Psychotherapy training programs may include a practical element in a mental health hospital.
In order to enter the professional field of psychotherapy or counseling, extensive education is required. Psychotherapy is just one type of technique that might be used by a psychologist when counseling his patients. In order to practice psychotherapy in the United States, education and licensing is required. Psychotherapy may also be utilized by other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, but is commonly associated with psychology.
Undergraduate Studies
The first part of the extensive training required to become a counselor or psychotherapist is to attain an undergraduate degree. An undergraduate degree in psychology is the usual choice by students hoping to pursue a career in this field. In most standard programs, a bachelor's degree in psychology will take four years to complete. This is a very common undergraduate degree, and is available from almost any college. Students should choose electives that will be helpful to them in their future career path such as sociology, criminal justice, social work or anthropology to name a few.
Graduate Studies
A Master's degree in psychology is the minimum required education to enter this profession. In some states, such as California, you will need a PhD in order to become a licensed psychologist. Master's degree or PhD programs in psychology require students to choose specific focus areas. Some of these will be more applicable to those that want to become counselors and psychotherapists. For instance, Berkeley's graduate program offers Master's tracks in five different disciplines. The Clinical Science, Social-Personality or the Cognition, Brain and Behavior program might be good choices for those interested in a traditional psychotherapy-style practice.
Clinical and Practical Training
A PhD in psychology program that is designed to train practicing counselors should include hands-on and clinical training as part of the student's education. PhD programs will include large practical components such as internships in a clinical setting. For example, Northwestern University includes practicum placements for students in their second year and above in the PhD program. This program typically takes five to six years to complete, so students will have three to four years of clinical experience by the time they are awarded their degree.
Licensing Exams
In order to practice as any kind of mental health professional in the United States, you are required to obtain a license. This means that you have to pass the applicable examination for the state that you live in. In the case of psychologists, you have to contact the State Board of Psychology and apply to write their examinations. The qualifications for the test, and the tests themselves, may differ from state to state. For example, in California, two tests have to be written for a license to be granted. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the longer of the two tests, and the one taken by all who want to practice. The California Psychology Supplemental Examination (CPSE) is a shorter test specific to the state, but also has to be passed by those who want to become licensed in California.
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