Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field
Complete a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a therapy-related discipline
Choose a specialization such as clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, psychology, or school counseling
Complete required supervised clinical hours or internship experience
Pass required licensing exams for your field and location
Apply for state or regional licensure
Meet any background check, ethics, or jurisprudence requirements
Gain post-licensure supervised experience if required
Maintain licensure through continuing education
Develop skills in active listening, empathy, communication, and assessment
Build experience through practicums, internships, and entry-level mental health roles
Join professional organizations in your field
Stay informed about laws, ethics, and best practices
Consider additional certifications in specific therapy approaches or populations