How to Become a School Therapist
Behind every successful student is a network of support—and school therapists are an essential part of that team. It’s a career that uniquely blends psychology, education, and heart where professionals help students manage emotions, build resilience, and find confidence in who they are.
If you’re passionate about mental health and want to make a difference in schools, learn everything you need to know about becoming a school therapist in Soliant’s career guide below.
About School Therapists
School therapists play a vital role in helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Typical responsibilities of school therapists include:
- Conducting one-on-one and group therapy sessions or counseling
- Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other school professionals to support student wellness
- Developing behavior intervention and treatment plans for challenges such as anxiety, behavior management, and social adjustment
- Monitoring student progress and adjusting care as needed
- Promoting mental health awareness and prevention programs across the school
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a School Therapist
Becoming a school therapist takes dedication, compassion, and a solid educational foundation. Below is a simple step-by-step breakdown of how to turn your passion for helping students into a rewarding career.
Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree
Your first step is completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related field. This coursework will introduce you to child psychology and education-related courses that prepare you for graduate school.
Step 2: Master’s Degree
Next, to qualify for most school therapist roles, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or family therapy. These programs typically take 2–3 years and include both classroom learning and supervised hands-on experience.
Step 3: Supervised Clinical Training
Most graduate programs require practicum or internship hours under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. This experience helps you apply what you’ve learned in real school environments.
Step 4: Licensure
Once you’ve completed your degree and clinical training, the next step is to become licensed or certified in your state. Requirements vary, but most states expect a minimum number of supervised hours and a passing score on a national or state exam (such as the NCE or Praxis).
Depending on your role, you may also want to consider pursuing credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Step 5: Find the Right School Therapist Job
You’re now ready to start your career! Search for roles that align with your values, support your growth, and allow you to connect with students who truly need your guidance. Whenever you’re ready, Soliant is here to help you find that perfect fit.
Soliant offers hundreds of school-based therapy opportunities across the country, giving you the flexibility to choose where, when, and how you want to make a difference. Explore current school therapist jobs with Soliant today, including teletherapy positions, and take the next step toward helping students reach their full potential.
