HOW MUCH MONEY DO THERAPISTS REALLY MAKE? || Tips & exposing my REAL counselor salary

This video is all about how much money therapists can expect to make working in the mental health field. The answer is that it can be REALLY hard to tell how much you can expect to make, because there are SO many factors that impact these numbers!
By the end of this video you will have some tools to help you figure out what you can expect to make based on your location, setting and years in the field.
Hi! My name is Allyssa Powers and I am a therapist in private practice. I teach you the things that grad school didn't so you can thrive as a therapist.
Websites mentioned in video:
Private Practice Salary Calculator:
www.simplepractice.com/budgeting-tool-calculator/
www.therapyden.com/tools/simple-practice-salary-calculator
Salary Reporting Websites:
www.glassdoor.com
www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries
This video is not intended to be professional or legal advice. The example note in this video is not a note from a real client session.

[@BNerdy]

In Philly I made 85k my first year out of grad school, last year, working at a group practice with a 45/55 split, with me getting the low end. I left that practice to open my own this January and I’m on track to make 200k this year. Granted, I see a lot of clients but I’m loving it. We don’t have a lpcc here, just lpc after you get licensed, which I’m just Waiting on the paperwork for. I never expected the financial freedom that I have now

[@sanford360]

Damn brother, as a black man graduating with my MSW is august, reading your comment really made me feel optimistic about what’s to come. I’ve been worried like did I choose the wrong field? Am I gonna be poor? Seeing someone else that looks like me killing it in the field gives me hope that everything will be ok, thanks!

[@sanford360]

Been thinking about relocating to Philly to get my hours as well, did you make that 85k pre license?

[@BNerdy]

⁠@@sanford360I would encourage you to stay the course. you are NEEDED!!!

[@BNerdy]

@@sanford360I’m still pre licensed…I am waiting on the board to do what they do. So I made the 89k, last year and I’m going to pull more than double that this year, so you can still do what you love and make a good living doing it.

[@allyssapowers]

Woah that is SO encouraging to hear! I love private practice for the financial potential it gives us!

[@Obviously-dc1xp]

I have a 8-4:30 job in CA and as an LCSW I make over 107k per year with full benefits. In addition, I do private practice on the side and only see about 6-8 clients per week for an additional 35k per year. Great video!

[@lavenderteal8485]

WHAT?! That's amazing! I want to be like you when I grow up

[@allyssapowers]

Thanks for sharing! I am so encouraged to hear you are making a great living.

[@MsLaynaF]

I’m in CA also and in school for MFT…thank you for sharing!

[@leilahabalon2823]

I live in California too what city do you make 6 figures in?

[@furiousstyles08]

I'm inferring that it's a county job?

[@NellyyGee1]

Central CA ASW: 2021- New grad: $62k at PACE program 2022- $67k county Behavioral health Now- $85k county & side job (still unlicensed) 2024- hopefully licensed and earning close to 6 figures 🤞🏽

[@allyssapowers]

Ah that is amazing! I hope you meet that goal ☺

[@eujr4SC]

I'm in the Central Valley too! I just got my ASW, and agencies have been clamoring to hire me. A bunch of non-profits just increased their salaries and are giving huge sign-on bonuses. I'm kind of glad I waited but it makes me sad to see how big of a need for mental health is here and agencies are desperate.

[@Ericdj15]

I also go to pace University in pleasentville hopefully i start off with that much. Im almost graduating

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

can you please clraify what GRAD means , like phd or masters ?

[@our.secret1130]

This video… I’ve been trying to find it for years!! Thanks for the clear presentation

[@allyssapowers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarissaDurnan]

Thank you for being so transparent! It's very helpful as a psych student :)

[@allyssapowers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ItspronouncedAaron]

Nice video with realistic information. Thanks 😊

[@davidkihm9186]

Thanks for the informative video. I’m pondering switching from a high-paying career to becoming a therapist, and I live in a very high-cost city. So potential salary info is super helpful.

[@allyssapowers]

Glad it could help David! The higher cost of the city the more earning potential you have as a therapist.

[@chocthechosen1]

That’s really awesome ! I’m proud of you. I hope that I can do what you’re doing soon.

[@allyssapowers]

Thank you and I believe you can!

