness has increased, careers in psychology have also seen a rise in the number. Every year, psychologists are increasing at a rate of 14%. Psychologists will always be in demand because they provide solutions to emotional problems and help patients understand the cause of their mental issues.
If you’re interested in pursuing this career in the United States, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in obtaining a license. Stephanie Gilbert, a licensed therapist with extensive experience, provides her expert guidance on how to become a therapist in the USA.
While licensing procedures can vary from state to state, Stephanie outlines her academic journey to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, where she currently practices in addition to Florida.
Picture credits: Kate Haus, photographer from Los Angeles
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Stephanie shares that after finishing high school, your initial educational goal should be to earn a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. The degree includes many courses like psychology, sociology, and human behavior.
Stephanie advises students to gain experience in the mental health field while studying, which can help them stay ahead of the competition and increase their chances of getting employment. She suggests looking into opportunities such as being support staff in a mental health treatment program or becoming a recovery coach.
Step 2: Obtain a Master’s Degree
The next step is to pursue a Master’s degree in a mental health field, such as counseling or clinical psychology. It typically takes two years to complete and involves coursework and practical work experience. In Stephanie’s case, she completed a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a Spiritual and Depth Specialization. During her Master’s program, she was given the opportunity to study Tibetan Buddhism and psychology in France. She also went to Brazil to study the connection between spirituality and medicine.
Step 3: Complete the Hours of Training
Depending on the state, the candidate has to complete training hours after earning a Master’s degree. The number of training hours varies from state to state. For example, a minimum of 3,000 hours of clinical training is required in California, while in Florida, only 1500 hours are required for licensure. For this, the candidate is registered with the state where they practice and are supervised as a therapist.
Stephanie completed 3000 hours in California in a variety of clinical settings such as community mental health, residential level of care, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and private practice.
Step 4: Pass State Licensure Exam
After the training period and passing the law and ethics exam, the candidate then has to take an extensive examination, either a National Counselor Examination or a state-specific exam.
Once all of the above steps are completed, the candidate can apply for the license.
However, the journey doesn’t stop here, even after getting a license. Stephanie suggests that a therapist continue their education through coursework to provide their patients with actionable tools for healing while staying up to date with the latest research in the field.
Through her private practice, Stephanie Gilbert and Associates, LLC, she has helped countless individuals overcome their struggles and live more fulfilling lives. Her expertise lies in treating a range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, OCD, depressive disorders, life challenges, and eating disorders. Her approach is holistic, incorporating a range of evidence-based techniques to create customized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs.
Stephanie believes that an integrated approach can be instrumental in ensuring a full and speedy recovery for those seeking therapy. Her perspective on therapy is truly inspiring and educational. She does not miss a chance to share her knowledge on mental health-related subjects.
Visit Stephanie’s website or hop onto her Instagram to learn more from the expert mental health professional.
