What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Therapist or Licensed Counselor?
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- Counselor vs. Therapist
- Fastest Way to Become a Counselor
- Fastest Way to Become a Therapist
- Alternative Pathways
- Salary
- FAQ
So you’ve found your calling — helping others address challenges in their lives as either a therapist or a licensed counselor. And now, you’re ready to get to work.
There are no shortcuts in the training for these important and complex professions. But there are still ways to shorten the time it takes to become a therapist or get your counseling license.
Accelerated programs, licensure application strategies, and alternative pathways all can speed up your training. Follow our guide below for background on these fields and guidance on the fastest ways to become a therapist or counselor.
What Is the Difference Between a Counselor and a Therapist?
Counselors and therapists are both licensed mental health professionals. So what’s the difference between these two roles?
While there is quite a bit of overlap between the two fields and you may see titles used interchangeably, generally counselors provide goal-oriented support for clients. That may mean help with addiction, trauma recovery, or behavioral disorders. Therapists also often focus on goal-oriented work but also provide ongoing psychotherapy services that help clients understand the underlying issues that may be causing their challenges. Although there are no hard and fast rules, therapy typically has a longer timeline.
The process for how to become a licensed therapist versus how to become a licensed professional counselor is similar. For both careers, you’ll likely need to:
- Earn an undergraduate degree.
- Obtain a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work.
- Meet supervised experience requirements and apply for your license.
The Fastest Pathway to Become a Licensed Counselor
The fastest way to become a counselor is to earn a master’s degree, complete supervised experience requirements, and pass a national licensing exam. How long it takes to become a counselor will vary by state. Each state has different requirements for becoming a counselor.
Here are some ways to speed up the process.
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s in Counseling or a Related Field
You can accelerate earning a bachelor’s degree by entering the program with advanced placement (AP) or other college credits from dual enrollment or previous college experience. Be sure your program accepts your credits before applying.
- 2
Earn a Master’s in Counseling or a Related Field
You may be eligible for advanced standing, such as a joint bachelor’s-master’s or accelerated program. Most master’s programs take approximately two years, but you may be able to finish an accelerated program in 12-18 months.
- 3
Complete Post-graduate Supervision Requirement
In some states, you could be eligible for a non-clinical license when you practice under a licensed clinical counselor to complete your supervised experience requirements. This can reduce how long it takes to become a counselor. Many states also allow people with undergraduate counseling degrees to become certified in substance use counseling.
- 4
Apply for Licensure with Your State Board
You can apply for licensure through your state’s counseling licensure board when you meet all the eligibility requirements. The American Counseling Association publishes a list of state-specific eligibility guidelines. Each state board has specific guidelines so check the rules and requirements for your state and prepare as much of your application ahead of time as possible.
- 5
Pass Your National Licensing Examination
Licensure candidates must pass either the National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, depending on their state and other factors. Ideally you should pass your licensing exam on the first try. Start studying early, take advantage of prep resources, and schedule your exam as soon as you’re eligible.
The Fastest Pathway to Become a Therapist
Therapists, like counselors, must complete licensure requirements to provide psychotherapy services to clients. For most roles, that requires a graduate degree, supervised experience, and passing scores on a national licensing exam.
Look into these possibilities to see how you might be able to condense your training time to becoming a therapist:
- 1
Earn the Right Bachelor’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree generally takes four years, strategic planning can help you condense that timeline. Majoring in social work, counseling, psychology, or similar subjects can give you a leg up on your graduate education. Taking courses year-round can also help you accelerate your pathway.
- 2
Earn a Master’s in Counseling, Psychology or Social Work
Therapists typically hold a master’s in counseling, psychology, or social work. These programs generally take two years. However, advanced standing or accelerated programs can help you finish your graduate degree in as little as 12 months.
For example, master’s in social work (MSW) programs offer accelerated tracks for undergraduate social work majors, and an MSW can help you meet your state’s licensure requirements.
- 3
Complete Clinical Experience Requirement
Licensed therapists complete supervised clinical hours to meet licensure requirements. Depending on your state, you may be able to partially meet the requirement with the internship or practicum hours you gain during or after your master’s program. Accelerate this process by networking and using your university’s career services support to arrange post-graduate opportunities to gain experience.
- 4
Apply for Licensure with Your State Board
While completing the educational and experience requirements, make sure to research your state’s licensure process. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy provides a list of state licensing boards.
- 5
Pass Your National Licensing Examination
Candidates for a therapist license must pass a national licensing exam. For example, the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards administers an exam recognized by many states.
Begin your exam prep during graduate school and schedule your exam as quickly as possible after you become eligible to maximize information retention.
Alternative Pathways to Gain Experience in Counseling or Therapy
While most careers in counseling and therapy require a master’s degree and a license, there are alternative pathways as well. For example, you can work as a substance use counselor or career counselor with a bachelor’s degree. Other examples include:
Become a Certified Counselor With a Bachelor’s Degree
Some states allow you to become a certified licensed counselor with an associate or bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related field. The steps to becoming a certified counselor are similar to those required to become a licensed counselor.
In this role, you will have a limited scope of practice and must work under a licensed counselor. Counselors at the undergraduate level cannot diagnose, assess, or treat mental health conditions.
Work in a Counseling Field That Does Not Require Licensure
Some counseling-related careers do not require a license. Entering a non-regulated career can reduce how long it takes to become a counselor. For instance, working at a Boys & Girls Club can have counseling or guidance components. Similarly, career counselors, academic advisors, and peer counselors typically do not need a license.
Licensed Counselor and Therapist Salary and Career Outlook
It’s a good time to become a licensed counselor or therapist. Many counseling and therapist career paths report high demand. Learn more about educational requirements, job growth, and earning potential for counselor and therapist job titles below.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors treat clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and other mental health issues. They can also advise couples on relationship issues and help clients cope with stress or improve their emotional health.
- Required Education: Master’s degree
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +19%
- Median Annual Salary: $53,710 (BLS, May 2023)
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists can diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They conduct client assessments, develop treatment plans, and support clients as they develop relationship skills. Family therapists may specialize in areas such as divorce.
- Required Education: Master’s degree
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +16%
- Median Annual Salary: $58,510 (BLS, May 2023)
School Counselor
School counselors help K-12 students develop their behavioral and academic skills. Public school counselors may need additional licensure or certification.
- Required Education: Master’s degree
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +4%
- Median Annual Salary: $73,520 at public schools; $60,700 at private schools (BLS, May 2023)
Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors help individuals and groups overcome substance use disorders and challenges. They focus on recovery in coordination with social workers and psychologists, including in addiction treatment centers, hospitals, and other facilities.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +19%
- Median Annual Salary: $53,710 (BLS, May 2023)
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers coordinate and manage programs that promote public welfare. They identify the need for new programs, improve existing services in a neighborhood, or collect data to assess the effectiveness of current initiatives. Some roles may require a counseling license.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Job Outlook (2023-33): +8%
- Median Annual Salary: $77,030 (BLS, May 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest Way to Become a Therapist or Licensed Counselor
You can become a therapist with a master’s degree and a state-issued license. While completing the educational requirements typically takes around six years, an accelerated or advanced standing program can help you complete your training in less time.