[@enchantinggg]

Thanks for making this video, it was very helpful! I'm applying to Master's programs this year.

[@allyssapowers]

Ah so exciting! Best of luck.

[@velsjr21-77]

It’s really sad that we don’t get paid what we’re worth knowing the state of mental health in this country

[@allyssapowers]

I know and even sadder that big companies like Better Help are trying to replace quality therapy with "fast therapy" and paying their employees terribly!

[@our.secret1130]

@@allyssapowershow much does insurance typically reimburse on average? Did you have to dig to find the best paying companies?

[@allyssapowers]

@@our.secret1130In Ohio I would say anywhere from 80-120 is average...yes you have to ask around to figure out what the rates are and it varies a lot per state.

[@our.secret1130]

@@allyssapowers thank you so much for responding:) I’m considering getting licensed in multiple states in the future if I practice remotely. Can I ask one more thing? Is being a therapist very sad or emotionally depressing like, do you feel it impacts your overall life satisfaction and spiritual balance? This is my biggest worry about pursuing this career

[@sevareilly]

@@our.secret1130 it's not the same as being a therapist but volunteering with a crisis line (like Crisis Text Line) is a good way to test if you enjoy working with people in crisis.

[@Mountain_Spirit]

Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@allyssapowers]

You are so welcome!

[@rhythmmuselearningjennvall8230]

So helpful! I’m a grad student in counseling. One more year to go, out of 3. Really need this perspective. Not getting this vital info in the program. Will tune in for more! Thank you!

[@allyssapowers]

Yes! So glad it helped. We almost never talked money in grad school :(

[@ts4231]

Check indeed and see what companies are offering new graduates in your area. Not indeed’s average, but what each job ad mentions as pay. Things have changed dramatically the last couple of years and new counselors are struggling to obtain reasonable pay. Private pay used to be common but most can’t afford it now and insurance companies are hit and miss with pay.

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

grad school is MASTERS ?? and if you could tell me if mental therpaists at masters level are paid more or clinical psychologists at masters level?

[@emdrwithjill]

Awesome video! You nailed it! I agree with everything you said. I'm a therapist in NM. The hardest part of the financial aspect for me being in private practice is dealing with self employment taxes. I recommend finding a great accountant who can keep you in check so you can focus on what you are best at. I also have an amazing biller who does my credentialing and billing and that also makes a huge difference for me so I don't have to deal with insurance. How to find a good biller and what to expect for paying them, or hiring help vs doing billing yourself would be great video topics for those starting out.

[@allyssapowers]

I love that idea, I have worked with a biller for years and I am actually thinking about switching to Simple Practices billing system now that I have such a small caseload.

[@kaseychristie7690]

Thank you Jill for your insight. I’m about to apply for grad school in Jan and wondering where you got your masters? also can you just open your own practice after you get licensed with a masters?

[@emdrwithjill]

@@allyssapowers I've heard a lot about about Simple Practice but I don't know much about it. It seems like a lot of people use it! I hope that works out well for you!

[@emdrwithjill]

@@kaseychristie7690 Oh awesome! Yes, you can open your own practice. As long as you are independently licensed, you can bill under your own name. Before that, you would need to work under a supervisor, at least when I was starting out that's how it was. I was nervous to take the leap but I'm so glad I did!! I'd find some friends in a similar boat if possible and try to be there for each other. It's so helpful to have people you can call and vice versa when you're getting up and running but have a question. There are also private practice coaches and consultants who I never thought of at the time but who can also help a lot.

[@kaseychristie7690]

@@emdrwithjill Thank you. This is such helpful information.

[@mwcrilly]

Thanks, very informative for someone in hospital case management considering private practice. Currently provisionally licensed (for another 4 months) making 55k base, 76k after overtime. Certain hospitals pay outrageous overtime after shift and retention bonuses.

[@allyssapowers]

Glad it could help! I would guess you could make much more for less hours in private practice.

[@XoAlexi]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ts4231]

Texas is rough, especially directly out of school. Associates are being offered $20 an hour, not including the cost of supervision which is around $2400-4800 per year. Caseloads are about 30-35 clients. You can’t upgrade until 3k hours met and 18 months minimum. Lots of counselors burning out before full licensure. Full licensure pay isn’t great either. Insurance companies pay lowest in the nation and with our crazy cost of living increases most people can’t afford private pay. I wish I’d known this was the situation beforehand. I think the only people making money are those who’ve been in practice for a long time or those who own these major companies paying the low wages.

