Are you interested in discovering what makes people behave the way they do? Would you like to help them develop better behaviors and habits that will improve their quality of life?
Then consider becoming a licensed behavioral therapist.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at this rewarding profession and the steps you can take to pursue behavior therapy as a career.
What Is a Licensed Behavioral Therapist?
A licensed behavioral therapist is sometimes called a behaviorist. This professional is a type of mental health counselor who focuses on improving behaviors.
The foundational idea behind behavior therapy is that all behaviors are learned and can be changed.
The behavior therapist's job is to identify and treat behavior issues through a number of techniques, such as positive reinforcement, aversion therapy, and systematic desensitization.
These techniques can be applied to effectively treat phobias, eating disorders, addictions, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health issues.
They must have excellent interpersonal skills, a love of helping people, and an ability to be compassionate, welcoming, and trustworthy.
Behavior therapists perform many job duties including:
- assessing patients
- creating treatment plans
- keeping records
- collaborating with other healthcare workers
Work Environment
Behavioral therapists can work in a variety of settings, including outpatient offices, mental health clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and even prisons. Sometimes, they may also work within a patient's home.
Behavioral therapists may work many different hours depending on the needs of their specific clients and employers.
Some may have to work nights, weekends, and holidays, while others may only be required to work normal business hours.
Behavioral therapists may work with children, teens, or adults suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders.
Does this sound like a career for you? Keep reading to learn more about becoming a behavioral therapist:
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
The first thing you need to do is complete an undergraduate program of study. Most schools don't offer a specific behavioral therapy degree, but there are a number of related fields you can choose from.
It's a good idea to pick a major that will provide training in mental health problems and working with people. Good bachelor's degree options include psychology, social work, counseling, education, and health sciences.
Most bachelor's degree programs are completed within four years. Depending on your school and chosen major, you may be able to complete your degree online.
Step 2: Obtain a Master's Degree
Most behavioral therapy jobs require you to have advanced degrees or certifications in addition to your bachelor's degree.
Your best bet is to choose a master's degree program in counseling, social work, or psychology.
More specific degree programs such as behavior therapy or behavior analysis are also good options if you can find a school offering these programs.
Often, coursework for these master's degrees can be completed online, though in-person internships or clinical components may be required.
These hands-on components will help you gain practical job experience that will benefit you in your future career.
Step 3: Consider Pursuing a Doctoral Degree
Doctoral degrees are not always required, but many behavioral therapists have them.
Obtaining a doctoral degree will provide additional advanced training that will help you stand out from the crowd and land more high-level jobs.
For example, holding a doctoral degree will enable you to:
- conduct independent research regarding behavioral therapy
- teach behavioral therapy at the post-secondary level
- hold a supervisory position within the clinic or agency you work for.
Most doctoral programs require three to seven years to complete depending on the type of degree and whether you study full time or part time.
It's best to earn your degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Step 4: Get Licensed
Once you have completed your education, most states require you to obtain a license to practice as a behavioral therapist.
Every state has its own licensing process and requirements. For example, in the state of Washington, behavioral therapists seeking a license must hold a master's or doctoral degree and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
You may also have to take a test, undergo a background check, and submit to other requirements. Always check with your state's health department to find out the specific licensing requirements you will need to meet.
Step 5: Complete Continuing Education
Once you have your license, you will need to complete ongoing education to retain it. This education is typically in the form of continuing education credits.
Specific continuing education requirements vary from state to state, so find out what is required where you live and work.
You must keep track of the continuing education credits you receive, then submit them when you apply to renew your license.
These continuing education requirements ensure you stay up to date on the latest developments in behavioral therapy and mental health in general.
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Behavioral Therapist
Licensed behavioral therapists spend a lot of time getting specialized education, but the payoff is a rewarding career helping people make quantifiable improvements in their lives.
If you want to pursue this career, follow the basic steps outlined in this article.
