Top 10 Outpatient Therapist Certifications

Certifications are important for an outpatient therapist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Employers often prefer to hire therapists with certifications, as these professionals have proven their proficiency in the field and can provide quality care to patients. Certifications also give therapists access to higher paying jobs and more opportunities for career advancement. Lastly, certifications can provide therapists with a sense of credibility and help them stand out from their competitors when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Outpatient Therapists and explain how they can help an outpatient therapist's career.

What are Outpatient Therapist Certifications?

Outpatient therapist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates therapists have met specific educational and experience requirements in order to practice in an outpatient setting. The certification provides assurance to clients and employers that the therapist has achieved a high level of qualification and expertise in working with patients in an outpatient setting.

Outpatient therapist certification can help by providing evidence of a therapist’s qualifications, demonstrating their commitment to the profession, and increasing their marketability as a healthcare provider. Certification can also lead to greater job opportunities for therapists, as many employers prefer to hire those who are certified. Additionally, therapists who are certified may be able to access higher salaries and receive recognition within the industry for their achievements. Furthermore, obtaining certification may open up opportunities for advanced learning or specialization in areas such as couples therapy or substance abuse treatment. Finally, being certified can provide therapists with greater confidence in their skillset when working with patients.

Pro Tip: Outpatient therapist certification requires that you complete all necessary continuing education requirements, such as completing annual training and continuing education courses. Additionally, many states require therapists to maintain a valid license in the state in which they practice. Be sure to research your local regulations to ensure that you are meeting all requirements for outpatient therapist certification.

Related: What does an Outpatient Therapist do?

Top 10 Outpatient Therapist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Outpatient Therapists today.

1. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional certification for mental health counselors. It is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is recognized nationally as a mark of excellence in the field of clinical mental health counseling. The CCMHC credential demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of knowledge, skills, and experience in their field.

It typically takes about two years to complete all the requirements for the CCMHC credential. The first step is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This requires completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, plus supervised clinical experience and passing an examination. After becoming an LPC, you must then complete at least 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience over two years, with at least 1,500 hours focused on direct client contact. You must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Finally, you must submit an application to NBCC that includes documentation of your education and experience.

The cost of obtaining the CCMHC credential varies depending on your educational background and state licensing fees. Generally speaking, it will cost several thousand dollars in tuition and fees for graduate school plus additional costs associated with taking the NCMHCE exam and submitting an application to NBCC.

2. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who has obtained a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and has passed a licensing exam. LPCs are qualified to provide individual, family, and group counseling services to individuals with mental health issues. They can also diagnose mental health disorders, develop treatment plans, and provide psychotherapy.

It typically takes between two to three years of post-graduate study to become an LPC. This includes completing coursework in areas such as psychology, human development, psychopathology, and research methods. After completing the required coursework, students must pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Once the NCE is passed, applicants must apply for licensure in their state of residence.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies by state but generally includes fees for the NCE exam ($195), application fees ($50-$200), and continuing education courses ($150-$400). Additionally, some states may require additional courses or exams before granting licensure.

3. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a professional credential awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCC credential is designed to recognize counselors who have met the highest standards of practice in the counseling profession and demonstrate a commitment to ethical and competent practice.

To obtain the NCC credential, applicants must meet several requirements, including:

• Possessing a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited college or university;
• Completing at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience;
• Passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE);
• Completing continuing education requirements every five years.

The entire process of obtaining the NCC credential can take up to two years or more depending on individual circumstances. It typically costs around $300-$400 to apply for the NCC credential, which covers all associated fees such as exam fees, application fees, and renewal fees.

4. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals. The CRC is trained in the principles of rehabilitation counseling and works with clients to identify and remove barriers that may be preventing them from achieving their desired outcomes. The CRC also provides counseling services to assist clients in developing skills necessary for successful employment, independent living, and other life activities.

To become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), an individual must first complete a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited program. Upon graduation, the individual must then pass the national certification examination administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This exam covers topics such as ethics, diagnosis and treatment of disabilities, vocational assessment and job placement strategies, case management techniques, and legal issues related to disability.

The cost of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) varies depending on the specific program chosen by the individual. Generally speaking, tuition for a master's degree program can range from $10-30K per year depending on the school and program chosen. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50-100 required to take the CRCC certification exam as well as an additional fee of $400-$500 for taking the exam itself.

Overall, it typically takes between two to three years to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

5. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is a mental health professional who has specialized training in helping individuals, couples, and families work through relationship issues. LMFTs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and behavioral issues that arise from interpersonal relationships.

To become an LMFT, you must first complete a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited university. After completing the required coursework, you must then pass the National MFT Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Once you have passed the exam, you can apply for licensure with your state's Board of Behavioral Sciences or similar agency.

The cost of becoming an LMFT varies depending on the state in which you are applying for licensure. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 to obtain your license. This includes fees for taking the MFT exam as well as any additional fees associated with your state's licensing process. Additionally, some states may require continuing education credits to maintain licensure.

In total, it usually takes about two years to become an LMFT after completing a master’s degree program.

6. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional certification for individuals who specialize in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavior-change programs. BCBAs are trained to assess behavior and develop, implement, and evaluate treatments for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, and other behavioral health issues. The certification is offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

To become a BCBA, an individual must have at least a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field such as psychology or education. They must also complete a supervised practicum experience of at least 1,500 hours over two years. After completing these requirements, they must pass the BACB exam to become certified.