[@marvelous.secret]

$20 an hour?! They must be joking. I am trying to decide whether to accept this grad school interview, I am in Texas. $20?! I feel like I can make more than that on my bachelor! That's wild 😭

[@MrMuttenchop]

Everything you’ve commented is what’s holding me back from starting school. I feel like I really want to do it, but I have children to care for.

[@KFontLab]

The other thing to add is you are not just tied to working in TX. You can do online work etc. You could teach in higher ed. based on your degree. I think it’s important to use all of what your degree gives you.

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

can you please tell me if that's after PHD or after masters ?

[@marvelous.secret]

@@SANIA-ko8hh Masters, but I’m seeing a lot of advice to avoid getting a PhD these days too.

[@FranticPandaCreation]

Thank you for being transparent ♡ I'm currently a student and I'm trying to make a plan. I have a couple questions ♡ What schooling do you have, what kind of therapist are you? How do you start your own practice? I was thinking about working for myself - but virtually, what are your thoughts?

[@allyssapowers]

Hi! That is a loaded question, I will do my best! I am an LPC, I totally think you could own a remote practice (i do!), there is a ton that goes into starting a private practice...that could be a whole video series within itself on my channel. I know Private Practice Skills has some great videos on this!

[@Jcnfia]

Thank you so much for this video. There needs to be more transparency and advocacy for better working conditions in the wellness/health care space. I'm a registered nurse looking to transition to becoming a therapist, and there's a lot of overlap of these two fields- some good and some bad. Your demeanor and way of presenting information is straight forward and calm, which is really helpful when you're anxiously wading through loads of new information.

[@allyssapowers]

Thanks for the sweet feedback Jackie and best of luck with your potential career change!

[@insertmyidentityhere]

Uh, that would be an incredibly foolish move......lol

[@Jcnfia]

@@insertmyidentityhere Let's not discourage strangers on the internet. We don't know each other's stories, best to keep it positive especially in a place for learning ☺

[@marissajaso2387]

Thanks for this!! Considering going to grad school soon!! Also from Ohio!!

[@allyssapowers]

Ah so glad it helped!

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

​@@allyssapowersdoes it matter which university i do my bachrlors from ? or it matters from where i do my masters from ? it must matter which university ofeeers more internship ,,? and could you plz tell me if you did internship in your bachelors also ?

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

grad school is MASTERS ??

[@beautifulchlorophyll2285]

I have a degree in psychology and I've just finished my first year as trainee psychotherapist (UK) - I was surprised how taboo the question of what kind of money you earn was in my training group early on - never bothered me, I love the field, love the work & love the people - but it's a LOT of work and a LOT of studying and a LOT of associated costs, I ain't about to do this for free. Thanks for the video though seems to be just as difficult to get an answer online to this as it is in person =D

[@allyssapowers]

It really is...we are supposed to be helpers NOT business men/women...but that is so toxic to perpetuate. I am glad you found it helpful, I don't know how it translates to other counties as I am in the US.

[@beautifulchlorophyll2285]

@@allyssapowers it's about the same as far as I can tell, typical week for a therapist accredited by the body I'm training under is about 25 hours, average hourly rate is about £50 so that's around £5,000 per month or $6,290 - though right now while I'm in training it costs about £1,120 a month all things considered ahah! - I won't be working 25 hours a week though I think them's weaksauce numbers I'd make it at least 37, fingers crossed it'll be worth it in the end.

[@user-uc3xn4zz8q]

I just got accepted to grad school in Ohio, today! This was so helpful (:

[@allyssapowers]

Aw congrats!!!

[@JoshJournalism]

I've been thinking of going to become a therapist. I am hoping to to straight to private practice as I'm looking to make at least COL in my area (Central FL). At this point, I'd be happy to make at least $70k and do side hustles based on my degree to present and distribute workshops or books.

[@allyssapowers]

I think 70k is very doable with private practice!

[@ID2011]

Really depends on the state you live in, in NYC an LMSW can make well over 70k. Private practice in NYC, 6 figures for sure.

