What does a Therapist do?
A mental health therapist is responsible for providing diagnostic assessments, therapy, counseling, and support services for a diverse caseload including adults, adolescents, and families experiencing mental health issues, communication challenges, or family conflict. They are a deeply familiar with other services and resources within the community and work closely with them to provide information and support when required. Mental health therapists can work in hospitals, schools, or within a private practice.
A Master degree in Social Work or Psychology along with independent licenses such as an LMFT, LICSW or LPCC are required for mental health therapists. Successful mental health therapists are deeply compassionate and possess excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills.
- Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment
- Gather information about community mental health needs and resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy
- Plan outreach and referral activities in surrounding communities
- Plan and conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health and counseling services
- Assess clients' mental condition based on review of client information, interviews, observation, tests, and collaboration with other staff members
- Serve as a client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations
- Develop and implement treatment plans based on DA, clinical experience and knowledge
- Conduct initial family assessments and refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary
- 5+ years experience with providing diagnostic assessment and therapy services to a full range of individuals from youth through adulthood
- Valid license as an LMFT, LICSW or LPCC
- Maintain professional licensure and/or certification throughout employment with this agency
- Ability to work as a team member and cooperatively
- Must be able to work flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends on occasion
- Superb organizational skills
- Ability to guide, direct, or influence people
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mentally or emotionally disabled persons and their families
How much does a Therapist make?
Therapist Career Path
Learn how to become a Therapist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
“Weekly training presentations are creative and one on one modeling and feedback are really helpful.”
“Documentation was long and tedious and required me using my evenings and weekends to complete.”
“Pay is not competitive in comparison to medical model and some districts but love what I do”
“I had to resign because I am relocating but I will miss Family Priority and enjoyed everyone I worked with”
“week period where we had an externally contracted supervisor who was great and taught us about trauma”
“Our front desk team is great about booking our appointments in a way that respects our boundaries and our time.”
“You can have a flexible schedule and get to chose which clients you want to see.”
“I was working here from last three years and I have learn a lot learn and good experience.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Therapist
- Outpatient Therapist
- Aba Therapist
- Mental Health Therapist
- Behavior Therapist