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What does a Clinical Therapist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

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

Related: Top Clinical Therapist Skills: Definition and Examples

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.

Related: Clinical Therapist Resume Example

Related: Clinical Therapist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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