[@molly2frodo222]

The cost of living is higher in those places.

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

like right after masters ? the first year only?

[@ItsRuthieM]

True, LCSWs with the state or hospital make good money. I know one who is at 105k with the school district.

[@deaeilla7387]

I’m a therapist in the military and make 130k. It’s an option a lot of people don’t think about!

[@Eevee_TV]

I’m about to get my BA in Sociology and want to pursue a Masters in Psychology to become a marriage therapist. What kind of therapy do you do? I want to help people but I also want to be able to pay back any loans I get. So what’s the highest paying type of therapy ? I used to make 50k w/ out a BA in the weed business. So I have a high standard when it comes to wages. I’m in California btw.

[@allyssapowers]

I think private practice therapists have the highest earning potential.

[@mykittravels8511]

Very informative video…thank you. I heard you mention about you being in the school setting, so am I. I am a school counselor and am trying to get my LPC to have my own private practice. How did you transition from having a retirement fund in public education to now having to set it aside with your own private practice? That is always my concern. Thank you

[@allyssapowers]

Awesome! I totally understand going from public school benefits to being self-employed is quite the jump. I kept all my retirement in my STRS and OPERS and now with self employment I contribute to a Roth IRA and a SEP IRA as well as an HSA. There are tons of options you can also do a 401k.

[@mykittravels8511]

@@allyssapowers Thank you so much, you’re awesome!

[@Moon_wolf450]

Still young but I’m empathetic and always helping my friends mentally so I think I might start to get into therapy also it just seems like a career I’d like to get into. Any tips for people who can’t apply to college yet?

[@justpeachy4393]

I think it's tacitly assumed that women who go into the mental health field (and it is a female dominated field) will get married to men who make more than us. I used to be a therapist at a mental health center and my salary was identical to what it is now working an entry level position at an insurance company lol

[@jeremiahb.183]

I'm a master's level therapist a few months away from independent licensure working in addictions in rural New Mexico. I initially made $52000 out of school and pull around $55000 with benefits at an agency. Considering adding independent contracting work or PP in the future.

[@allyssapowers]

Amazing!

[@KFontLab]

Right … I think people forget it’s so much you can add with your degree. You don’t have to just see clients at 1 place. With your Master’s and license you can do plenty of things

[@cometasporelcielo]

private practice in MD charges 150-200 per hour. My therapist is probably taking home 20k a month

[@LostNFoundASMR]

Question- you can’t graduate and start a private practice right after getting your license correct? You have to be supervised first and then you can do private practice? I just want to make sure I have understood how this works. Thanks in advance.

[@LostNFoundASMR]

Also- what about doing online therapy?

[@allyssapowers]

You can do private practice straight away! You just need a supervisor and you cannot contract with most insurance plans until your are an LPCC so many people do wait, I have friends who have fully self pay practices as LPCs. Also it seems like online therapy is here to stay so I see no difference between and LPC and an LPCC in that realm. If you work for a group practice you can bill under an LPCC who is contracted...hope that makes sense!

[@genevievebingham940]

@@allyssapowers when you look back - do you recommend going right into private practice? Or do you recommend doing group practice first and then transitioning to PP? I'm expected to graduate this December and would like to go into PP right away but have heard that some therapists don't recommend it.. appreciate any insight!

[@allyssapowers]

@@genevievebingham940 I wish that I had gone right into PP. I think it depends though...do you want to build a business and market it? That is such a huge part of private practice so if you want to be able to just focus on clients and building your skills I think a group is a great way to go.

[@LostNFoundASMR]

@@allyssapowersThank you for the response- I was never alerted to you responding, for some odd reason. Thankfully I came back to watch your video again and seen it. I am thinking of going straight into online therapy after graduation. But I need to do some research on how you are supervised doing tele health counseling and what benefits ect you get.

[@IJCJR]

In CA the counselors I know are getting atleast 40.00 an hour which translates to about 76K out of grad school. With a license it goes up more. Some people make a lot less, but they generally choose to work in a low paying agency. Idk why. I haven’t got an offer under $40.00 and hour and the highest I got, unlicensed was $55.00 an hour.

[@essie7175]

Can you explain if going to a MPCAC program worth it ? Specifically M.S in Clinical Counseling or MHC ?

