Check to see if your university is accredited or if they offer a joint degree program to avoid having to change universities between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Recommended courses will often include classes such as introduction to counseling skills and ethics classes.
For example, you could say, “I’d really like to work in family counseling. Do you know of any programs that specialize in that area?” Once you have narrowed down your list of choices, visit each university. Talk to the admissions office, faculty members, and current students to try to determine if that program is a good fit for you.
Master’s programs in psychotherapy typically last less than 4 years and will cover theory, practice, history, ethics, and legal requirements. The UKCP, for example, requires 3 years of taught training and 450 hours evidence of practice, theory, and skills. Most programs will also include supervised practice where you actually get some experience treating clients as you will upon graduation. Consult your specific university and the UKCP, BACP, or BPC directly to make sure the program you are interested in will meet the requirements for registration.
Different types of counseling and psychotherapy may have additional or different requirements. Searching what is required in current job listings will give you the best idea of the types of training to pursue. Call hiring managers directly to discuss what their organization requires in psychotherapists if you have a specific place in mind to work for.
Some organizations, such as the UKCP and BACP, offer a student membership. This allows you to join the network of members prior to graduation, but you will then still have to apply as a full member once you start seeing clients. Registration allows you to advertise the accredited membership to clients and employers. Like other certificates, degrees, or training programs, this shows you have gone through the necessary training and practice to be qualified as a psychotherapist.
Family and marriage counseling Addiction counseling Child counseling Grief counseling
Having more practice, experience, and training will just benefit you when applying. Consider attending workshops or continuing education courses even as you apply to show you plan to keep up on current best practices. Consult your registration agency to see if they have an in-network job portal or referral system. Sometimes, members of one organization will be more likely to hire or work with individuals who went through the same training.
Working for another private practice firm prior to going out on your own can help give you a clearer picture as to what all is required in running that type of business. Ask lots of questions! Be ready to have insurance, tax forms, security measures, and all other legal and ethical requirements in place before starting to see clients. There are a lot of bases to cover, but if you’ve got the experience, a private practice lets you run things your way. Consider a partnership if you aren’t ready or wanting to take on full responsibility for every responsibility in a private practice. Having a trusted partner can divide up the work and ease the burden of responsibility and liability.
