I am interested in becoming a therapist. What kind of education do I need? Do I have to get a BA in psychology?
Or can I get a BA in communications and then a masters in psychology? I would like to open my own practice and work with children. Can anyone help me? I am confused. Serious answers please.
Sapphire R said,
Wrote on December 13, 2010 @ 11:57 am
hmm… I’m assuming you’d need to major in psych or at least minor in it.
Callie Ann D said,
Wrote on December 13, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
Go for a doctorate degree, especially if you want to open up your own practice.
wildhonkey2000 said,
Wrote on December 13, 2010 @ 12:37 pm
I have a Mater in Psychology and I can answer your question. To be a licensed psychologist or therapist you first check your states requirements because of the variations but all but West Virginia which is where I am from require a Ph.D in Psychology to obtain a license to practice on your own. However with a Masters degree you can work as an assistant to a doctorate level psychologist. With a B.A. you can do no more than basic assistance in the field of therapy. Some states may allow you to do basic counseling sessions but you would have to work under a licensed individual. If you get a BA in communications you can still get a masters or doctorate degree in psychology but just make sure you take a lot of psychology classes while your doing that though. And also make sure the school you choose for psychology is APA accredited or it’s not worth your time or money going to. But if you want to open your own practice and work under no one you would have to have a doctorate degree in psychology unless you live in West Virginia and have a masters.