[@allyssapowers]

My only experience is with CAPREP programs!

[@our.secret1130]

I know benefits are really valuable. But man. 15 clients a week? Sign me upppppp

[@allyssapowers]

Yes! Pros and cons for sure, but I love the private practice life for that very reason. Freedom of my time.

[@our.secret1130]

@@allyssapowers you’re beautiful and amazing:)

[@SlowmotionSomatics]

You got your second what (5:30) in 2020 that changed your split from 40/60 to 30/70 at the group practice? Coming directly out of grad school and joining the group practice, does that mean you were you still an associate and working on finishing your 3000 supervised hours?

[@allyssapowers]

I got my second C so went from LPC to LPCC.

[@Ad-nu4tk]

what makes it that one therapist can charge 150-200 dollars out of pocket and others are covered by insurance? Is it more schooling that they’ve done etc that they are now able to charge so much?

[@allyssapowers]

Nope! It's just finding clients that are willing to self-pay at that rate. It does help to have a niche or specialty and it also takes a good bit of marketing and SEO.

[@coochalena2616]

When you pay 30% toward taxes, then you pay office rent, utilities, workshops and licensure renewal, you might bill at $200 but you don’t actually get that.

[@rosexavier7883]

Is it possible to work as a counselor online? I have plans to move to another country this year. The US became impossible to live in.

[@allyssapowers]

Yes, I work fully online! You can only see clients located in the state you are licensed in, not sure how it works outside of USA.

[@MissG517]

@@allyssapowers random question- is the working only with clients in states your licensed in only for if you are billing insurance? (is it the same for self pay or private pay clients?)

[@allyssapowers]

@@MissG517 either way you must be licensed in that state...its considered practicing without a license if not.

[@socialgamer7402]

Do you recommend telehealth remote for lpc after getting licensed?

[@allyssapowers]

You can do telehealth as an LPC, but you cannot contract with most insurances until you have your LPCC. Insurance dictates if you can do telehealth or not...I think most insurance plans post covid still allow for it.

[@hmb53811]

insurance pays more than that, even medical assistance pays at least $110 with some private insurance paying up to $220. I am in private practice, am pretty much insurance only, take all insurances, sees around 25 to 27 clients a week and works around 44 weeks a year and easily brings 160k a year but am expecting to actually bring in around 180k if not closer to 200k. and I am an lpcc

[@allyssapowers]

That is amazing! What state are you in?

[@hmb53811]

@@allyssapowers Minnesota. I try to see 27 clients a week and sometimes 30. for the year of 2023, with insurance pay only client and seeing around 25 to 30 a clients week with an average of 27 and I took like 6 weeks off and I brought in just over $160k

[@allyssapowers]

@@hmb53811 I love hearing that because I think so many therapist are very afraid of insurance, but it seems like you have done a wonderful job of navigating it.

[@hmb53811]

@@allyssapowers exactly. it's possible to make a living taking insurance. People just have to make sure that they are setting their rates high enough. I see so many therapists only charging like $120 a session. well, insurance is never going to compensate more than you charge even if they actually reimburse $147 or $220 a session. I set my rates at $250 per intake and $220 per session, that way I am not leaving any money from insurance on the table per say.

[@valeriapazmino338]

Omg that is great!! I hope to be a therapist who can take insurance since I really want to help people but pay is also important to me, I am 18 and in my second semester! Can I ask, do you have a PhD or a PsyD? I am not sure how it works in Minnesota but I know some states don’t require a PhD. Also how many years of experience you have?

[@stacey9355]

Do you do any other jobs or just the 15 hours?

[@allyssapowers]

Just the 15 hours!

[@december12ist]

when your priorities change from helping people to cash flow, your skills now start suffering because your focus is now on bills that need to be paid and what vacations you can go on. THINK ABOUT IT.

[@BNerdy]

@@december12ist I completely disagree within this. When you run your own practice, you are running a business, so understanding and being mindful of the financial side of it is very important. You can also do both, value being paid what you are worth and still providing the best care and support for your clients. I would argue that most of the people I know that burn out in this field are the ones that are not getting paid well. They are stressed about paying bills and not being able to go on vacation and working too hard.

