Master's in psychology programs that teach psychotherapy
Learn more about master’s programs in psychology that teach psychotherapy and find out what career options they can lead to for professionals in this field.
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Why earn an online master's in psychology degree that teaches psychotherapy?
Build assessment and diagnostic skills
Coursework and internship experiences related to psychotherapy will help you understand the assessment and diagnostic process.
Pursue your studies with a flexible schedule
Online programs offer scheduling flexibility with multiple available start dates — some even allow you to work at your own pace.
Study psychotherapy techniques
Psychotherapists are trained in various techniques to best help their clients. You will learn about these techniques, why they work, and when they should be used.
Do you want to work as a psychotherapist? A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy can be the key to your career goals.
Learn more about what psychotherapy is and what jobs you can potentially qualify for with this skill set.
Browse online psychology programs that cover psychotherapy
Why earn an online master's in psychology degree that teaches psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a treatment method that involves talking with a trained mental health professional for the purpose of diagnosing, assessing and treating mental health conditions. A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy provides aspiring psychotherapists with needed tools, and online learning offers opportunities beyond your geographic location.
Here are some key points to think about when considering pursuing a career in this field:
Master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy overview
A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy covers various psychological theories, techniques, and interventions used in talk therapy. Students learn about the human mind and what influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Common courses include counseling theories, diagnosis and assessment, research methods, and human growth and development. Specialized topics may include career counseling, addiction counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Students also complete a clinical internship.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is an approach for treating mental health issues by talking with a qualified mental health professional. It is also known as talk therapy.
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process with the goal of helping clients identify and change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are causing distress. It is used as part of the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
Providing psychotherapy is the primary job duty of mental health counselors.
What jobs can you get with a master's in psychology degree that includes psychotherapy?
A master's in psychology program that teaches psychotherapy prepares students to work as a licensed mental health professional. Common job titles include a licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist.
Licensure requirements are determined by state boards that regulate who gets to use different professional titles and each role's scope of practice. A doctorate is usually required to practice as a psychologist.
Here are a few jobs that use psychotherapy, their average salaries, and some unique factors that influence the salaries of psychotherapists.
Salary information and job outlook for psychotherapy professionals
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for mental health and substance use counselors is $53,710 as of May 2023. The projected job growth rate for these professionals is 19%, which is much higher than the average rate for all occupations.
Meanwhile, the median annual salary for marriage and family therapists is $58,510. The projected job growth rate for these therapists iis 16%, which is also much higher than average.
However, there are several factors unique to the psychotherapy professions that are not considered in average salary data reports, but influence salary potential.
It is important to note that the BLS data combines undergraduate substance use counselors with those that require a master's degree. Master's degree-level substance use counselors earn more than counselors with an undergraduate degree. Fully licensed counselors earn more than new professionals working to obtain their clinical hours.
Typically, therapists working in private practice are self-employed or independent contractors. Salary can vary in this setting because it is determined by the number of sessions provided and the rate that is charged or reimbursed by insurance. The demand for specializations or services in your area can also influence salary.