The cost of becoming a BCBA depends on the individual's educational program and any additional training they might need prior to taking the BACB exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing the necessary educational requirements. Additionally, there is a fee to take the BACB exam which is currently $300 for US residents ($200 for international applicants).

Overall it can take anywhere from two to four years to become certified as a BCBA depending on how quickly an individual completes their education and practicum experience requirements.

7. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional who has been trained and licensed to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. LCSWs are qualified to provide counseling, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, and other services related to mental health. They may work in private practice or in a variety of settings such as hospitals, schools, community agencies, or government organizations.

In order to become an LCSW, individuals must first obtain a master's degree in social work from an accredited program. This typically takes two to three years of full-time study. Once the degree is obtained, applicants must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam and meet any additional requirements set by their state licensing board. These requirements vary by state but may include supervised clinical experience hours or additional coursework.

The cost of obtaining an LCSW license varies depending on the state and the type of program chosen for the master’s degree. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $20-50K for tuition alone. Additional costs may include fees for taking the ASWB exam ($260), application fees ($50-$200), and supervision fees ($50-$100 per hour).

Once all requirements have been met and the license is issued, LCSWs must maintain their license by completing continuing education courses each year.

8. Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have met the educational, experiential, and examination requirements established by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of addiction counseling.

To become a CAC, an individual must meet certain educational requirements, complete supervised work experience in the field of addiction counseling, pass an IC&RC-approved examination, and adhere to ethical standards. The educational requirements vary by state but typically include a master’s degree in psychology or social work with a concentration in addiction studies. In addition, some states may require additional coursework related to substance abuse treatment and/or counseling.

The supervised work experience requirement varies by state but typically includes at least two years of full-time clinical experience providing direct services to individuals with substance use disorders. During this time, the applicant must also complete at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice under the supervision of an approved supervisor.

The cost for taking the IC&RC-approved examination varies by state but generally ranges from $200-$400. The cost for completing all other requirements can vary significantly depending on the individual’s educational background and other factors.

In total, it can take anywhere from one year to several years to become certified as an Addiction Counselor depending on an individual’s educational background and other factors.

9. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a non-profit organization that provides certification, continuing education, and professional development to counselors in the United States. NBCC certification is recognized by most state licensing boards as a requirement for licensure.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process. The process begins with completing an application and submitting it along with the required fee. Once the application is approved, applicants must take and pass an exam that covers topics such as ethics, legal issues, counseling theory, assessment and diagnosis. After passing the exam, applicants must submit transcripts from their graduate program in counseling and provide proof of supervised clinical experience hours.

The cost of NBCC certification varies depending on which level of certification you are seeking (National Certified Counselor or Master Addictions Counselor). Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to become certified. This includes the cost of the exam, application fees, and any other associated costs.

10. Certified Play Therapist (CPT)

Certified Play Therapist (CPT) is a credential that recognizes the specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise of mental health professionals who have completed advanced training in play therapy. It is awarded by the Association for Play Therapy (APT), a professional organization dedicated to promoting the use of play therapy as an effective counseling modality.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements including having a master’s degree or higher in a mental health field, completion of an APT-approved play therapy training program, at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience using play therapy techniques, and passing a national exam. The entire process typically takes two to three years to complete.

The cost for certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose with APT. Membership types range from student ($45/year) to professional ($200/year). In addition to annual membership fees, there are also fees associated with taking the certification exam ($500) and renewing your certification every five years ($250).

Do You Really Need a Outpatient Therapist Certificate?

The short answer is: maybe. It depends on your specific situation and goals. If you are looking to become a professional therapist, then having an outpatient therapist certificate may be beneficial to you. The certificate will show potential employers that you have taken the necessary steps to gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality therapy services. It also demonstrates that you have a certain level of expertise in providing such services.

For those who are already practicing as a therapist, having an outpatient therapist certificate can be useful for continuing education purposes or even for obtaining more advanced certifications. In some cases, it may even be required by the state or other governing body in order to practice in certain settings or with certain populations.

Finally, if you are considering opening your own private practice, having an outpatient therapist certificate could give potential clients assurance that you are knowledgeable and experienced enough to provide quality therapy services. Ultimately, whether or not you need an outpatient therapist certificate depends on what your goals are and what type of environment you plan on working in.

Related: Outpatient Therapist Resume Examples

FAQs About Outpatient Therapist Certifications

1. What is an Outpatient Therapist Certification?

Answer: An Outpatient Therapist Certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and skill in the practice of outpatient therapy. It is usually obtained by completing additional training and passing an exam administered by a certifying organization or board.

2. How do I become certified as an Outpatient Therapist?

Answer: Becoming certified as an Outpatient Therapist generally requires completion of additional education and/or experience, along with passing an exam administered by a certifying organization or board. Depending on the specific certification, requirements may vary.

3. Are there different types of Outpatient Therapist Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are several different types of certifications available for outpatient therapists such as Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and more.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining an Outpatient Therapist Certification?

Answer: Obtaining an outpatient therapist certification can help demonstrate expertise in the field, increase job prospects, improve salary potential, provide access to continuing education opportunities, and enhance credibility when working with clients and colleagues.

5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that certified professionals complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. The amount and type of courses required may vary depending on the specific certification held.