[@edenferriss768]

They charge 200 and up an hour here is SF Bay,

[@allyssapowers]

Yep that checks out lol

[@reynamariaa]

Anyone in GA? Wanting to get into therapy.

[@KFontLab]

I’m in Ga… will be moving for awhile. I will more than likely be back here eventually. Im in grad school now in an applied ministry program but my LMFT program starts next summer. GA NEEDS counselors. I May change to LPC, but not 100% sure yet about that change

[@aaliyahkelley2565]

So if a practice lists a job for $50/hr for example, and it’s a 50/50 split. You would only be paid $25/hr?

[@allyssapowers]

Usually private practice jobs won't be listed that way...if they are saying you get an hourly rate I would assume you are getting the full amount they state.

[@molly2frodo222]

As a therapist in the state of Georgia, I would not recommend becoming a licensed professional counselor. I would recommend becoming a psychologist. It takes longer to get the phd to practice as a psychologist but it is definitely worth it. They get paid more and do not have to deal with a lot of the issues therapists have to deal with.

[@KFontLab]

I was looking into this yesterday as well. Whatever I choose after I’m done with this degree I start next Summer. I’m from Houston but have been in GA awhile. They definitely need therapists here

[@NunaBuis]

Is it hard to do taxes when you have your own private practice? I feel like that’s what’s holding me back.

[@allyssapowers]

It is definitely annoying because you have to pay quarterly, but hiring a CPA to help you is totally worth it, he tells me what I owe and I send in the check, pretty easy. When I first started my practice I tried to do my own taxes and that was NOT the move.

[@Hvress]

You can also set yourself up as a SMB and use a service such as ADP to pay yourself and taxes and W-2s will generate at year end. Then you can do your write offs, expenses etc via a CPA.

[@GoddessAngelinaj]

Funny, I’m a tax accountant wanting to go back to grad school to be a therapists…

[@dannypotter2261]

PA, rural: only non-profits to choose from until you get independent licensure. 2021: $41k non-profit. 2023: $48k, job hop, still non-profit. 2024, finally licensed, private practice, just starting... We'll see!

[@allyssapowers]

yay yay yay!! It's about to get good.

[@hanaspa]

Hi, what part of Ohio do you practice?

[@allyssapowers]

Northeast Ohio!

[@hanaspa]

@@allyssapowers Cool, I practice out of Kent. I want to move to Holmes County, someday though. Equine assisted would be awesome! I'm taking my NCMHCE next Sat. (I watched your vid on it, too).

[@allyssapowers]

Ah awesome, my first job was in Kent post grad school, best of luck with your test tomorrow!! @@hanaspa

[@samjenkins4155]

What do you bill per hour?

[@Iammarlonbrown]

100-125$

[@londynwilliams4377]

What about maryland/DC area😩😩 anyone know?

[@allyssapowers]

You should look into "entrepreneurial therapist" on IG and Spotify, she has a practice in that area and it seems like she has had no problem maintaining a fully private pay practice.

[@Carlauta]

Florida 72 k a year here

[@rand_-mk5lb]

With a license?

[@Carlauta]

@@rand_-mk5lb yes

[@rand_-mk5lb]

@@Carlauta Do you enjoy your career? How is it day to day? I just got accepted into a program.

[@hmb53811]

i'm sorry, but most in the video is not accurate. people who make $35k are people who are just out of graduate school who are prelicensed and working under supervision because prelicensed folks cannot bill insurance. fully licensed people do not make $35k or anything near. once you become fully licensed, which can take some like 3 years to do, you then make a lot more. The low end is 55k but the average I would say around 75k depending on the agency, but you typically get full benefits and very generous pto, generally. If you go into private practice, then you can easily make 100k if you work at least close to full time caseload with insurance. Most people I work with who are fully licensed with established practices and take insurance or work for agencies, can provide for themselves just fine. Are you making as much as a dentist no, should we be making more and compensated more with insurance companies, absolutely yes, no question. but it is not as dire as this video wants you to believe

[@marvelous.secret]

I had 50 responses on an anonymous survey for therapist about job satisfaction, including salary. 70% of respondents were fully licensed, and many of them were making rates comparable to what the video says. I am in the process of interviewing for a master's program and trying to convince myself it'll be worth it to follow this road. I wanna help people, but I am also tired of living in the depths of poverty. 😪

[@allyssapowers]

It makes me sad that we even have to think that way...have you thought about private practice?

