What does a Clinical Therapist do?
Published 3 min read
A clinical therapist is a professional who provides counseling and therapy to patients in order to treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients, including individual and group therapy, family counseling, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Clinical Therapist job duties include:
- Assesses patient needs and develops treatment plans
- Provides individual, group, and family therapy
- Conducts diagnostic interviews
- Develops therapeutic relationships with patients
- Promotes patients’ strengths and resilience
- Teaches patients coping and problem-solving skills
- Addresses patients’ immediate needs
- Links patients to community resources
- Documents patient progress
- Collaborates with other members of the treatment team
Clinical Therapist Job Requirements
A Clinical Therapist typically needs a Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a related field. Many states also require Clinical Therapists to be licensed. In addition to education and certification, Clinical Therapists need several years of experience working with clients in a clinical setting.
Clinical Therapist Skills
- Patience
- Active Listening
- Empathy
- Nonverbal Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Stress Management
- Flexibility
- Emotional Regulation
- Compassion
- Culturally Competent
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How to become a Clinical Therapist
A clinical therapist is a mental health professional who provides therapy to patients. There are many different types of clinical therapists, including counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. To become a clinical therapist, you will need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or psychiatry. Once you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain a license to practice in your state.
If you are interested in becoming a clinical therapist, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a master’s or doctoral program in counseling, psychology, or psychiatry. After completing your graduate program, you will need to obtain a license to practice in your state.
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