[@marvelous.secret]

@@allyssapowers I believe that's what I'll have to do to be happy in the long run. I'm a single parent so that's a factor as well. It's a bit stressful, I'm coming out of owning a small business and when I first started my journey for this path, I thought I was choosing a career that would have stability working for someone else. I didn't expect all the things I've learned about the field since then. 😂 But I do enjoy being my own boss, and am thinking that I learned so much from my time as a photographer. Maybe things worked out that way to build up to something bigger?

[@Livingwithliv9598]

School counselor in Indiana. Looking to get my masters in LCMH. I want to do telehealth so that my schedule can be more flexible as a momma. Any advice? Would this be a good financial decision?

[@allyssapowers]

Depends...do you want to own your own practice or just find a remote job?

[@ImBackItsDad]

Is this a masters degree licensed therapist or a psychologist with a PhD?

[@allyssapowers]

Therapist with a masters degree LPC

[@Rustableacorn28]

too much

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

do CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS get more pay than mental health therapists .. please , if you could let me know that

[@allyssapowers]

It depends...in private practice not necessarily, but you choose how much to charge...in other settings for sure they do, but they also need more schooling than an LPC.

[@SANIA-ko8hh]

@@allyssapowers Like more than masters ? actually i don't know the process , so it's bachelors , then masters then we get licensed .. right? but you mean there's a requirement for something more than that?

[@ItsRuthieM]

​​​​​@@SANIA-ko8hh You need a Phd or PsyD to be a clinical psychologist (Phds often require a master's, but not all PsyDs do). Those degrees are at least 90 credits. In some places, they will far more than a master level therapist but also require far more education. Most clinical psychologist programs also require you commit full-time and do research. On top of that you need to do clinical hours and a dissertation or research project to graduate. It's more work than a masters and imo not worth it, you don't need it to be a therapist. Look into clinical mental health counseling programs or social work programs.

[@jacobwaddle1114]

So, I have my bachelors in psychology and I’m currently 9 classes away from getting my masters in family and marriage counseling from Houston Christian University in Texas. The more I look into the potential salary of an FMT the more disheartened I get because it doesn’t seem like I’d be able to support my own family in this career. Does anyone have any advice or hope for me that I haven’t wasted the last 6-7 years in school for this? $35-55k a year is barely enough to pay for an apt and groceries, let alone a family. Unless this is for part time and I can have a second job that pays just as much

[@allyssapowers]

I would strongly suggest looking into private practice.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Glad to be in the UK - no, most therapists don’t make much as self-employed… but student debt is minimal and manageable, and expectations are easy to find salary wise. NHS pays well. It’s sad how money is such a barrier, especially in the US…

[@MulattoMayaa]

15 a week sounds great lol

[@molly2frodo222]

That is actually quite low. Where I worked that is not enough to be considered full time and receive benefits. At my job we had to bill 22+ hours a week (which is 22 therapy sessions lasting 1 hour each) at a bare minimum.

[@OldSchoolL4D-zb2kt]

You don't care about money but charge a fortune...

[@deadsoulrob]

I am not in this field myself but as a patient who used to go to therapy, i honestly dont understand why you or anyone would want to do this miserable job? If people cared truly about helping others, then the financial rewards shouldnt matter, but on the other side of the coin, it must be a horrible job having to listen to miserable people and their issues which are mostly down to their own failures in life. Still as a patient,, i dont believe in it any more because as smart and intelligent and deserving of good pay as you should have, i also dont believe any of you care one fig about the patients as all i ever had were sanctimonious platitudes, and being belittled, i even overheard my therapist laughing at one of my issues behind my back. I wish those who are doing this good luck.

[@santana444]

You guys would get paid more if therapy actually worked, because of that therapy is looked at as a extra curricular activity instead of a necessity.

[@molly2frodo222]

What has been your experience while working with therapists?

[@santana444]

@@molly2frodo222 I ended up F ing my therapist. She couldn't resist the disfunction.

[@KFontLab]

???… would love to know your experiences because therapy actually works when you are all in and consistent. It’s like anything else, but you also have to work with someone you connect with well